Summer's gone....
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 5
Pretty much the same here in England the weather's been Sh#t this year with just about 2 months of good riding (Sunny, Hot,) and now we are getting the strong winds and very heavy rain and soon there will be the gritters they seem to come out earlier and earlier every year .... i do the former i don't do the latter don't care about what people think about puttin all the gear on and weather proofs i just like the jeans and T shirt not the Michelin man look .... and regards the money for retireing .... there ain't no pockets in shrouds ... enjoy and be thankfull whatever you have
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Culpeper, VA
Grew up on the Chicago area so I know that weather well. I figure if it's not icy and there's no snow on the roads you can get some riding in. Heated gloves have worked wonders for me. Gives me an opportunity to cover up in full leather and do battle with Mother Nature! People at work think I'm crazy, but I suppose I'm just trying to make the best of those days when I have to work. As has been said, the best part of my work day is when I'm on the bike.
I'm only a few years from not having a mortgage and now I have a place out in the country. My parents have been gone now for a few years and that kind of event really makes you see the passing of time. It slips away so fast and you damn well can't get it back, and all I wanna do is enjoy this short time I have on Earth.
"Forget your lust for the rich man's gold. All that you need is in your soul." Good old Lynyrd Skynyrd....
I'm only a few years from not having a mortgage and now I have a place out in the country. My parents have been gone now for a few years and that kind of event really makes you see the passing of time. It slips away so fast and you damn well can't get it back, and all I wanna do is enjoy this short time I have on Earth.
"Forget your lust for the rich man's gold. All that you need is in your soul." Good old Lynyrd Skynyrd....
Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,790
Likes: 3,003
From: NJ Shore and IRB Fla
Man, I spent most of my life in the Chicago area. Riding season isn't even CLOSE to over. Suck it up man. Windshields, full face helmets, leather gear, and gloves are all part of motorcycling. Theres more to riding season than t-shirts and fingerless gloves will allow. Get out there, pull the cover back off, and ask you bike for forgiveness. 
You know you want to.
If they haven't started salting, then riding season is still open.
You know you want to.If they haven't started salting, then riding season is still open.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
I go to sleep smiling about the impending morning ride into work, and no matter how crappy the day may go I always have the ride home to look forward to.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
From: Battle Creek, MI
No ice, no snow, no salt, I ride. Commute about 40 minutes to work and love some of the looks you get from people when it is like 36 degrees. Just watch the overpasses and under the bridges...even a bit of frost can pucker ya!
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I know what U mean.
Worked in Skilled Trades at 2 factories for of 41 yrs then retired.
Good Pay and OT was the norm. 6 days a week plus several days of OT during the week 80% of the time,
Summer months, 7 days and 10-12 hrs was normal. Worked that way my whole life and the time flew by. Now retired, it goes by even faster.
Started riding at 15, but didn't get much riding time maybe 2-3k a yr after I got out on my own.
Now wife has MS, can't ride during hottest parts of the day so we take off around 3-4 PM, its worked out great.
With 6 months of good weather a yr to ride we still get in 8-10k, including a 1 week trip @ yr the son and I do.
As far as mods, pretty well have done most of what I want. At my age don't need much EYE candy. Just want a dependable decent looking bike.
My knees did get sore this summer on the trip, so thinking I need some kind of Foot rest and extend out the Floorboards for more leg movement.
Though about new wheels, but mine still looks new.??
Also though about 103/ head work, but she's running soooo gooood to mess with and has plenty of power for us with just the cams.
so after 6yrs I probably won't do too much.
,
Worked in Skilled Trades at 2 factories for of 41 yrs then retired.
Good Pay and OT was the norm. 6 days a week plus several days of OT during the week 80% of the time,
Summer months, 7 days and 10-12 hrs was normal. Worked that way my whole life and the time flew by. Now retired, it goes by even faster.
Started riding at 15, but didn't get much riding time maybe 2-3k a yr after I got out on my own.
Now wife has MS, can't ride during hottest parts of the day so we take off around 3-4 PM, its worked out great.
With 6 months of good weather a yr to ride we still get in 8-10k, including a 1 week trip @ yr the son and I do.
As far as mods, pretty well have done most of what I want. At my age don't need much EYE candy. Just want a dependable decent looking bike.
My knees did get sore this summer on the trip, so thinking I need some kind of Foot rest and extend out the Floorboards for more leg movement.
Though about new wheels, but mine still looks new.??
Also though about 103/ head work, but she's running soooo gooood to mess with and has plenty of power for us with just the cams.
so after 6yrs I probably won't do too much.
,
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 460
Likes: 4
From: New York
OK you guys convinced me. I was going to put my bike in winter storage next month, but I have decided to join the Blue Ball Brigade and keep riding. I'll also have time to put some Vance and Hines slip ons too.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Culpeper, VA
That's a good one. Hell, we should get a patch made up for the Blue Ball Bridge, lol. Go for it! It's surprising how much some Gerbings heated gloves can extend your riding season.