The I rode to work today never ending thread.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

OK, I rode to my gig Sunday, rode to work on Monday and to the gig on Monday night, and rode to work on Tuesday. Apparently time is having its way with me; after 18 hours of wandering around Boston's North End with a tenor sax hanging around my neck playing at anything that moved, and going to work to 2 days to boot, this morning I was toast. I DID NOT RIDE TO WORK TODAY. I enjoyed a morning nap followed by a leisurely cage ride to my friendly trike mechanic, and rode the trike home. I'll ride to work tomorrow with subwoofer thumping! Life is good! Thanks, Oss, it's good to be back on a Valk!

Come on Karen, if you miss any more days we will have to call you a sissy or something.

Raymond

[Karen]

I live in fear of that, Raymond. By the way, put me on that list to vote out the incumbents...

[Big IV]

It's 57 degrees this morning. I think it is going to be a long sleeve day. It is funny that 57 feels cold today, but in January 57 will feel warm.  Temperatures are a fun thing.
I'm off to work this morning to teach, then after lunch I'll go tutor on another campus, which means twice as much riding today. Nice.

It'll be a cool evening for the Steeler/Panther game here in NC. I'm not going to the game tonight, but I'll have to find out what the score is later. Tonight I'm planning to go watch a play. A local theater is doing the final weekend of "Doubt" which I heard is good.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

I'm here, I think I ran over one of those evil chucacabra's on the ride in but I made it. I didn't think they traveled this far north but what do I know? I guess it could have just been a dead racoon.

Raymond

[Bob E.]

4 for 4 this week...a little chilly this morning but not as cold as yesterday.  Since this weather changed, the deer have been out in force.  I've seen them in the fields and yards along the road every day this week.  So keep an eye out for them.

[Varmintmist]

It's 57 degrees this morning. I think it is going to be a long sleeve day. It is funny that 57 feels cold today, but in January 57 will feel warm.  

You live in PA now. There is little chance of seeing 57F outside in Jan. More likely 5.7F

Temperatures are a fun thing.

It isnt January yet.  

It was a nice 53 this morning for the ride in.

[cutter]

It's been so long since I've been in the cage to work that I have no idea if the darn thing will even turn over!  ???

[roboto65]

It's been so long since I've been in the cage to work that I have no idea if the darn thing will even turn over

I don't own a cage 

[F6CTrider]

4 for 4 here in Colorado.  And Friday looks to be fantastic.
My group is doing a night time ride through the country under the light of the full moon on friday.
Does that make it a 6 for 5 kind of week?
The WE looks great too, but I have to take "stuff" to the college daughter over the long week end.  No time for riding.

[hubcapsc]

I rode today, on my typical pleasant back roads...cruising along at the speed limit behind
some people... not on anyone's tail... paying attention... I don't know if anyone else does
this, I started doing that little "in my lane" weave... cruising along... all of a sudden I realized
that the SUV in front of me had seen me and had started weaving too... not in a drunken way,
I can't really claim to know what was in his mind, but I decided it was the funniest thing... he
really started cutting up... I'd weave, he'd weave... I didn't get too close to him in case he was
a lunatic, but the whole thing was too much fun... He turned at the same places I was turning,
and finally turned into a driveway not too far from my house... I waved as I went by...

-Mike

[Willow]

The temp this morning was reported to be 59.  The supposed chance for rain was sixty percent.  I chose to wear the half shell and forego the use of the zub.  It was a a fine choice.  The banks were displaying between 59 and 63 degrees.

I stopped at the Quik Trip in Lawrence to fuel up.  I wasn't yet on reserve, but would be before I cleared the flyway and fuel would be four to seven cents per gallon more further down the road.  I prefer the pump on my left side and that's the way I fueled.  As I topped off the tank I saw from the corner of my eye to my right that a small sort of turquoise pickup had pulled alongside the bike and paused.  I looked over at the driver.  He was an older man, probably about seven years younger than I, and his eyes were locked on the chrome valve cover near my foot.  He glanced up at my face.  I had my ear plugs in place and hadn't yet locked in on his face, so I didn't catch the whole question, but the last few words were, "... cc's ... engine?"

"Fifteen twenty.  It's the same engine as the older Goldwings.  The newer Goldwings are eighteen hundred."

His eyes had returned to the chrome.  A moment passed before he glanced up and spoke again.  "It looks like it can be fast."

"Oh, it IS fast."

Once more back to the engine.  And then up for a moment.  "That's the Valkyrie?"

"Yes, it's a Valkyrie."

"It's nice."

"Thanks.  I like it."

He pulled away slowly and I capped off the tank.  It was a fine morning to ride and an even better morning to be astride the Dragon.

Up on the flyway I melted into the traffic rolling west.  Well, in a manner of speaking I melted in.  I'm repeatedly impressed by how quickly the Valkyrie will leap from eighty-five to a buck ten.  I'm also amazed how how smooth, gentle, and quiet seems seventy-five after a time of running on the north side of ninety.

I rode to work this morning, but then I usually do.  It was a good day to ride.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

The temp this morning was reported to be 59.  The supposed chance for rain was sixty percent.  I chose to wear the half shell and forego the use of the zub.  It was a a fine choice.  The banks were displaying between 59 and 63 degrees.

I stopped at the Quik Trip in Lawrence to fuel up.  I wasn't yet on reserve, but would be before I cleared the flyway and fuel would be four to seven cents per gallon more further down the road.  I prefer the pump on my left side and that's the way I fueled.  As I topped off the tank I saw from the corner of my eye to my right that a small sort of turquoise pickup had pulled alongside the bike and paused.  I looked over at the driver.  He was an older man, probably about seven years younger than I, and his eyes were locked on the chrome valve cover near my foot.  He glanced up at my face.  I had my ear plugs in place and hadn't yet locked in on his face, so I didn't catch the whole question, but the last few words were, "... cc's ... engine?"

"Fifteen twenty.  It's the same engine as the older Goldwings.  The newer Goldwings are eighteen hundred."

His eyes had returned to the chrome.  A moment passed before he glanced up and spoke again.  "It looks like it can be fast."

"Oh, it IS fast."

Once more back to the engine.  And then up for a moment.  "That's the Valkyrie?"

"Yes, it's a Valkyrie."

"It's nice."

"Thanks.  I like it."

He pulled away slowly and I capped off the tank.  It was a fine morning to ride and an even better morning to be astride the Dragon.

Up on the flyway I melted into the traffic rolling west.  Well, in a manner of speaking I melted in.  I'm repeatedly impressed by how quickly the Valkyrie will leap from eighty-five to a buck ten.  I'm also amazed how how smooth, gentle, and quiet seems seventy-five after a time of running on the north side of ninety.

I rode to work this morning, but then I usually do.  It was a good day to ride.

Well that's what I meant to say but it came out a lot shorter.

I'm glad you enjoyed your ride Willow. Keep control on that north side before you get a commendation on your skills.

What the heck is a "retuened to the chome" anyway?

Raymond

[Willow]

I'm glad you enjoyed your ride Willow. Keep control on that north side before you get a commendation on your skills.

Thanks, Raymond.  About that "north side" I always exaggerate my speed by fifteen to twenty miles per hour because people just don't want to hear about doing thirty-five on the turnpike.     Honestly, though, in consideration for the uniformed anglers I try to make sure that I'm not the best catch in the river, but now and then I get a little carried away. 

What the heck is a "retuened to the chome" anyway?

Why, whatever do you mean?     (Good eye.  I guess I should really start reading before I post.)

I walked to work this morning.  I hope you made it in before the storm.

[Mikey]

50 degrees this morning, 30 feet of visibility... but I'm hoping it'll burn off by lunch for a nice ride around the lake. I rode to work today!

[Black Pearl's Captain]

50 feet of visibility! ouch, I had something like that today. Mine was rain, more than I expected. It's rained 2.5 inches since midnight, most of that was while I rode to work judging by the seat of my pants. the old Joe Rockets need a spray over with the camp dry stuff.

Here I sit wet.....

Raymond

[Mikey]

So i feel good, my insticts were spot on! 73 degrees for a nice, 20 mile loop i call "the long way home"... nothing better to shake a bad case of "The Mondays" (or Tuesdays this week)

[Big IV]

Ride to commute, commute to ride!

[Grumpy]

So far, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. planning on the whole week if the weather stays clear, 34 miles a day, but some times take the long way. 

[Rocketman]

I don't usually post to this, as I nearly always ride to work, but this week, my ride to work was ~750 miles, so I thought it was a little more worthy of mention.

I rode to work.

[hubcapsc]

Recently I've had to be at a meeting on Tuesday mornings. The last two Tuesdays it has been really hard getting there on time.
I must say that the Valkyrie has made trying to get there on time a lot of fun...

-Mike "fun but not reckless"

[Bob E.]

I was off Monday for the holiday, and off yesterday because my wife needed me to watch the kids while she took care of some things with my step-daughter.  And this morning it was raining...and there was the possibility I would need my Jeep for work today, so I didn't ride.  But I ended up going home for lunch (as I usually do) and came back with the bike for the afternoon.  So I rode today.  But it looks like I'll need the Jeep tomorrow...maybe I'll get to ride again on Friday.

[asfltdncr]

Retired from Feds at 51 w/ 30 years (incl military service).
Got that working stuff out of my system.
Want to thank y'all for my paycheck and healthcare.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

I don't usually post to this, as I nearly always ride to work, but this week, my ride to work was ~750 miles, so I thought it was a little more worthy of mention.

I rode to work.

Feel free to post about the work ride more often. We all like to hear we are not alone in our insanity.

Raymond

[Karen]

Raymond, Raymond, it's the ride to & from work that keeps me sane! I was a total maniac on Monday, but have recovered nicely now that I have two glorious days of trike-a-therapy under my belt. They're predicting rain on Friday. Can't wait...

[Hoser]

Yes, I did ride to work, and I'm here now, violating computer use rules!  hoser

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Raymond, Raymond, it's the ride to & from work that keeps me sane! I was a total maniac on Monday, but have recovered nicely now that I have two glorious days of trike-a-therapy under my belt. They're predicting rain on Friday. Can't wait...

when was the last time someone told you that you were sane? When was the last time someone told you that you were insane (crazy)?

It's a fact that one out of every 3 people are indeed crazy, look around, do the other two people by you look crazy?

Do you need any more proof?

you crazy girl.

I rode the Black Pearl today....

Raymond

[cutter]

Been raining on an off the past few days, FINALLY! But that hasn't stopped me from rinding to work...... 

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Not sure when was the last time I drove a cage and i like it that way. Love the cool feel to the country air in the mornings and the predawn fog in the corn fields this time of year too. No matter how much work sucks, it's always sweeter knowing the scooter is waiting in the parking lot.

[fudgie]

No riding for me for at least another 3 days. Went to the ER last night for my asthma and come to find out I have pnuemonia. Super small in my right middle lobe. They want me off for at least 3 days. Guess I get out of carring 50 sheets of drywall today! My butt is so sore from all the streroids and Rochephin I told Kit I'd rather take another whippin from the bar chic instead.  Think I got sick from riding into MI last weekend. It was a cool damp ride home with wet britches on. Told her that I could go on a ride on sat with my friends then. That didn't go well. So I'm stuck home. Gonna sneak out clean the shield when she leaves for work tho.  See ya at the CBR on 2 wheels tho!

[Bob E.]

I rode the bike today.  Kinda chilly, but nice. 

[Black Pearl's Captain]

I got a bad feeling about this week, I only made it 4 out 5 days. How about it Karen? did you beat me?

Raymond

[Karen]

Nope, Raymond, we're tied, but I do have that pesky gig tomorrow. Does that count for this week or next? It was a wet ride home yesterday, life is good. Fudgie, hope you get better soon. get the pneumonia shot when you're healed, at least that one goes in the arm.

[Bob E.]

I rode today!   

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Nope, Raymond, we're tied, but I do have that pesky gig tomorrow. Does that count for this week or next? It was a wet ride home yesterday, life is good. Fudgie, hope you get better soon. get the pneumonia shot when you're healed, at least that one goes in the arm.

Well I would think if you are working on the weekend you should count it for both weeks!

Raymond

[Big IV]

Beginning another week the right way.
Commute to ride, ride to commute.
Between the insurance company cutting a check wrong and the bank preferring that checks I deposit being made out to me, I turned a simple errand into an extra 40 miles, which isn't bad for a commuting day that winds up often being the same.
My wife isn't home at the moment, so I'm thinking about leaving the school and going to longer way home. Nice day. Pretty weather.
I'm just riding out the last of my office hours for the day. Almost done.

[Bob E.]

I rode to work again today...2 for 2 so far and see no reason why it won't keep up through Friday when I leave for CBR!!   

[Big IV]

I rode in to work today. Then I rode from one campus to the next grabbing a little lunch bbq along the way. And the best part of riding to work is that in 10 minutes I get to ride home!

[HayHauler]

I rode to work today and yesterday.  Probably the 2 best days riding I have done (to work) all year.  Absolutely perfect weather.  Cool enough where I feel like I might want a light jacket or vest, but not really!!! 

W O W !~

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Karen]

Raymond, I  love your fuzzy logic. Rode the scooter yesterday & today, but tomorrow, it's the trike with the chrome polished & a wax job. We're  having an employee appreciation couple of days at work, & tomorrow the old girl is on display with other bikes & cars, so I had to clean her up. Mostly when the choice is ride it or clean it, it's ride it. Temperatures are dropping, too! Have a safe ride!

[Willow]

This morning I chose the cold weather jacket, not because the temperature rendered the mesh jacket inappropriate, although it's been close to there several times over the past few weeks, but because the radar indicated there were a number of scattered showers in the area.  The Comet, my cold weather jacket, sheds water.

I'm usually rushed a bit when I leave for work.  This morning was no exception.  I approached the first left turn noticing the green arrow was already showing.  I was a little too far out.  The last of the traffic ahead was clearing the intersection and the light turned yellow on my approach.  I considered moving on through the turn.  There was only one oncoming vehicle waiting and the light would turn red with me over halfway through the turn.   I chose to wait.

As the oncoming vehicle pulled past me I noticed that it was one of the city's uniformed public servants.  How could I have missed that?  Apparently my guardian angel was riding alongside this morning.  My guardian rides a classic full dress Harley Davidson.  I can't see him and neither can you.  Sometimes he has trouble keeping up, but this morning he was apparently right on station. 

The second stoplight was crimson and there was an empty slot at the head spot in the right of two lanes.  The right lane converted a short distance beyond the intersection to a right-turn-only but I had no doubt the Dragon could jump the passenger cage in the left lane with ease.  When the light changed to green I moved away at my normal brisk pace and was surprised to hear the engine of the cage wailing and see it rolling almost alongside the Dragon.  It took just a bit more throttle than I had planned, but we moved easily in front of the reluctant victim.  I do so dislike bullying someone who doesn't know what an easy target he is.

Turning right passed the elementary school I looked down to notice that the bottom snap on the right of my chaps wasn't fastened.  I tried to reach down and snap it while holding in the clutch with my left hand, but I couldn't seem to find the connection without staring down.  I refused to focus my attention downward especially while on in-town roadways.  I decided I could get it some twenty-five miles down the way as surely I would hit a red light in Lawrence.  The snap was still undone an hour later when I arrived at work.

I watched the sidewalk for short people.  The day previous a boy on his way to school had waved at me and I caught it too late to get my hand up.  I didn't feel good about that.  I never like to ignore the children.  None this morning seemed to notice.

There was no rain on the way to Lawrence.  We were briefly on wet roads, but only slightly so.  You've seen the type.  The surface alternates between covered with just enough water to throw up a light spray and presenting stretches on which the tracks of the cages in the right lane are dry.

The scenery along the highway was nice.  It's yet too early for most of the woods to have turned, but scattered here and there were individual trees that had changed to bright  yellows and oranges. The hillsides were a mix of light and dark greens.

I came up on an SUV with a USMC sticker on rear window.  I was pulling past ready to render the left handed salute when I saw that the driver was leaning toward his window with a thumb up in my direction.  Now how, I wondered, did he know that I was also Marine?

Entering Lawrence I noticed the parking lot of the Walgreen's was being resurfaced.  Barriers announced the name of the contractors, Paradise Asphalt.  I smiled.  That could be a good name for a precious metals dealer, but not for a parking lot repair crew.

Up on the flyway there were a few drops in the air, but not enough to wet the pavement.  Ironic that the only rain I found was over dry road. 

It was not easy to turn into town toward work.  I arrived under a beautifully scattered cloud sky.  Ten miles north and east seemed to be overcast but the west seemed to stretch forever under scattered clouds.  It would have been a good day to ride.

The ride home was nice and uneventful.  At two spots crossing my hometown I came up behind riders of the other American made motorcycle.  Both were riding primarily on the oil strip, but wandering occasionally all over the lane.  This time of year seems to bring out a lot of amateurs.

Filling my tank I was greeted by a young man on the other side of the pump.

"How's it going?"

"Good, thanks."

"What kind of bike is that?"

"It's a Valkyrie.  Honda Valkyrie."

"It's really nice."

"Yeah.  I like it."

"I have an eleven hundred Shadow.  Honda Shadow."

  "They're nice bikes."

"Yes, they are.  I was going to get a Valkyrie like you did.   How much did you get in it?"

I didn't really understand the question.  "I bought this one in 2004.  I paid eight thousand"               

"That's a good deal."

"Yeah."

"How much gas did it take?"

"It's a five gallon tank."

"Mine has four gallons."

"Well this one has six carbs.  It doesn't get very good mileage."

"Mine has four.  It's a four cylinder.  I get forty-three miles per gallon."

"This one gets about thirty-five."

"What's it weigh?  About eight seventy or nine hundred?"

"Right around seven hundred."

"Oh!  It's lighter than mine.  Mine weighs eight seventy."

"Yeah.  Well, have a nice day."

When you ride a Valkyrie there is time in the wind and there are conversations.   Most days the time in the wind is better than the social intercourse.  Today was one of those days.