Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Change of Seasons

Things have been busy at work lately, but then again it always is at this time of year. I’ve been spending way too much time at my desk (nights, weekends, Argh!) and not enough time at home. My wife’s been great about it, but I can still pick up her vibes and she’s growing impatient hoping that this spring rush will lose some momentum. There is a silver lining, however: I’ve been riding Silver steadily for the past two weeks!

Man-o-man, it is such sweet release to be able to sit down on it and feel the weight of it beneath me as I tilt it off the sidestand. I’m impressed by how thoroughly reliable an “entry-level” Japanese motorcycle can be. After spending almost 5 months on the paddock stand, I just dropped the battery in it and pressed the magic red button. Instantaneously it purred back to life, sputtered for a fraction of a second, then settled into its oh-so-familiar idle.

I took it easy for the first few days though. Lots of sand and salt dust still on the road, and I haven’t had a chance to practice much either. The old airport’s parking lot where I used to spend a few hours practicing figure-eights, slaloms and braking techniques has been barricaded. I guess I’ll just have to find another vacant parking lot.

For now, I just can’t wait for April to pass and things to settle back down at the office, just like Silver settled into a steady idle.

4 comments:

Giest said...

How about today? Were you riding today? ;)

You getting tired of these surprise storms yet? I was able to ride to work yesterday (felt so great) but looking out the window right now makes my heart sink...ugh.

Anonymous said...

Is that a V-Strom 650? I almost bought one but decided to wait. What do you like and not like about it?

I agree there's no better way to shed the day's stress than riding home on a bike!!

Lucky said...

giest - In case you haven't already guessed, Silver's back into hibernation for (at least) a few days... Did you guys get plenty of the white stuff in Saint John too?

irondad - Yup, you guessed it. The things I like about the V-Strom? Wow, too many to list really! I checked out many bikes before getting "back in the saddle" a few years ago and the Wee-Strom simply had everything I wanted at a price I could afford. A few peeves with the Strom are the windshield which produces turbulence no matter what position it's set to; and the seat which feels great for the first few thousand miles, then gets to be about as comfortable as a sheet of plywood. For problem A, get an aftermarket shield, there's plenty to chose from depending on your height. For problem B, I went with a Corbin seat and my butt's never been more pleased ;-)

Cheers,
Lucky

Anonymous said...

I'm right with you, Lucky. We have snow in the forecast again for tomorrow, but I'm going Ramblin' tonight.

Ride well,
=gc=