Summer's gone....
 

Well, once again summer is gone, riding season has come to an end here in the great midwest, south of the Chicago area. I know I will still have a few good riding days here and there but for the most part, it's come to an end again. It happens every year, I say I am going to go somewhere, do something and then before I know it, it's winter and I have done little or nothing at all other then work. The work I do vs the pay I make is insane and so hard to turn down. I make in one day what some people make in a week I am very thankful for my job but gezzz... getting to old for this crap.. I am not greedy but rather I want to retire so I need to pay off my toys. I bet I didn't put 1500 miles down this year on my sled. I turned down 5 OT days this summer, more then I have turned down in the past 3 or 4 years. Those of you who have already retired, tell me it was all worth it!!! I hope to pull the trigger on Jan 1st, 2014 but we shall see. I wish I knew how much a guy needed to retire, I am struggling with that number. OH well, I guess winter does not alone mean no riding but also "mod" season for the sled. My winter mod list this year consists of 14" Gangster apes, dual baffled 39's, some seat work, stock seat that is and maybe some white leather on it, thinking of white hand grips, dyno and a tad more chrome. I can't wait to see what she looks like when I roll her out next spring and looking forward to seeing all of you guys bikes roll out in the spring as well and see what some of you guys have come up with or done to your bikes. There are only a few types of 16" wheels out there that I like but I am having a hard time coughing up that kind of money just for wheels. Good luck to all out there that have winter projects to do on your bikes and I can't wait to see them. I get great ideas of things to do to my bike from this forum but man does it get expensive but, we all only live once. Also to those who ride in the cold weather here to ride safe and be careful because those in cars just don't look for us this time of year. It was right around this time of year, last year that I lost my buddy from a woman who pulled out in front of us, I made it out, he didn't. Ride safe and good luck and all post pics after they are done with their mod list this winter. What do you guys have planned for your winter mod lists?

My winter mod list...add 1 motorcycle cover and 1 battery tender. LOL

You guys need to grab your chaps and get out there! It's never too cold to ride.

yes i agree with beef

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.

I retired after 30 yrs in the Air Force and I was making pretty decent money, but there was no overtime. Tax free and combat pay was good when in the box, but there was some risk to that. I have worked with no exageration, hundreds of 12-16 hour days consecutively--please no thanks for that, I didn't do it or write this for anyone to say thanks. I retired and make a modest amount of money between retirement and VA. I made the decision to trade money for time. I had no time before and was gone an average of 2 days in 5 over the course of my 30 year career. I have not looked back. I have turned down stupid money to work for "contractors". I have to manage money closely, more burgers and pulled pork on the grill than ribeyes these days, but I ride, fish, hunt or take a nap whenever I want and answer to no one. I drink beer from a can now instead of the Sierra Nevada Pale Ales. No one asks me to pee in a cup or gives me crap about my opinions. So I say, don't try to overachieve and don't base it on how much is enough cause it's never enough. Time is priceless, if you can keep your home, pay the bills and have a little left over to ride, go for it. I have no regrets and I will take time over money any day.

You can get more money but never get more time as we all are going to leave this life, I'm glad you made it. I see more people that I know leaving this life all the time due to illness and accidents. The blessing of health means a lot, if you have enough money to get by, thank the Lord.

EXACTLY fdb2007!!! I couldn't agree more. Time has become my most prized and precious commodity these past few years. Tomorrow is not for certain. I don't want to work my whole life, retire and die 2 years later or even worse, sit around crapping in my pants. I watched my Dad wither away, no thank you!!! I also agree we have more riding days left here but I am getting a little anxious to tear the old girl down, clean it and start on my mods. I do a little at a time because I like to pay cash for my stuff rather then charge it. Good luck to all this winter, ride safe and can't wait to see what rolls out of all your guy's garages next spring.

Put a windshield and saddlebags on your bike. I put 9500 miles on my bike this season. Most commuting to work, with 4-5 weekend trips. And it is usually 5-10 degrees colder where I live.


You would be amazed how much fun it is to ride to work. Best part of my day. It is sad how short the season is. I rode yesterday 200 miles in 41 degree, cloudy weather. It was fun, but it is a little dangerous, when the tires are cold, and your hands get uncoordinated from freezing. I am glad I rode to work on all those beautiful days.

Have you had snow yet? Got it here in Denver last Thursday, Friday, And Saturday. Be riding to work tomorrow. Back into the 70's. I have been able to ride at a couple days each month during the coldest months. If there isn't snow or ice down and its over 40* and sunny, I'm ridin. Hoping to do a big bore kit this winter. Not sure what else may strike my fancy. Would love to get new pipes, but one thing at a time.