Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

General Discussion => Campfire Talk => Topic started by: Blue Ridge Wheeltor on August 24, 2009, 02:41:28 am

Title: crappy summer
Post by: Blue Ridge Wheeltor on August 24, 2009, 02:41:28 am
Besides real estate being in the crapper, this has been a lousy summer.
Last year we were in a major drought and the state of NC was poised to regulate our water useage (and gain a revenue stream to boot), but before they could act we got all kinds of rainn. Almost every day it rains. I mow the lawn and i hit patches of mushrooms. I don't like getting wet anymore, if I don't have to. My luck, and I'd catch a cold and they'd think it was the swine flu and quarantine me.
  This morning I considered heading up the Parkway. I heard Uncle Remus and the Sons of Malarky were having a breakfast meet up there and I'm sure he'd buy me a meal. unfortunately, we were fogged in down here. Riding in the fog makes my joints ache.
  I was having a situation with wet sumping, and around noon I decided to head out instead with the Ural. It looked like rain anyways, and heading into a curve on a wet road on the RE wasn't something i wanted to do. The ural doesn't mind rain, or snow.
   I did 10 miles on forest roads, then hit pavement and the Parkway. I left at 2500', and went up to 5500'. It was chilly. i realized summer was almost over. Soon the RE will be put away, and the fairing put on the Ural. What a crappy summer, i hardly rode at all.
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: scoTTy on August 24, 2009, 02:48:14 am
i know what you mean. ;)
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: 1Blackwolf1 on August 24, 2009, 03:13:42 am
  Wasn't any better up here in Wisconsin.  Never got warm, had maybe 1 week that felt like summer.  But hey at least my arthritis was in full bloom aslmost the whole time.  Hoping for at least a couple week Indian Summer before fall really sets in.  Did manage to put on almost threee thousand miles in spite of everything.  Will.
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: Blue Ridge Wheeltor on August 24, 2009, 03:42:37 am
  Wasn't any better up here in Wisconsin.  Never got warm, had maybe 1 week that felt like summer.  But hey at least my arthritis was in full bloom aslmost the whole time.  Hoping for at least a couple week Indian Summer before fall really sets in.  Did manage to put on almost threee thousand miles in spite of everything.  Will.


Funny you should mention that. I never had much problems with arthritis before, but this spring/summer it has killed me.
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: The Garbone on August 24, 2009, 04:11:36 am
I have to say I agree with you about it being a crappy summer,, for an entire host of reasons...     :-\        Things are bound to improve..... 
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: Ice on August 24, 2009, 04:35:17 am
 Unusually hot dry summer up here in western Washington. Hard on crops and gardens.  Many days to hot to ride the Bullet without real risk of seizing the engine. New job is a freeway commute so haven't been able to ride like i want to .
 Fog and rain are the norm for the better part of Fall , all the Winter and much of Spring.  The days are very short and the nights long in the winter due to our latitude. Need a high output alternator if I'm to wear a heated riding suit.


*Modified to add*

 It was pointed out to me that most of my riding seems to happen in the dark and/or the sloppy seasons. It makes sense now as I realize that's when my spirit could use a lift the most.
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: Slider on August 24, 2009, 05:41:02 am
I hardly ever get to ride in the summer, but not because of the weather. I'm a single parent of three, so when the kids are out of school for the summer, my free time goes down to zero.

The thing is, I recently met up with a good group of people who ride all sorts of bikes, anything and everything included. They get together for 'bike night' at the Sonic drive-in burger joint every Thursday evening. Just a fun get-together, take pictures of all the bikes that show up, chat about bike stuff, etc.

My mom has been babysitting for me for the past month so I can go to these bike nights, and it's been fun (the Bullet, of course, is always drawing everyone's interest because it's the only one in the area). Lots of cool bikes to see. But now that I'm getting into it and getting to know everyone, she's starting a night class and I'll have no babysitter for the next two months. By the time she can do it again, the weather will be cold and nobody will be going anymore.  :-[

Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: r80rt on August 24, 2009, 12:13:53 pm
Dang, you guys had it bad. I had a great summer with lots of riding on a new C5, I'm thinking this fall will be even better.
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: bob bezin on August 24, 2009, 02:28:01 pm
gee i live in wisconsin and put thousands of miles on my bikes.and my bikes love the cool weather. plus i can wear my leather jacket almost all the time.
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: mbevo1 on August 24, 2009, 02:34:12 pm
We had the coldest July on record in SW Michigan... and a high of 69 last saturday.  Not compaining... my Bullet LOVES cool weather.  I'm not a fan of cold AND wet, though... we've had a couple of wet streaks that mostly keep me off the road. 

Mike and Stumpy in Michigan
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: jdrouin on August 24, 2009, 03:03:44 pm
Here in the Northeast we had constant rain and low temps from May until about last week, when it got tropically humid and hot (mid-90s). Even though this has meant less riding than I wanted, I'll take the cool rainy weather over humid heat waves any time.

Summer tends to be brutally disgusting in New York City (check out The Great Gatsby for an accurate description), but this one has been remarkably forgiving, and now that it's finally arrived I can't wait for Fall.

Jeff
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: UncleErnie on August 24, 2009, 03:39:25 pm
The Sons Of Malarky had a huge turn-out.  Everyone asked about the Whealtor because they were looking to invest in real estate now that prices have dropped.  Sorry I didn't have any of your cards...

I thought it would be cooler up there, so I wore a shirt.  As the bike got higher, my temperature did too.  AFter ordering, it took a long time to get our food because of all the people.  By the time mine got to me, I took one bite and felt like tossing my cookies.  The whole time I was fantasizing about getting warm in bed. 
Outside, someone pointed and said, "Guess what Uncle Ernie is riding?"  Some pointed and laughed as most went over to Bob's Buell and asked about it. 

I did learn something this year, however.  You have to DIG out new oak trees;  just cutting them like weeds starts new sprouts.  The aquerrils plant the seeds.  We have lots of squerrils.  Now I have lots of new oak trees next to the house trying to wreak mayhem on my foundation.
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: D.B.Owen on August 24, 2009, 05:43:12 pm
Yes it's been a crappy summer. But atleast you got to ride. The rod bearing puked in my bike several months ago, and I've just watched everuone else ride..... But should have her back on the road next summer.
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: fun2drum on August 24, 2009, 06:01:13 pm
I'm in Western NC too, a little lower in elevation than Wheeltor.  I haven't had much fog and the temps are warmer, but you never know where these torrential gully-washers are going to pop up.  I'm afraid to ride far away unless there are NO clouds visible.  I don't like getting soaked either, but at least my Electra does pretty well on wet pavement since I upgraded the tires.  Overall my summer has been kind of weird.  Not riding as far, but I do ride almost every day or two just a little between rain showers, but it may be just a few miles on the roads around Lake James.  I'm looking forward to the Fall when I can comfortably wear the leather jacket and the weather typically turns dryer.   
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: Cabo Cruz on August 24, 2009, 07:43:35 pm
"Dang, you guys had it bad. I had a great summer with lots of riding... " r80rt

Same here in the BIG ATL, my brothers and sisters!!!  ;) 
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: Blue Ridge Wheeltor on August 24, 2009, 11:25:42 pm
The Sons Of Malarky had a huge turn-out.  Everyone asked about the Whealtor because they were looking to invest in real estate now that prices have dropped.  Sorry I didn't have any of your cards...

I thought it would be cooler up there, so I wore a shirt.  As the bike got higher, my temperature did too.  AFter ordering, it took a long time to get our food because of all the people.  By the time mine got to me, I took one bite and felt like tossing my cookies.  The whole time I was fantasizing about getting warm in bed.  
Outside, someone pointed and said, "Guess what Uncle Ernie is riding?"  Some pointed and laughed as most went over to Bob's Buell and asked about it.  



Ernie,
I was going to brave the fog and go up there, but I wasn't sure which bike you had. I didn't want to let the air out of the wrong person's tires. :'(
 
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: Blue Ridge Wheeltor on August 25, 2009, 01:20:32 am
Ernie,
Are you sure the squirrels weren't after you? :o

I would have bought you breakfast. I had coupons for McDonalds. They have the 2 for $2 special running. If I get you to order, we'll get the super senile citizen dscount too. ;)
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: UncleErnie on August 25, 2009, 01:26:31 am
uh-huh... After all your stalking and pouring over earial photos, I owuld think you have every detail of my bikes memorized by now.

Not buying it.   You know, the other day coming back from your house I stopped several neighbors and none of them have ever seen you on a motorcycle.
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: ace.cafe on August 25, 2009, 01:30:49 am
We had an abnormally wet summer. Seemed as if it was raining every time I wanted to go out.
That really limited my riding, since I generally don't go out to ride in the rain.

However, I did get alot of product development and testing done, and there was sufficient time for me to go out for the testing rides, at least.

I'll bet I got no more than 500 miles on my bike this summer. Haven't checked my odometer, but it probably wan't much more than that, if any.
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: Blue Ridge Wheeltor on August 25, 2009, 01:33:10 am
The neighbors never saw me on a bike, because I ride like the wind. They may hear a faint  "wow-zaaaaaaaa" from time to time, but I can't be seen. I have to slow down though. It seems the airport has picked me up a few times on their radar. They thought it was a jet.

I had to take the bar end mirrors off. I corner so tight, I had to put rollers on the end of the bars.


wowzaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, awaaaaaaaaay
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: Cabo Cruz on August 25, 2009, 02:11:05 am
Br. Blue, are you trying to tell us you're an Ace in the saddle?  :D
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: dogbone on August 25, 2009, 09:37:31 pm
I missed Mid Ohio this year, due to the peckerhead weathermen. They make you think there will be a flood (start building the arc) then it turns out Beeautifulllll.
At least this year Old Frothingslosh didn't break.  Got a few trips to Geneva On the Lake, and rode to work 25 times.   
Iff'n I weren't a yankee, I'd move to a nicer climate.
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: LJRead on August 28, 2009, 06:13:58 am
I'm now into the first quarter of my second year of R E ownership and enjoying it very much.  It is winter down here and that is the best riding season since it rains little and is somewhat cooler (70 degrees instead of 80 or 90).  I would have thought by now that I would be bored by it since every ride is about the same, riding through a sort of green garden and seeing much the same sights, but I guess I am set enough in my ways to not be bothered by it.  I just enjoy.

What is always refreshing is to get to town and deal with all the nice people there.  Good, positive vibes.

Chinese have a deep seated belief that when things go good, look for something bad to happen and vice versa, so all of you who had bad summer  may be having a nice autumn coming up. Let's hope so.
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: Chasfield on August 28, 2009, 09:33:22 am
The neighbors never saw me on a bike, because I ride like the wind. They may hear a faint  "wow-zaaaaaaaa" from time to time, but I can't be seen. I have to slow down though. It seems the airport has picked me up a few times on their radar. They thought it was a jet.

I had to take the bar end mirrors off. I corner so tight, I had to put rollers on the end of the bars.


wowzaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, awaaaaaaaaay

I just gotta get one of those 20 tooth front sprockets!
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: rideOn on August 28, 2009, 10:57:39 am
sounds like less than a terrific riding season for many. i guess i shouldn't mention i rode almost every day here near myrtle beach, including a ride to surfside beach. most of the riding was on my suzuki, though, after my classic failed on a ride in july.
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: 1Blackwolf1 on August 28, 2009, 11:26:09 am
  I can say without a doubt I just completed the longest fear ride I've ever been on.  4AM, and so foggy I couldn't see three feet in front of me.  Luckiliy it was only 15 miles from work to home.  What I would have gave for a set of KC daylighters to burn through the fog.  Will.
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: Ice on August 28, 2009, 11:56:17 pm
The neighbors never saw me on a bike, because I ride like the wind. They may hear a faint  "wow-zaaaaaaaa" from time to time, but I can't be seen. I have to slow down though. It seems the airport has picked me up a few times on their radar. They thought it was a jet.

I had to take the bar end mirrors off. I corner so tight, I had to put rollers on the end of the bars.


wowzaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, awaaaaaaaaay

BR. Blue Ridge Wheeltor , IMHO your not riding fast, Just flying really low  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: crappy summer
Post by: Lahti35 on August 30, 2009, 01:07:34 am
I mow the lawn and i hit patches of mushrooms. I don't like getting wet anymore, if I don't have to.

I've got those too here in Michigan.....been raining here at my joint for 3 days now. No sun really messes with my head.