Weather or Not

Hey Kids,

Yesterday was 62 degrees in the early afternoon. There was snow on the ground before we went to bed. Give it two days and we’ll be back up near 60. Thus is springtime in Utah.

As a motorcyclist, this is the time of year I have to watch the weather like it’s interesting. Conditions can change hourly and the conditions during the morning commute are irrelevant in regards to what they might be for the evening commute.

There has been a few times I failed to watch the weather and have been caught in an afternoon snow storm. The windshield on the bike has caked over with snow and my glasses have fogged up so thick I could barely see.Motorcycle-Snow-Sculpture

I’ve learned it’s imperative to keep the tires in the tracks in the snow made by the cars ahead or feel the bike try to slide out from under you. And to ignore the people who honk at you for going so slow around the turns. So far, however, I’ve always made it home.

It’s a challenge, but I’d have it no other way.

 

Post 3-066

Perfect Days

Hey kids,

A motorcycle has no top, no doors, and no inside.

The air, as it it on the outside, is as it is on you.

Wind chill, moisture, and heat are all experienced first hand by the rider.

It’s part of the experience. ac0239f797e7fb746c2fa7856ec26968

Let me tell you, some of that “experience” is not as fun, even on those perfect sunny days. In fact, many of those perfect aren’t so perfect. Wind burn, sun burn, and bum burn can also be part of the perfect day “experience”.

I take it all, but the way to make those not-so-perfect characteristics livable is to be prepared for them.

Rain gear, sun screen, and layered clothing can be the difference between enjoyed and endured.

The more you ride, the more you learn what to carry in the saddle bags and how to use them.

Life, in general, is like this too.

 

Post #375

I Shall Not Feel It

Hey Kids,

The days are getting hot. 100° is just a few digits away.enhanced-buzz-25590-1387485879-12

I know that’s hot. But really, are we that wimpy?

Every car drives around with windows up, AC on.

The night air is full of house AC compressors rattling and humming.

Windows are closed.

Porches and decks are empty.

Everyone is huddled in their 70° cocoons.

When did we stop being part of this world and decided that outside of ultimate comfort, we can only be miserable?

Poem from elementary school that stuck in my head:

When it’s hot, he wants it cold.

When it’s cold, he wants it hot.

What it is, man wants it not.

 

Day 114