December Ride In Illinois

Got an opportunity to ride on December 13th, here, in Illinois. The temp was 60 F. and the fog reduced visibility to a mile or less with periodic drizzle. All-in-all, a terrific day for a ride on the Swing. Needless to say, the roads (all paved) were really wet and since I've only had my '02 Swing since September, I really had no idea how it would handle. In a word...GREAT! I was a little more cautious in cornering, but the curves and straightaways might as well have been dry. I doubt if I get another chance to ride before cold weather (snow and ice) makes an appearance, but this ride put me at 1000 miles since September. I am planning a 1200 mile trip this summer (probably June). I'm really looking forward to it.

I've been happy and amazed that I have been able to get in 3 rides this past week and about 115 miles as I am just down the road from you Kenjj50. Today would have been perfect if the sun would have come out, didn't ride today as I just cleaned her up from my foggy wet ride on Saturday. Never know in Illinois, we may get another heat wave before the white stuff. Wednesday looks like 50 and some sun...

Kenjj50 wrote:

Got an opportunity to ride on December 13th, here, in Illinois.  The temp was 60 F. and the fog reduced visibility to a mile or less with periodic drizzle. All-in-all, a terrific day for a ride on the Swing. Needless to say, the roads (all paved) were really wet and since I've only had my '02 Swing since September, I really had no idea how it would handle.  In a word...GREAT!  I was a little more cautious in cornering, but the curves and straightaways might as well have been dry.  I doubt if I get another chance to ride before cold weather (snow and ice) makes an appearance, but this ride put me at 1000 miles since September.  I am planning a 1200 mile trip this summer (probably June).  I'm really looking forward to it.

Sounds nice. I rode to work on Friday when the highs were close to 80. Only a 3.5-mile commute, though. Gotta move farther from work!

Bob and I went for a ride this past Saturday. We were invited along by a member of the Maxi-scoot forum along with a couple of his friends. Rose out to Starved Rock SP. Took us on the south side of the Illinois River. Great route. It turned out to be a 225 smile ride.

That will be it for my riding season. Bob removed the front and underside Tupperware to try and fix the broken tabs. And do some rewiring of my mods. Winter Project.

Yee haw, another great winter day in o-HI-o, good enough for another 132 smile day, I know it will end but for now e-n-j-o-y it while we can.

The sun was out this afternoon for the first time in a week. Jumped on the Swing and managed a 30 minute tour of town before the rush hour(s). I doubt if we will get many more chances, but we can hope and appreciate what we've had this year.

Just read some info from the NOAA that the January- March forecast is expected to be warmer than normal in the area and many areas of the country where we have to put away the keys of our Swings for several months. Sunday and Christmas Eve/Day look like they may be chilly, but certainly ride-able days in the mid to upper 40's. Glad my Swing is easy to get out of winter storage and ready to ride.

Wouldn't you know I pick this winter to have my bike torn apart. At least it won't be as cold in the garage this winter if the forecast holds true.

Did a 50 mile ride with a friend today along the Fox River. The thermometer on his BMW 1200 RT never rose above 39 and dipped to 35 degrees. My heated jacket liner was helpful, but I'll need heated gloves (and possible heated pants) before I do that again. I doubt (again) that I'll have another chance to ride until spring, but when I do I want it to be in the 40s...or maybe even 50s! I have a few maintenance and improvements I want to do over the winter so if I can't ride, I can get the Swing ready to ride next Spring.

I was able to get in a 63 mile ride Sunday, along the Fox River too down to Sheridan, I think it was a little warmer, maybe 40-45.  Too bad the forecast is for rain all day Wednesday as supposed to hit the 60's. May get a weather Xmas gift on Christmas Eve and Day as supposed to be no rain and 45. Put on the red suit and take the red Silverwing sled for a ride for Xmas!!!

This is indeed the season for heated gloves, jacket liners and heated grips and seat. Lucky for me my bike and gear makes for warm rides in any weather. I've had some pretty comfortable rides in some pretty lousy weather. Gotta watch out around Semis, they throw so much spray as to make you invisible to the driver when you pass one.
One thing for sure is that I won't ride with a windshield that I can't see over. Made that mistake once and had to ride my Goldwing for almost an hour standing on the pegs. A saber saw, file and sandpaper cured that problem soon as I got home.

Grip Heaters: If a Cycle Gear store is near by they currently have a grip heater kit on sale for $22. Not exactly snowmobile or ATV quality, but not a bad bargain given the weather in my world.

Tim