Monday, May 17, 2010

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Rain Date

All I can say is, some times it is the shitty things in life that seems to create the largest imprints upon our memories. For the last several years I seem to remember that the ride home from Hippy's place in Brantford, ( HIPS CYCLE ) after my annual "Spring Tune Up" has almost always been some of the crappiest weather that I usually experience through out the whole year, and yesterday was no exception to the rule. Nasty Nasty weather, for a ride ! Although I have ridden through worse, it was still Nasty shit. So just a reminder to some of my Brothers and Sisters out riding this time of year, remember to tie on some rain gear and a change of glasses for that ever changing Spring weather. Be prepared for delays and inpromto stops along your journey.I will often wear a hankerchif around my neck that I can quickly pull up around my face for when those pelting stinging raindrops start falling down and even then you won't be heavily protected from the pellets of hale that can feel like bullets hitting your face or any other exposed skin that you may have. A good rain tire on your bike to start the year is a wise choice too. I personally like to ride with a low derometer (softer) compound tire like Metzler. Although I may not get alot of mileage off a set of tires in a year, I find Metzler's give me the most stability in wet road surface conditions. Give yourself lots of what I call "living room" between yourself and other vehicles around you as for guys like me with only single disc brakes, it can take a little more distance before you come to a complete stop. Hopefully upright ! Anyways Keep the shiny side up and the slippery side down, be prepared for the worst and you will get the most. But most importantly HAVE FUN.

RIDER 88' s Editor and founder

Mark T. Davidson / A.K.A. Harley

"Ride it Like You Stole it"