Author Topic: I can't believe how little I'm riding (Read 10769 times)

Eh2zed · « **on:** July 19, 2017, 05:35:59 PM »

It's past the middle of July and I've ridden my bike TWICE! I'm a failure. I should have my membership revoked.
Yeah I know the weather has sucked but I remember riding from Sept Isles to Toronto in torrential rain and stopping only for fuel. I rode a DT 250 from Fredericton to Montreal in 40 F Temps.
We should never have bought a house that needs a top to bottom reno. And then there's the boat.........

Skee · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2017, 07:58:18 PM »

You're not the only one. Just got the annual inspection on my Connie done. A total of 2500 miles since last year. All of that in a total of 7 days of riding.

I wouldn't consider myself a failure though. You're the only other person I know of (besides my wife) who's been to Sept-Îles. 138 is a very lonely road.

If you're looking for an excuse to ride, consider joining us at ESTO.

https://www.sport-touring.org/index.php?topic=4783.0

You could successfully rack up a year's mileage in one long weekend.

And the scenery is much ~~better~~ different than 138.

Jim · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2017, 11:26:27 PM »

The jeep group is the same - lots of new members but near zero activity - scratching my head.

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2017, 12:18:47 AM »

I am feeling the same way

Between the hot and humid weather and the 35 gajillion other things that are clamoring for my attention, the bike just isn't getting out the way it used to...

Eh2zed · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2017, 03:50:45 AM »

Maybe I'm not the only one getting old....
I'm just saying.

Eh2zed · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2017, 03:54:05 AM »

And the proof of that is in the fact that I just noticed that I incorrectly spelled a word in my initial post.
Rats.
Can I be 21 years old again?
But only physically.

Max Wedge · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2017, 06:10:05 AM »

Part of the reason I commute. Riding is riding to me. I could be 'saving' the bike/tires for when I get to do a pleasure ride, but it would be hard to justify owning a bike if that was the case. I bought it to use it, and if have burn through a set of Anakee III's on the highway, well worth the price.

The thing is, on the bike, I might take a detour to find 10 minutes of fun on a 60 minute commute. I won't in the F150. Like parenting, you can't schedule quality time, you get that in little slivers of quantity time. OTOH, I have this weekend free, and I can't decide where to go, and for how long. Option paralysis. Default setting is the west side of the state. Where is my camping gear?

shil · « **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2017, 08:13:29 AM »

I've managed less than 1000 km so far.

Started with plans for a big year.
I commute only occasionally. Every time I think "I'll take the Duc!" the forecast sucks.
Had to lay 'er down in the woods and mangled the shift lever. That's kinda killed my enthusiasm.
Just not feeling it...

What's this about a boat?

oilhed · « **Reply #8 on:** July 20, 2017, 08:23:41 AM »

The weather here has been hot. I'm outta work for 9 weeks. I've been going on week long vacations. When I ride I like to make a day of it. Thus far I've ridden about one day a week in the weeks I'm home. Last being on July 4! Gotta get out today or tomorrow.

R Doug · « **Reply #9 on:** July 20, 2017, 09:21:19 AM »

Save for the occasional daily weekend ride, my bike has only been used for my annual week-long moto trip.

Cablebandit · « **Reply #10 on:** July 20, 2017, 01:35:28 PM »

I haven't ridden since last week, but I've been out of town. Back at it on the daily on Tuesday.

mr.awesome · « **Reply #11 on:** July 20, 2017, 04:11:46 PM »

Quote from: R Doug on July 20, 2017, 09:21:19 AM

Save for the occasional daily weekend ride, my bike has only been used for my annual week-long moto trip.

Doug, are living in some alternate universe that has "daily weekends"? Mine only come once a week at the end of the week.

I'm in the same boat. Life has been happening and have not had time to ride. I have only done 2, 250 mile days this year on the sprint and a couple short evening rides on the KLX.

kendenton · « **Reply #12 on:** July 20, 2017, 04:55:53 PM »

I'm actually riding more this year than I did the past couple years - new bike might have something to do with it

expatbrit · « **Reply #13 on:** July 20, 2017, 05:03:59 PM »

Quote from: Mrs. DantesDame on July 20, 2017, 12:18:47 AM

I am feeling the same way Between the hot and humid weather and the 35 gajillion other things that are clamoring for my attention, the bike just isn't getting out the way it used to...

Same boat. Work travel, heat, no time off, weekend rides not happening. What little time I do have is going to the bicycle in a futile effort to stay in some sort of shape.

I've managed some little track time, but not a lot even of that.

R Doug · « **Reply #14 on:** July 20, 2017, 07:46:55 PM »

Quote from: mr.awesome on July 20, 2017, 04:11:46 PM

Doug, are living in some alternate universe that has "daily weekends"? Mine only come once a week at the end of the week.

Sorry, I meant daily rides on weekends. I love to do multi day trips but don't have as much of a desire for daily trips. The roads I like to hit are way too busy on the weekends. If I could hit them on a Friday...

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Mr. Whippy · « **Reply #15 on:** July 21, 2017, 06:44:42 AM »

Once my kids left home, farm work has taken a lot of the free time I used to have for riding. No complaints about that. I used to make up mileage by commuting always (with some detours) if there wasn't ice and I wasn't leaving for work in the rain.

The corrosion my Multistrada experienced has taught me that if the roads haven't had the salt washed off, it's not worth it to ride. Also: If the ride home is likely to be in heavy downpours, I also don't ride. I don't miss the electrical gremlins or pitted rims.

Eh2zed · « **Reply #16 on:** July 24, 2017, 06:15:39 PM »

We bought a boat 10 years ago when we were close to some fabulous boating lakes. Then we moved and the boat sat around getting very inviting to squirrels. This year I got fed up with not using it so I cleaned it up and renovated it with a new floor and had the upholstery repaired. I replaced the starter and the trim pump. Today I put everything back together.
Guess what we're doing next weekend if the weather is good?

Max Wedge · « **Reply #17 on:** July 24, 2017, 07:32:25 PM »

I was just looking at boats. I live one street over from a nice all-sports lake, and the place on the west side is great for boating. I know nothing of boats, but I'm pretty sure I am out of my mind.

radon222 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 25, 2017, 06:47:09 AM »

Quote from: Max Wedge on July 24, 2017, 07:32:25 PM

I was just looking at boats. I live one street over from a nice all-sports lake, and the place on the west side is great for boating. I know nothing of boats, but I'm pretty sure I am out of my mind.

Wanna know what I know about boats after working on and around them for ~30yrs?

I'll never own my own boat. That's what I know

Skee · « **Reply #19 on:** July 25, 2017, 09:19:05 AM »

I've heard the best 2 days in a boat owner's life are the day he buys a boat, and the day he sells it.

Max Wedge · « **Reply #20 on:** July 25, 2017, 11:02:01 AM »

Quote from: Skee on July 25, 2017, 09:19:05 AM

I've heard the best 2 days in a boat owner's life are the day he buys a boat, and the day he sells it.

I have heard that about RV's too. I've owned a couple, and I can tell that it is true,

Eh2zed · « **Reply #21 on:** July 25, 2017, 03:37:36 PM »

Boat: A hole in the water into which you throw money.

RV: A gadget used to justify the purchase of an endless list of accessories none of which are essential.

Motorcycle: A method of reducing the number of intact body parts and the number of potential life partners by providing an alternative to getting a ride home from the bar in a Porsche or similar product which is understandably rejected.

Stripes · « **Reply #22 on:** July 25, 2017, 03:44:52 PM »

Quote from: Eh2zed on July 25, 2017, 03:37:36 PM

Boat: A hole in the water into which you throw money.

BOAT stands for: Break Out Another Thousand!

Stripes · « **Reply #23 on:** July 25, 2017, 03:48:35 PM »

Quote from: Skee on July 25, 2017, 09:19:05 AM

I've heard the best 2 days in a boat owner's life are the day he buys a boat, and the day he sells it.

Only people who don't truly love boats say that!

Most people that we know, ourselves included, own at least 2 or more boats and are always searching/looking for others!

It's a sickness!

Kind of like motorcycles... How many motorcycles does someone need? Just one more!

Eh2zed · « **Reply #24 on:** May 04, 2018, 09:57:30 AM »

I need help. I found a contraption in the barn. It has no doors and the trunk appears to be split in half with something that looks like a horse saddle in the middle. There are 2 thingies that stick out. One on the left and one on the right. They have fins on them and they look like you could stand on them. My 90 year old neighbor who is a farmer says it's called a "motorcycle". Does anybody here recognize the term? He thinks it's German.

Max Wedge · « **Reply #25 on:** May 04, 2018, 10:38:47 AM »

I'll take it!

Eh2zed · « **Reply #26 on:** May 06, 2018, 03:31:17 PM »

80 miles yesterday. I used to do twice that much before breakfast. But at least I got to exercise the starter. I sure wish the timing had allowed me to make the meet this weekend but it didn't. Maybe next year.

Eh2zed · « **Reply #27 on:** August 24, 2018, 02:03:29 PM »

I got to ride in B.C.! We took the toy hauler to Montana to visit family and took the bike. From Lethbridge we rode to Creston where we grabbed a motel. The next day we rode up to Kaslo including taking a ferry across Kootenay Lake. Lunch in Kaslo was followed by a ride to New Denver then Nelson and back to Creston and a 2nd night in the same motel. The next day we rode back to Lethbridge.
Conclusion? We live in the wrong province.
PS. We got lucky as a few days later highway 3 was closed because of the forest fires.

expatbrit · « **Reply #28 on:** September 05, 2018, 09:46:29 PM »

Quote from: shil on July 20, 2017, 08:13:29 AM

I've managed less than 1000 km so far. Started with plans for a big year.
I commute only occasionally. Every time I think "I'll take the Duc!" the forecast sucks.
Had to lay 'er down in the woods and mangled the shift lever. That's kinda killed my enthusiasm.
Just not feeling it...

What's this about a boat?

If only I had a commute!! wait... telecom,uting is good, yes?

Eh2zed · « **Reply #29 on:** July 14, 2019, 07:57:36 AM »

Okay so it's 2 years down the road and I rarely ride. Since the twisties of central Florida in February I've ridden the bike 3 times. And now the damned back brake isn't working.
I'm going to sell it.
Now what?..............

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #30 on:** July 14, 2019, 08:31:37 AM »

I guess the question is: What are you doing instead of riding? Maybe your interests have just shifted, which is completely understandable.

Personally, I don't go out much for little day/ half-day rides like I used to, but I'm still using the bike for longer holidays and trips. It works out well for me

Eh2zed · « **Reply #31 on:** July 14, 2019, 07:22:03 PM »

Hi Colleen. Are you still across the pond? I've been off the board so long I can barely remember who is who and where people live. It looks to me like most of the GTA bunch have migrated away except for Shil and Jimmy. My last big ride with them was to Staunton in 2017 ( I think ). I tried to get to the spring meet but it just didn't line up with scheduling. I'm hoping for Marietta but......
I take the bike to Florida every winter for a few weeks but the riding there mostly sucks. And we haven't had time for NC/TN/WV and such. But maybe later this season since I have a new ride as of today. The R11s lost the rear brake last weekend and the fix is around ten million dollars so I'm selling it. I pick up the CBF1000A on Tuesday.
Things change all the time but maybe it's just about choices. Except for not having enough time. Life is so damned short.

Flyer · « **Reply #32 on:** July 14, 2019, 07:45:47 PM »

Quote from: Eh2zed on July 14, 2019, 07:57:36 AM

Okay so it's 2 years down the road and I rarely ride. Since the twisties of central Florida in February I've ridden the bike 3 times. And now the damned back brake isn't working.
I'm going to sell it.
Now what?..............

Quitter!
My days of bombing Interstates are done.
Now, I go off in search of “Canada’s Best Buttertart”.
Or pie.
There’s always pie...

Mrs. DantesDame · « **Reply #33 on:** July 16, 2019, 03:03:29 PM »

Quote from: Eh2zed on July 14, 2019, 07:22:03 PM

Hi Colleen. Are you still across the pond?

Why yes! Yes I am!

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Eh2zed · « **Reply #34 on:** July 18, 2019, 10:01:02 AM »

Well that looks like an interesting hill behind you. The riding is probably a bit better than it is here.

And Dave if you like buttertarts you need to drop by my place for a visit. I'm 15 minutes from the 2nd best ones I've ever had. The best ones are in Lancaster Ontario which is about 2 minutes from the Quebec border so that's a bit of a hike.

Black Hills · « **Reply #35 on:** July 18, 2019, 10:12:41 AM »

I'll finally get out for a real ride (more than 1 tank of gas) for the first time this year. headed to RedLodge, MT and beartooth pass for the weekend. I'm sure it will be fun as usual.

Eh2zed · « **Reply #36 on:** July 18, 2019, 10:26:33 AM »

I have some inspiration for riding now.
This just showed up in the carport.

Eh2zed · « **Reply #37 on:** August 05, 2019, 06:19:43 AM »

Ok so the partial solution to no riding is to:
1. Retire
2. Buy another bike
3. Buy a toy hauler if you live in Boringridinglandia
4. Take the bike 2000kms away to twisty roads
5. Ride every day for 2 weeks or more

Now the entire crowd at ST-O knows. ( all 15 people )

shil · « **Reply #38 on:** August 07, 2019, 07:29:22 AM »

The Duc's been parked since early May.

zer0netgain · « **Reply #39 on:** August 07, 2019, 08:54:50 AM »

Quote from: Eh2zed on July 19, 2017, 05:35:59 PM

It's past the middle of July and I've ridden my bike TWICE! I'm a failure. I should have my membership revoked....

Don't feel bad. I'm likewise amazed.

Got dogs last year, so going for a ride means either being back in a few hours or that someone is home to mind them.
Weather hasn't been reliable most weekends when I could have gotten out to ride.
Allergies.
Big trip coming up ($$$), so I'm trying to pinch pennies to compensate for the cost.

Eh2zed · « **Reply #40 on:** September 08, 2019, 04:33:47 PM »

The BMW broke and fixing it would cost more than getting another bike.
So I went with plan B and got another bike. The upside? I’m riding a lot more.

Eh2zed · « **Reply #41 on:** April 28, 2020, 06:32:22 AM »

However...

Mr. Whippy · « **Reply #42 on:** April 28, 2020, 10:49:35 AM »

Yah.

With everything going on, I have a hard time justifying riding (higher risk) when hospital beds are at a premium. When the AM temps are in the mid 40's I'll probably start riding again regardless.

Black Hills · « **Reply #43 on:** April 28, 2020, 10:54:16 AM »

I've been riding about like normal, currently the hospital is so slow they laid people off so not concerned that I am putting anyone out if I should get injured. Hope to continue ina normal fashion, but will adjust accordingly if the situation requires it.

Baxter · « **Reply #44 on:** April 28, 2020, 11:49:05 AM »

I agree with both Black Hills and Mr. Whippy. My county and the next one over (away from Milwaukee) are at near normal hospital capacity. I'm reconsidering my decision not to ride while health resources are stressed in that light. But if that fact changes, I'll do my part by stopping riding, and I think I'll avoid Milwaukee as if I crash there I would likely be taken to a hospital that is under stress.

And the orders in Wisconsin change tomorrow to allow recreational vehicles to be rented. This implies that non-essential travel should be ok.

But as of this minute that's only a theoretical possibility. I caught a spring cold about 5 1/2 weeks ago. The major symptoms went away after two weeks, but severe post-nasal drip continued for the next three. I'd get occasional coughing spells that would be bad news while riding. I finally got fed up waiting for my immune system to kick into high gear and clear this and consulted the docs, who gave me a z-pack. It seems to be working. Maybe I'll get out there by the weekend.

Skee · « **Reply #45 on:** May 18, 2020, 08:09:55 AM »

Happy Victoria Day, Canada. Anyone riding today?

garry · « **Reply #46 on:** May 18, 2020, 08:55:22 AM »

Quote from: Skee on May 18, 2020, 08:09:55 AM

Happy Victoria Day, Canada. Anyone riding today?

I have to deliver a laptop to my intern that is starting work today. He worked for me last summer and will work remotely all summer from home. That makes for a nice 3 hour ride (round trip) on scenic rural highways for me.

EDIT: But I'm not in Canada

jimmy · « **Reply #47 on:** May 18, 2020, 04:15:11 PM »

Nope. Weather is pretty lousy today.

If the rain had held off, I had a nice 30 mile gravel ride planned (bicycle).

Flyer · « **Reply #48 on:** May 19, 2020, 04:37:00 PM »

Quote from: garry on May 18, 2020, 08:55:22 AM

Quote from: Skee on May 18, 2020, 08:09:55 AM
Happy Victoria Day, Canada. Anyone riding today?
But I'm not in Canada

There is a cure for that.

Did 30 miles on the ‘cross bike today, and 50 on the Duc, Saturday past before the Deluge hit.

We can’t seem to string 48 hrs. of nice weather together

Eh2zed · « **Reply #49 on:** July 10, 2020, 09:44:07 PM »

So we had to bug out early from Florida due to the virus so there wasn't much riding down there. When we came home I had lots of time so I tried fixing the BMW and succeeded. Now I have the R11S and the CBF1000 and am riding a bit. Unfortunately we weren't able to do our usual stopover in Maggie Valley and ride the fabulous roads around there.
So it's ride the local mostly boring roads around here that I've ridden a hundred times. The fun part is that I can ride the BMW in the morning and the CBF in the afternoon and appreciate the subtle differences between the two.
The BMW is more fun in the twisties because it's more flickable but the Honda has more grunt and that is a bit weird. They both make 98 HP. The CBF has a much smoother gearbox though. I rarely use the clutch on the upshifts because it just slides so easily into the next cog. It's also nice to have a fuel gauge on the CBF. The BMW sounds pretty good but the CBF has Leo Vince mufflers and they sound terrific.
So if I had to pick my favourite........

Nope. Can't do it.