rain

Crazy Alone

mikemjensen Motorcycles, Worthless Observations Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

Hey kids,

I know that there’s a good reason most people put their motorcycles away on days like today (upper 30’s to lower 40’s- snow sticking to everything but the roads). But I love being the only bie out there.

It’s not why I ride, and I don’t need other’s praise. But it means something to me to be part of the few, part of the crowd that others think is nuts.

I enjoy being willing to brave the cold and the wet.

I like to be alone where others don’t dare to tread.

I love being one of those guys.

I am one of those guys.

 

Post #361

Radar Love

mikemjensen Useless Observations Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Hey Kids,

In a state that averages a little over 14” of rain per year, to get 2 ½” in the past two days is pretty amazing.

What’s equally amazing is that during these two days of Noahish rains, I have not donned my rain gear once and have had zero rain drop contact.FRAME_2_SS0

Because what’s the most amazing thing of all is the ability to log on to the local news website and check the up-to-the-minute radar and plan the rides to and from the job between the bans of rain.

There are times that looking back to the good ol’ days has its place, but you know, this world we live in now, ain’t so bad either.

 

Day 205

Light It Up

mikemjensen Motorcycles, Worthless Observations Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Hey Kids,

It’s said that lightning doesn’t strike twice. I’m not really concerned with that. I’m really more concern with the first time.

Last night riding home, it seemed that all was well. The skies were a bit gray but not bad. I could see all the way across the valley so it wasn’t raining anywhere close.

Instead of rushing home like I should have, I stopped at the store and did some shopping for dinner. I took my time. Made some good purchases including a killer deal on some pork chops. Yum!

When I exited the store, the weather had changed dramatically. The sky had darkened to a black and the rain had begun to fall. No, more like tumble. In buckets, mind you. It’s ok I can take wet. I packed the saddle bags with my groceries and headed off for the short 8 mile ride home. It turned out to be a long 8 miles.

I took the route that wraps through a residential area, past the mouth of a canyon along a forested road, past the Utah State Capitol Building, and thru the Industrial section of North Salt Lake City. My home lies in just the next town, just inside of city limits. There really isn’t any cover to dodge under along this route.

The Lightening began as soon as I venture out of the store’s parking lot.

At first it was still a ways out. I was able to count a few counts before the thunder. That changed. By the time I got to the capitol, the delay had vanished and the crack of the thunder would nearly shake me off the bike. The flash became like spotlights and I thought it only a matter of time before one hit me. I guess it was good to be a moving target.

Similar storm, next day; and watching it from the inside.

Similar storm, next day; and watching it from the inside.

I don’t have a death wish and had I thought of a really good place to stop, I might have, But I had another thought run through my head. If I got struck by lightning, it would be immediate and I wouldn’t know it happened. I would either be gone for good or wake up in a hospital some time later. If it wanted me, it would have me. It was just complete random; there was nothing I could do to stop or alter it. Riding in a serpentine would only leave me on the road longer.

I rode through and stopped thinking about it and enjoyed the ride, as miserable as it was. And I lived to tell about it.

If you’re in a lightning storm it’s probably best to stop. But if you don’t- you made your decision, accept it.

Harsh? Maybe. But it’s my harsh and I’m sticking to it.

Don’t ever ride scared.

On a bike or through Life.

There’s not a whole lot of difference.

 

Day 85

Makes Sense to Me

mikemjensen Motorcycles Tags: , 2 Comments

Hey Kids,

Co-worker: “Did you ride your motorcycle in today?”

Me: “Did the sun rise?”

CW: “I don’t know it was raining.”

Me: “I’m pretty sure the sun still rose, but yes I rode in today.”

CW: “It’s raining now, are you going to ride home in it?”

Me: “As opposed to what?”

CW: You should’ve drove in today.”854333943380768_n

Me: “I did.”

CW: “I mean in your car.”

Me: “Ain’t got one.”

CW: “What do you do when it rains?”

Me: “Get wet.”

CW: “That’s horrible. Do you want a ride home?”

Me: “Do you?”

CW: “No! Why don’t you have a car?”

Me: “Don’t want one; besides, I have two bikes instead.”

CW: “But you get wet.”

Me: “At 240 pounds, I’m hoping it makes me shrink a little bit.”

Ride a Bike- Get Wet

 

Day 72

Ride Like the Mailman

mikemjensen Motorcycles Tags: , , , 2 Comments

Hey Kids,

Winter tried to make a little comeback today. Late winter that is. The temperatures dropped close to the 30’s and snow fell, then rain, and then snow/rain.

I knew it was supposed to be a bad weather day, but when I headed out in the morning, it didn’t seem too bad. No precipitation, no bone-chilling cold; it was going to be a fine riding day. I slipped on my typical spring riding wear (which is the same as the summer riding wear but with an extra couple of layers underneath) and headed out early this morning.

Around 10ish this morning, I peeked a quick look outside. Snow.

This is what happens when you ignore the forecast. I’d just wait it out.

Around 4, the skies were a light grey, the snow had mostly melted. The wet roads had drained off a bit, and I saw my opportunity.

I began my trip home and it was to say the least pleasant. A few raindrops sprinkled down, but nothing to get wet over. (Pun). So I thought I might as well stop and do some grocery shopping on the way home, grab some items for dinner. I casually shopped and made no haste.

I exited the store to full-on rain. I was mostly wet by the time I reached and loaded the bike. Rain turned to snow, wet turned to wetter, and traffic turned from flowing to slowing.

A long ride later, I reached home drenched.

I could’ve made the trip a lot nicer for myself. Rain gear. Hurrying home. Both would’ve paid dividends. But then again, there’d be no adventure.11211_625372357528266_1248429372_n

Riding a motorcycle full time, is adventurous. Everyone pictures the sunny summer days, motor revving, hair flowing, and being cool. But MC riding, true MC riding, means facing all the elements. And I’m not complaining.

I love the bike. I love the pros and the cons. I love the sun. I love the rain. The sun a little more, granted. But it all is part of the game.

If you’re going to ride, don’t short yourself and be a fair weather rider. Experience it all. Soak it all in. Let the ride seep down to the bone.

Ride. Ride. Ride.

 

Day 44