| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| Two years, nine days...
|
bachman1961
* Today * 2:31 AM |
Gary;
Excellent post and thanks for the update and perspective.
Your concern for what your family and friends went through in that horrific process of just getting the news, learning more as time passed and now seeing your recovery and p/t requirements is selfless.
I am nearly brought to tears thinking these very same thoughts when I reflect on two past incidents where my loved ones were in that state of unknowing and how I later realized it was much easier for me as 'the victim' when they were suffering a very real fear and hurt.
Your synopsis opens a very important chapter for all of us to think of anytime we get on the bike.
~brian |
| Two years, nine days...
|
bachman1961
* Today * 1:59 AM |
quote:
Originally posted by DataDan
We know she couldn't see the motorcycle in the case of Gary's crash, because an SUV blocked the line of sight between the two. That is absolutely not an excuse for the driver's action, of course, but at least she's telling the truth about not seeing the motorcycle.
This crash and many others like it enlighten us about circumstances that can hide a potential threat. While measures that make us more conspicuous may help prevent some crossing-vehicle crashes, and political action to reduce the threat of distracted drivers may eventually prevent others, we must also educate ourselves about scenarios where we aren't seen--and cannot see--due to sightline obstructions.
Yep ... people driving where they cannot see. A kid was just killed recently and it was attributed to a fogged up part of the windshield in the vehicle.
As to rkfire's post just previous to DataDan, I cannot help but think the energy at impact zone is so very focused when a motorcycle hits another vehicle, many times the uneducated jump to the (sometimes convenient) conclusion that the bike was traveling at excessive speed. It's easy for them to continue with that theme and add "...they came out of nowhere"
~brian |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Leather Jacket Question
|
Bean
* Today * 12:35 AM |
I'd just like to comment on the Buffalo leather often found on ebay and other sites. These are often "patchwork" leathers. Meaning they're made of many many small pieces of leather stitched together.
It's an interesting look that can look cool but in terms of protection it's not as good as the stitching could bust apart in a slide. The more stitching, the more weak points.
Naked leather is higher quality. It's usually reserved for better, more expensive jackets and more likely to be made of fewer, larger pieces of leather. My current jacket is naked leather and has lasted many thousands of miles in all weather (except snow).
In general, if your ordering online, make sure the pictures are high enough quality that you can see the stitching. Some of those pictures can be deceiving. Read feedback on ebay to gain insight on what's being sold.
Lastly, many people will advise ordering leather one size bigger. I personally feel this is ill advice. Yes it will be a tight fit, but after some time it will break in and conform to your shape, which in the long run I think is better.
-Bean |
| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| Two years, nine days...
|
rayg50
02/08/2010 7:19 PM |
quote:
...Maybe it is time for a different hobby...
I think Axiom2000 hit the major points perfectly.
Whatever decision you eventually make I am sure it will be the right one for you. The wonderful thing about a personal decision is that it can always be changed. Rest easy with whatever you decide. The decision does not need to be right forever, just for that point in time in your life. Rest, recover both body and mind, and enjoy the blessings you have as you do it.
Ray
|
| Two years, nine days...
|
Axiom2000
02/08/2010 6:23 PM |
quote:
I have to be honest in saying that I am struggling with the idea of riding again. To be sure, I am not afraid to ride. I learned something from this event and would be safer in such situations henceforth. What is troubling me is the profound effect this accident has had on my family, my business partner, my employees, and especially my wife.
Let's face it, one can never be 100% risk free. This was a collision where I was traveling 20mph and the car could not have been traveling more than 10mph at the point of impact (it had just started to move from a parking lot). I shudder to think of all those times I was riding out in western Virginia or across Pennsylvania at 70mph, if a deer were to make a sudden appearance or similar.
My point is, it's not all about me. I truly love riding, and take safety very seriously. But I have to think about this. I am almost 60, with measurable diminishing reflexes and response time. Simultaneously, road risks are increasing. Maybe it is time for a different hobby.
Gary I think we have come to know you through your writings as a level headed, serious, responsible rider. If you were not struggling with the decision to ride or not ride again I would be amazed. I am very sorry this happened to you and it just points out no matter how experienced or careful we are it could happen to any of us at anytime. I think your pain is felt by many of us on here who are regulars and have come to know each other as friends at least through our posts.
If you looking for advice about your riding future I don't have any really, no one can make that decision except yourself. I would offer one thing however. I don't think now would be the best time to be making a decision about riding. Concentrate on getting better, your family and your business. Making a decision about riding or not can wait. I got a feeling it is going to be some time before you could get on a motorcycle anyway. I think the decision would be better considered when your emotions and pain are not so prevalent. I am sure there is part of you that wants to and part of you that says I should give it up, thinking about all of that right now will just add to your already full plate of things to worry about. Whatever you decide I am sure it will be best for Gary and the ones who care about you. Whatever decision that is I wish you the best of luck and all good blessings for quick healing and clear thinking.
|
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Red Light Penalties in Iowa
|
dpetrick
02/08/2010 6:10 PM |
The Iowa legislature is currently working on a law increasing penalties for running a red light. The news reports indicate the reason for the change is because a car ran a red light and collided with a motorcycle. Basic penalty will go up and there will be increased if the violation injures or causes a fatality. The law has made it through the Iowa House and is on its way to the Senate |
| Motorcycle Safety / Physics and the theoretical |
| Counter-steering in pictures (continued from General Discussion)
|
rkfire
02/08/2010 5:08 PM |
The series of pics that was shown, made me think that it had to be relatively slow from the amount of turning angle (initially outwards, then inwards) of the front tire.
It did make me think that a non-countersteering believer might say, but look, after the initial movement, the tire is steered in the direction of the turn. So does it prove countersteering or direct steering? (what a naysayer to countersteering might ask)
Yesterday and today I paid attention to the position of my triple tree in 2 corners, multiple times.
One is a fairly tight circle at a dead end, taken briskly at about 20-21mph, I'm riding around it in a counterclockwise direction like a continuous left turn. I am countersteering, but the triple is definitely slightly turned in the direction of the curve (left). It's not a perfect circle, and at the end of it, it tightens up some. I push left a little more to tighten the line, all the while my wheel is really turned left of center.
The other corner is at a speed of about 50mph. I countersteer to begine the curve and can hold it pretty steady to keep my line. My triple is more or less straight, at least I really can't notice if it's turned one way or the other. However much it might be turned it's too slight to eyeball.
Like the series of pictures that began the discussion, he said he was going about 20mph. Is there a speed where countersteering has begun, but slow enough that the wheel is turned more significantly than at a higher speed?
I don't know, just asking, but it's also weird several of us are looking at the triple tree angle and are giving different answers. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
D R
02/08/2010 5:01 PM |
Well, after 54 hours, we finally have power restored. The temperature is gradually coming back up in the house.
As WSMeders noted....
quote:
Originally posted by WSMeders
Here we go again!
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TUESDAY TO 7 PM EST WEDNESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.
* PRECIPITATION TYPE... SNOW.
* ACCUMULATIONS... 10 TO 20 INCHES.
* TIMING... MID-AFTERNOON TUESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.
....round two is on the way. 
At least I've managed to dig out between rounds. Some people still haven't finished digging out after round one.
I would really dislike having to dig out this car with an additional 20 inches on top. |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Maximum Control: Mastering Your Heavyweight Bike
|
Sasnak
02/08/2010 3:45 PM |
Just ordered the book at Cash's Closet. Looking forward to reading it.
Mike |
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
WSMeders
02/08/2010 3:41 PM |
Here we go again!
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TUESDAY TO 7 PM EST WEDNESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.
* PRECIPITATION TYPE... SNOW.
* ACCUMULATIONS... 10 TO 20 INCHES.
* TIMING... MID-AFTERNOON TUESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Rider Training Courses |
| Hedonistic Enthusiasm
|
SkootchNC
02/08/2010 2:40 PM |
Sounds great, I posted on my MN friends FB.... almost makes me wish I live up there..... almost.... I DID ride for about 2 hours today |
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
Night Train
02/08/2010 2:21 PM |
The "little woman" sure stands tall against that bank of snow. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Rider Training Courses |
| Hedonistic Enthusiasm
|
Night Train
02/08/2010 2:07 PM |
Good information Robert, thanks. |
| Hedonistic Enthusiasm
|
aidanspa
02/08/2010 1:44 PM |
Pat Hahn is not only a respected motorcycle safety author, he has also developed the Dakota County Hedonistic Enthusiasm Cornering and Safety Seminar outside of Minneapolis.
$50 for 1st-timers gets you lunch, a t-shirt, and five 20-minute sessions on a closed course revolving around the concepts of "The Pace. Different instruction is available depending on skill level, but the point that the course is not a racetrack is heavily stressed.
Looks like something I would enjoy. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
gdickelman
02/08/2010 1:22 PM |
I measure between 26" and 30" in my yard. Gives new meaning to "the little woman."
 |
| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| Two years, nine days...
|
gdickelman
02/08/2010 1:11 PM |
A member of the forum was kind enough to send me a personal email asking how things were going, as I had not been on the forum for about a week. That was very kind. I responded, and after reading my response, I thought it would be good to post it to everyone and hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance for your responses.
"Greetings! I'm doing fine. The doctor released my arm from the sling bondage. I am regaining degrees of movement, but cannot lift anything for some time. The clavicle is healing such that there is some overlap at the fusion point, so I will have a sizable bump about three inches from the shoulder henceforth. Apparently the bump is pretty normal for this kind of injury.
I start physical therapy in about three weeks for the right arm/shoulder. All of the eggplant color is fading from the right side of my body. My right ankle is almost normal size, and the ribs are no longer restricting movement. Life is returning to normal.
My absence from the forum over the past week has been primarily because I am trying to keep up with work issues (I run a small company). Things are going okay, generally.
I have to be honest in saying that I am struggling with the idea of riding again. To be sure, I am not afraid to ride. I learned something from this event and would be safer in such situations henceforth. What is troubling me is the profound effect this accident has had on my family, my business partner, my employees, and especially my wife.
Let's face it, one can never be 100% risk free. This was a collision where I was traveling 20mph and the car could not have been traveling more than 10mph at the point of impact (it had just started to move from a parking lot). I shudder to think of all those times I was riding out in western Virginia or across Pennsylvania at 70mph, if a deer were to make a sudden appearance or similar.
My point is, it's not all about me. I truly love riding, and take safety very seriously. But I have to think about this. I am almost 60, with measurable diminishing reflexes and response time. Simultaneously, road risks are increasing. Maybe it is time for a different hobby." |
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
dpetrick
02/08/2010 1:01 PM |
Gymnast- too flat to ski or snowboard around here. |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Maximum Control: Mastering Your Heavyweight Bike
|
tusome
02/08/2010 12:08 PM |
Good book so far. The best part is that it has an awesome bike on the cover. One thing I have noticed in the pictures is that not all the riders wear all the gear all the time. But for the most part the book confirms just about everything I've heard or have been taught about riding safely and effectively. Good diagrams. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
gymnast
02/08/2010 9:39 AM |
A good snow is a terrible thing to waste.
http://www.sunvalley.com/SunValley/...tn.cams.aspx
Spent yesterday up a Bogus with the wife. A beautiful day until I got taken out from behind by a kid on board. I got pretty good height and distance as well as good use from the helmet. I could have used some CE armor in the hips and shoulders however.
http://www.bogusbasin.org/web-cameras/index.aspx |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
dpetrick
02/08/2010 9:13 AM |
Our yard in Iowa has looked like Axiom2000's since December and we have been getting snow weekly since then. About 50 inches so far here in NW Iowa. |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
D R
02/08/2010 6:12 AM |
quote:
Originally posted by bachman1961
D R
I'm impressed with the condition of your street in the second picture with the red pick-up. My area is not much of a priority so we are usually on day 3 before the blade hits it. The snow looks beautiful... nice idea to haunt the hotel.
~brian
Among other things, our HOA dues pays for our neighborhood's own, private road clearing and sanding vehicles and crews. If the county had responsibility to clear the roads for us, we would be way down on the list of priorities. As it is, our HOA service plows us out to the main roads where the county has already cleared. |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
rayg50
02/08/2010 5:57 AM |
quote:
That just makes me sad.
Ducatis should not be left out in the snow
My mind drift had me wondering the circumstances leading up to the bike ending up in a show filled parking lot. The lack of luggage lessened the possibility of someoone on a long trip being caught by surprise. Perhaps someone whose bike is their sole mode of transportation? Since there is no bike cover on it I assume that is not it's normal home. I was disappointed that the owner had not at least brushed away the snow.
Assuming you found yourself and your bike in the same circumstances as this rider, once the roads were clear, what would you do / check to make sure your bike was road worthy?
|
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
bachman1961
02/08/2010 5:24 AM |
quote:
Originally posted by aa6vh
I have got to ask: Are you planning on firing up that BBQ for Superbowl?
I would vote myself as the LAST guy to start up a topic on the Superbowl (so I didn't). I'm just not a sports fan in the slightest of definition.
However, the NFC winning the coin toss 13 years straight and the odds of that happening are something like 8100 - 1 is very interesting.
I'm not sure if it relates at all to the NFC win record or not... I guess I could have researched that but again ,,, not that big of a sports fan. 
~brian |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Maximum Control: Mastering Your Heavyweight Bike
|
James R. Davis
02/07/2010 8:16 PM |
quote:
From your website it looks like you don't ship to Canada?
I believe that her site will now handle orders from Canada. Took a LOT of programming, but I had the time.  |
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
MattInFla
02/07/2010 7:20 PM |
I really miss driving ambulances in that stuff.....
Sure I do.
Matt |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
scottrnelson
02/07/2010 6:52 PM |
quote:
Originally posted by D R
That just makes me sad. 
Ducatis should not be left out in the snow. |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
bachman1961
02/07/2010 5:52 PM |
D R
I'm impressed with the condition of your street in the second picture with the red pick-up. My area is not much of a priority so we are usually on day 3 before the blade hits it. The snow looks beautiful... nice idea to haunt the hotel.
~brian |
| It was nice enough to ride today but I didn't because.....
|
SkootchNC
02/07/2010 3:48 PM |
41 degrees, and abundant sunshine.... yet enough ice remaining in shadows, and low spots to raise MY concern.... I'll wait until Tuesday....(49 and sunny) |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
D R
02/07/2010 3:19 PM |
Shortly after posting the original pictures, we lost power. We found out later, a tree about a mile from our house fell across power lines. The power lines broke and two poles were pulled down. Thirty six hours later, we still don't have power. The power company said they would have it restored by 5pm, today.......maybe.
"Maybe" wasn't good enough for my wife, so it was off to a nearby hotel for the night. We'll see if the power is back when we return home.
Here are some after the storm pictures.
It took about six hours to dig out the driveway and two vehicles.
When we arrived at the hotel, I found this in the parking lot....
Since Axiom threw in a dog picture, I'll through one in too.
That's Rockie, my daughter's dog. He loves his comfort and his warmth. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Safety Gear |
| Useful checklists when buying gear?
|
rayg50
02/07/2010 2:16 PM |
I will add a quick 2 points.
Try all the zippers and snaps in all the positions. I just wore my leather jacket for the first time (cold weather). I tried snapping the sleave to the tightest position to keep the cold air from traveling up my arm. I discovered that the last snap will not engage.
The second point relates back to the first. My warm gauntlet glove barely fits over the sleeve at it's tightest and will not fit over the sleeve that I cannot tighten. Not sure of the point I'm trying to make but passing on my discovery.
|
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
Axiom2000
02/07/2010 1:58 PM |
DONE!
I have been digging out for the past 10 hours. Whew it was bad, I am guessing the 29 inch estimate to be on the money. It was the drifts however that are a real back breaker. At least the driveway is clear the back of the house is a no mans land and its going to stay that way until warmer weather melts it. There are drifts back there in the 5 foot range and I just can't lift another shovel full.
 |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
rayg50
02/07/2010 1:57 PM |
quote:
Originally posted by rkfire
...that I enjoy a nice ride with very little traffic...
I just came back from a ride in that sunny 30f weather. My neck was the only part that felt the chill. Having very little company on the road was icing on the cake.
|
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Leather Jacket Question
|
cooldadof4
02/07/2010 1:47 PM |
Leatherup.com also carries Xelement gear along with others. Most have customer reviews. Good customer service. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| Beware Spring Sand!
|
rkfire
02/07/2010 11:59 AM |
I ride basically year round in the northeast. In the winter and spring there is potential slippery spots and of course sand. I keep my pace slower than in the summer and I expect sand in corners and intersections. The center and edge of the road may have sand all winter and in the spring until either the rain or the street sweeper do their job. I even practice moderate braking in sandy areas like a parking lot at relatively slow speed to get a feel for the available traction. I may run into a section totally covered with sand on a straightaway, I just maintain my moderate speed over the section until I'm back onto pavement.
Mr. Davis, when I read tip 91 I mentally insert the word deep before sand, gravel and snow. Should the tip clarify that better, or am I misinterpreting the tip? |
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
rkfire
02/07/2010 11:31 AM |
Ah, today is the superbowl? Great and thanks for reminding me. It's days like this, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years day that I enjoy a nice ride with very little traffic.
A balmy 30 degrees here too, and sunny. |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
aa6vh
02/07/2010 11:17 AM |
I have got to ask: Are you planning on firing up that BBQ for Superbowl? |
| Motorcycle Safety / Safety Gear |
| Did Your Helmet Pass?
|
rkfire
02/07/2010 8:50 AM |
This list appears to be some sort of random testing done by the feds, or possibly done on a complaint referal.
I think just like DOT requirements for windshield glass, seatbelts, brake pads, headlights and tail lights, tires, etc, it's a standard where the manufacturer is required to build and test themselves, to the standard. |
| Did Your Helmet Pass?
|
sporty
02/07/2010 8:17 AM |
quote:
Originally posted by Mikeydude
Kind of inconclusive... Certain helmets are listed in one year and not listed in others.
What does that mean?
DOT is not a certification, it is a standard or requirement.
The manufacturer is tasked with certifying that the helmet
meets the standard. Seems like some of them don't take it
seriously (probably because there is not a financial incentive
to encourage them to take it seriously)
-W
|
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
rayg50
02/07/2010 7:19 AM |
quote:
Originally posted by Nightwatchman
... I lived in Virginia for a while and I never got a snowstorm like that ...
A local news station is reporting that the area near Dulles had so much snow that an airplane hangar had a roof collapse. It reported 33 inches in that area but it seems a bit much to me. They also reported that DC is reporting it as the worse winter storm.
D R great pictures. Any chance of maybe one or two after the storm pictures?
I will ask those of us not affected by the storm, both North and South of the area, to not laugh at our fellow riders' inability to get out on 2 wheels. Excuse me a moment.  As I was saying, we must be sympathetic.
BTW, if you are not accustomed to shoveling snow, and even if you are, please do it sensibly. Take your time and take plenty of breaks. The snow will wait for you. The cold can hide the over-exertion. Age can be a factor, but younger people are not immune. In our area, it is not unusual to have a death reported that's attributed to snow shoveling.
|
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
Scooter rider
02/07/2010 6:54 AM |
Had to change rides here today to my 1958 Massy 65 tractor with a three point hitch
snow blower with six foot cut. 
Looks like I will spending the next two days digging out my self and the neighbors
|
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
SkootchNC
02/07/2010 5:55 AM |
Raleigh NC was "treated" to measurable snowfall LAST week end (1/30) not much to those who are used to snow, but 4-5 inches was enough to cause mayhem in "the city of Oaks" through the week.
This week end we simply had 2 inches of rain, and temps in the mid 30's.
I did get out on Thursday (mid-40's and clear) for a while, and temps will rebound soon forecast is for sun,and upper 40's low 50's by next week end |
| Motorcycle Safety / Safety Gear |
| Useful checklists when buying gear?
|
bachman1961
02/07/2010 2:38 AM |
Stretch;
I'll 2nd the points made by SkootchNC (fit and head movement are spot on) - and add what I experienced last summer;
* What I learned;
I have what I'll call a 3 season mesh (with removable liner) armored jacket. When I first bought it I was careful to not go online so I could see it, and try it on. Even doing so, I ended up returning it due to fit. As per protection if you you crash or slide, it was recommended that the jacket not fit too sloppy or too loose since it would slide up on your body or arms negating any protective benefit.
I made that mistake thinking I wanted a bit of room so I immediately returned it for a size smaller.
The jacket is pliable so even though it fits snug, it's not restrictive.
Also think about what your base layer is and dress as you would for riding when you try them on for fit.
** Experience;
As to the head movement, just take your helmet in with you and put it on. The head check for your blind spot when you are changing lanes or passing is often the complaint with helmet to shoulder padding.
I'm not sure you'll get away from it completely. Many riders adapt by dropping their shoulder slightly to accommodate the armor from impeding the head check where your helmet 'chin' bumps it. Try sitting on a bike with your helmet on and the jacket you are considering, then imitate the head check on both sides.
*** Performance;
Finally, the jacket I have is a very worthy 3 season jacket that I use for 4 seasons here. It has plenty of zip open vents with Velcro seals to keep them open or tightly sealed when closed. I have experienced the 34 c city traffic rides and the -7 c hwy jaunts and I have been extremely happy with my purchase picking a name brand specific to motorcycle gear and repeating the process for my choice in riding pants. Aside from temperature extremes, most of my riding is in the range of -2 to 22 c.
~brian |
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
bachman1961
02/07/2010 1:45 AM |
Nice photos and notations.
Don't over-do the shoveling as this kind of weekend warrior stuff can cause set backs if you are not a habitual winter-ite.
The last time we got a good hit of snow here, I started a new tradition; - - Load up the family in 4X and head out for a nice big breakfast outing at Cracker Barrel.
No traffic and no waiting in line to be seated.
You won't get service like that unless you own the place ..... except for these special outings!
~brian |
| Off Theme / Humor ... the lighter side |
| Diary of a snow shoveler
|
Deseret Rider
02/06/2010 11:49 PM |
This has been around for a few years now----but for those who haven't read it
December 8: 6:00 PM. It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!
December 9: We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the whole world? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled snow for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.
December 12: The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry, we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. l don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man I'm glad he's our neighbor.
December 14: Snow lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. l didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish l wouldn't huff and puff so.
December 15: 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.
December 16: Ice storm this morning. Fell on my butt on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.
December 17: Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. I dislike it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.
December 20: Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of snow last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Doggone snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.
December 22: Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white stuff fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to piss. By the time I got undressed, pissed and dressed again. I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter; but he says he's too busy. I think the idiot is lying.
December 23: Only 2" of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What?...is she nuts!!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.
December 24: 6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the guy who drives that snowplow, I'll drag him through the snow by his nose. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was busy watching for that goldarn snowplow.
December 25: Merry Christmas. 20 more inches of the !=3D@x@!x!x1 slop tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. I dislike the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's an idiot. If I have to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to kill her.
December 26: Still snowed in. Why did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.
December 27: Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze.
December 28: Warmed up to above -50. Still snowed in. THE WIFE is driving me crazy!!!!!
December 29: 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?
December 30: Roof caved in. The snow plow driver is suing me for a million dollars. The wife went home to her mother. 9" predicted.
December 31: Set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.
January 8: I feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?
~Author Unknown |
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
Nightwatchman
02/06/2010 10:54 PM |
That is SO unfair... I lived in Virginia for a while and I never got a snowstorm like that.
I love to ride, but I also like to 4 wheel :-p |
| How To ... / Add-ons / Customization |
| Rear Fender VN900 Custom
|
bosscat
02/06/2010 9:02 PM |
Mine is a 900 classic so I don't have the same issue. You might take a look at http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/f...ki-cruisers/ There are some members there that have done some very nice looking customs. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| The weather outside is frightful....
|
bosscat
02/06/2010 8:56 PM |
I was on the bike yesterday here in VA.....
Well actually I was just moving them perpendicular in the garage against the back wall so that I could pull the cars in with them. It makes the garage a bit crowded but at least I won't need to clear snow off the cars when we decide to try venturing back out. I haven't actually ridden since last Wednesday and I'm suffering a bit of withdrawl..
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| Motorcycle Safety / Safety Gear |
| Useful checklists when buying gear?
|
SkootchNC
02/06/2010 6:20 PM |
I'd add "FIT" to the list.....
You have to be comfortable in the gear, and have full movement, both in the gear, and parts that protrude.
I've read a few complaints form folks who buy a jacket, then find, it restricts their head movement, while wearing a helmet |
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| It was nice enough to ride today but I didn't because.....
|
DDfromMN
02/06/2010 6:19 PM |
I don't have a motorcycle that is set up with studded tires.
Maybe I should get one.
I did sit on several motorcycles today, including the new Honda VFR at the IMS |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Leather Jacket Question
|
gymnast
02/06/2010 4:52 PM |
Mikeydude, that jacket shown in your link appears, as described, to be pretty good value for the money. |
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