The sun has set on another season of riding for me. It seemed like such a short season and it was shorter than the last few for sure. Today it ended with a last ride to the local gas bar to fill up the tank ...
Then to the carwash to wipe away the season's grime.
And finally ... I motored into the parking lot to meet the rest of toys waiting to be put to bed.
I don't have the luxury of a secure garage or the mechanical knowledge (or ambition) to winterize a motorcycle and maintain it properly in hibernation, so I leave it to the experts ... "I've got a 'guy' for that." Actually, it's a small crew of 'guys' at
K-Tec Moto Services, Kingston. Ross and his crew have been looking after my bike(s) for several years now. It's a place where everybody knows your name, and I like that. (That's Ross coming out to greet us.)
As the sun went down to end another riding season I reflected on this moto-year. It was, as always a great ride ... reconnecting with friends, enduring storms and exploring new places. I have lost some friends and have been fortunate to gain some friends.
Here's hoping when the snow melts there will be a new journey awaiting. Sweet dreams ... Star.
Didn't realize there's outfits like K-Tec Moto....slightly bummed the riding season has ended for you this year. Old Man Winter is rumored near us here in Colorado....
ReplyDeleteWhen you're not mechanical it's reassuring to have a mechanic you trust. The weather... don't get me going about the weather. +8C here today with sun, tomorrow +20 with rain and Friday, possibly snow - what the 'firetruck' is going on! Enjoy your last days of autumn and riding.
ReplyDeleteIt will be sort of coming to end for me, I will studying most of the winter and learning motorcycle instruction techniques. I will have a few opportunities in November and December to ride the school's bikes, but it will all be parking lot practice sessions. Hope you don't get too much parked motorcycle syndrome.
ReplyDeleteDar, good luck with your studies and your new adventure for 2015.
DeleteNow that's a sad sight!
ReplyDeleteI feel for you - I couldn't do it. Lucky to be able to ride year round here (if you don't mind pouring rain and the odd frost).
Andrew it just isn't an option here so I've decided to be happy for the rest. Enjoy your continued season.
DeleteSad, to have to put the bike away. At least when the ground is covered in that cold, wet, white stuff you still have the pictures from the riding season you can go back and look at.
ReplyDeleteAZHD that's exactly what all the pictures are for ... day dream believing!
DeleteThe end of the riding season certainly does come as a let down. That doesn't mean that there aren't compensating joys on the horizon though. It's certainly nice to have secure reliable storage for your Star.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely David and getting there without a truck is always the best part (I've haven't had to truck it yet!)
DeleteI did get out for a brief ride the other day but I think I'm now done as well.Let's hope for a short winter and an early start to the season next year.
ReplyDeleteHere's too an early spring and good health to enjoy it!
DeleteKaren, I wil do the same with my Sporty when season officially ends (insurance runs out in November. Then it goes into the shop where it gets the TLC that I can't give it over winter, a heated garage, hooked on a battery tender, and an inspection when hibernation is over.
ReplyDeleteSonja, my insurance is all year but only really covers 'riding' from April through October. After that they expect it's been put away for the winter. My guys do the same ... provide space, heat, battery maintenance and service in the spring though this spring I'll be expecting to pay a bit more as I need a new windscreen and rear tire.
DeleteKind of sad....
ReplyDeleteThis was th main reason why I looked into hanging a sidecar off of the Beemer.
Richard you are so much 'tougher' than I. Even with the heat on, the last few rides I had to whine about the cold fingers. Just don't think I could do my winter let alone yours!!! I will just have to live the winter riding through you (in front of my nice, warm wood fire.) I'm watching.
DeleteJust think of all the planning for next year you can do while snuggled up with a cup of hot cocoa on those cold winter days.
ReplyDeleteLots of time for sure and with Bob gone I will have to make a whole new plan ... but left on my own, I always leave it to the last few days.
DeleteAll in all, you've had a good season it would seem and up here we know they end. As excited as I get about stretching the season, I actually do look forward to giving them and this part of my passion a rest. Books are piled up, some writing that I've been putting off needs attention, repairs need to be made. I'm ready or soon will be for the transition, hope you are too Karen!
ReplyDeleteI am Coop. As much as I love the ride - the whole season long I worry about the end and making it to storage before the snow flies. The stress is over (even if I do miss a last pristine day or two like today.) Now I can sit back and anticipate spring. (Crap, now I have to worry about how rusty my riding skills are becoming and will I drop it before I get out of the parking lot at KTec in the spring.) =0D
DeleteHope you had a great season! Here's looking forward to next year..
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathleen, nice to hear from you. Here's to next year ...
ReplyDeleteAt least your baby will have good company! LOL
ReplyDeleteShe/He will sleep and dreams of roads to come...
Deb, for sure, she is definitely in good company...so glad you stopped by.
ReplyDelete