Posted by Gearmaster on January 12, 2001 at 02:55:10:
This post is for all you snowbound riders dreaming of taking your steed out for a spin.
It's been so cold and icy for weeks that my bike has hardly seen any use regardless of my heated accessories. I had the day off today and slept late. When I awoke I looked at the thermometer and it read 65 degrees. 65 degrees! It must be broken, it was 11 degrees only three days ago. I step outside and smile, holy shit - it's warm and sunny!!! I run in, get ready as fast as possible, fire the steed up, get on my gear and go!
I hop on 250 West and head over the Blue Ridge Mountains to Waynesboro, Ahh, now this is what I'm talkin about. An hour later I stop in the local dealership and check out the new Vulcan 800 Drifter. A pretty bike, but not really designed to be accessorized for long distance touring. I drool over all the other 2001 models on the showroom floor (I know what my barn will be filled with if I ever win that lottery), and chat with the guys at the shop. I'm definitely lucky to have such a good and trustworthy shop nearby.
Next I hop back on the bike and swing on up to I-64 and take it to I-81 North. I open the bike up and let her rip. Yeah... I've got a smile plastered on my face. I head on up to 250 and ride up to the WVa line near Ramsey's Draft Wilderness area and enjoy the twisties. I then turn around and head up to Harrisonburg where I stop by the Honda dealership. I take a look at the new 1800 Goldwing. Whoah, that's a BIG bike! I look at the new Shadows (they finally have tank mounted speedos now). Pretty, but I like my Vulcan better. I try to see if they'll buy my Savage that I'm trying to sell, but they've already got one and don't want another,... unless I'm willing to trade it for a new Honda. Thanks but no thanks. Time to go and ride some more.
I ride up to Route 33 East and head back to the mountains. I pass several other motorcyclists along the way and do the wave. We all know what the other is thinking (glad I did't put the steed on ice for the winter). About 30 minutes later I cross an invisible line as I start climbing into the mountains. It is suddenly cold! My hands are especially feeling it. I reach down and flick on the heated grips... oh yeah, now that's better.
Salt still remains on the roadway (I'm going to have to clean the bike when I get home). As I climb more snow becomes noticeable all around. I hope to God I don't have to pull over for any reason because the shoulder is covered in snow. Soon I pass by the central entrance station to Shenandoah National Park - closed up due to Ice and Snow. Uh oh, what are those shiny spots on the road... ICE!!! I cling to the grips and keep riding slowly and steadfastly, weaving around the icy spots along the winding roadway, praying I don't end up with a cage driver behind me... frustrated and my lack of speed. I luck out, I'm alone.
Finally I cross back over the mountains and cross the invisible line again. It's warm.. but not for long, the sun is going to set soon. My helmet speakers have been working great and CCR just came on the radio. Time to head home and relax.
I take off the sunglasses and head to 29 South. I run into Rush hour - but I'm able to keep my speed. People stare jealously from their cages... Oh yeah, don't you just wish you were out here riding with me. I stop at the Texaco and gas up one last time. I run into a riding friend (and my former motorcycling instructor!) who is between bikes at the moment... now she can't wait to ride again. I receive an approving nod from a guy with the cowboy hat in a pickup as I pull off and head home. I get back about thirty minutes after dark with a permanent smirk that will last well into tomorrow's work day. What a wonderful reprieve from winter, if even only for a day. It was the perfect day for a ride and the perfect ride. Ride safe y'all.
Gearmaster
Doug Gellman
AMA Memeber
VROC #5171
2000 800B Classic
1996 Suzuki Savage
Charlottesville, VA