10,000+ Bugs, 300 Miles and 2 Birds

This is the time of the year when a ride up North from Phoenix yields a reward, one in the form of cool temperatures and the occasional refreshing rain. It of course can also throw a good Monsoon at you as well, so the prepared rider is ready for it all.

This of course is in stark contrast to what many think when they envision Arizona but the fact of the matter is that on Sunday I left 90º in Mesa with a few other riders to enjoy 64º in Sedona just a few hours later.

One side effect of the rain we are getting this year is of course bugs and in my 11 years in Arizona this summer seems to have delivered more bugs than I have seen before. Of course Spring still takes the cake, but bug are bug, so no matter when you get them you eventually have to clean them. Well, I do at least!

Along with my bug population control this weekend I also had one of the most aggressive hits from a bird that I can remember in recent history, so much so I had to clean my helmet visor and the guy behind me almost got blow back.

Ah well, it was an awesome ride and the time in the cool weather up North made the 110º easier to handle as I rolled into home.

Rain, Rain, Go AWAY!

Man, this is seriously getting old. I mean cold is one thing, but cold and wet really sucks.

It is not that I can't ride in the rain, or gear up for the cold, but when I just want to take a short little 200 mile ride for some coffee or something I don't want the hassle.

The good news is that I'm saving up tire wear for the miles I'll be racking up when it gets warmer. As the folks who came to the Super Bowl found out it does get chilly here, sure nothing the likes of the East Coast, but it is a dry cold...right!

Well, tomorrow I'm gonna take a trip to check out a new dyno and tech center, so be sure to check in and you will see the details here.

Till then, stay warm and dry!

Again With The Blaaa

Yea, that's my mountain again, well half of it. The other half is
hidden in haze!

Yesterday I rode around in some drizzle, but if I don't have anywhere
to go riding in the rain doesn't really hold much appeal. It is OK and
all that, just not what I was looking for today.

Oh well, tomorrow I am off for Vegas!

Just A Little Spitting Rain

Sometimes you have to deal with rain and sometimes you don't. But a
little spitting rain makes things interesting. Additionally the threat
of rain scares all but the real riders away.

I had to get out today just tpm make sure I got a ride in. It was just
60 miles or so, just enough to satisfy the addiction and tide me over
for the week ahead.

Make sure to watch asvu check out the cool stuff at CES. If luck hold
I'll get one more ride tomorrow before I am Vegas bound!

Yuck!

Ok, so as much as I don't mind riding on the rain, it can kill a group
ride.

So, my day looks dark...if only I had a waterproof video camera....Hmmmm......

Riding and Rain

"If want to cure your fear of rain, take a trip across the US, that will solve the issue!"

That's what I said to a friend tonight when he commented that he didn't like riding in rain.



Rain strikes fear into the hearts of many riders, you and old and also those will little to a lot of experience. The real key to conquering the fear really comes down to simply riding in the rain. Lucky for me I got caught in a downpour very early in my riding career and although I will admit that riding in sunshine is much better, I will not hesitate to jump on a bike (properly prepared of course) and head out into the rain. I've had full 11 hour days in the rain. Once you understand your gear, it is really quite refreshing.

So, the next time you are worried about rain, jump on your bike, take it easy and take a ride around the block. You'll find it is not that big a deal and before you know it, you will be a rain rider as well.