Well, it feels that way, given that we haven't had a blizzard in quite some time. January has been a lot less snowy than the previous, record-breaking month. Sometimes it wears on you to face the cold snow and ice. I've used several hundred pounds of salt/ice melt on the driveway and it's still patchy with ice.
Last night we huddled at our local tavern for liquid cheer and to bask in the warm friendships that have developed in our little biker club. We are an odd assortment of middle-aged folk with the love of motorcycling as our primary raison d'etre. We can look past our differences and focus on the things that bring us together as a group. It's a mutual respect thing or recognizing that thing in each other that you have in common.
Our plans for Sturgis move forward. Now we are four and others have inquired about joining us for this adventure. It's open to all but small groups ride more efficently than large groups. Multiply two kidneys by the number of riders and you'll know what I mean. More riders means more stops for gas, pee breaks, food, aches, pains, etc.
I need to start shopping for a new seat soon as I have more or less resolved that I will be riding the VTX to Sturgis. So, I'll need to upgrade the stock unit, add a light bar and figure out what I can do about the crappy Honda side bags. It would be nice to have water-tight and lockable hard bags, like on the VFR. Does anyone make such an animal for the VTX 1300??? I'll need to peruse J&P Cycle and other catalogs.
The motorcycling "wish" book arrived in the mail a week, or so, ago. Of course, I am referring to the Rider Wearhouse catalog from Aerostitch, Duluth, MN. In it you will find hundreds of items you "must have" to start the season right. Excellent timing. I've already dog-eared a few pages and am saving the book for serious trip planning.
In a future post, I'll provide a gear checklist. Kenny B. sent me his and I have seen many others in the past few years. My challenge will be to travel light versus the desire to bring all the comforts of home along. Only so much room and only so many bungee cords!
Gotta go to work now. But it's Friday so it's mental dress down day. Let me clean up all the junk that accumulated in my absence yesterday, make it home, plop in front of a nice fire and kick back for a couple of days.
I hope you are all well and thinking warm thoughts. Spring is just around the corner...
Joe Rocket
