Last ride for 2009

weekendrider · Posted: December 8, 2009, 1:45 pm Post subject: Last ride for 2009

At least the last organized ride. Dec. 6 2009 Springfield, MO Toys for Tots.
The morning started at 26º, overcast with a slight breeze. The type of morning you can only really enjoy from the inside. Out to the shop to do a few things, top off the tank, changed the fuel filter, cleaned the varnish of the mix screw. By 11 the clouds are thinning and the temp is up to 34º.
Things are looking up, time to get the "outfit" ready, liner in the coat, gauntlent gloves, bring the helments and leathers in to warm, pack the toys in the bags. The sun has come out and the breeze feels warmer, but wetter. The ride meet up is 30 miles away and leaves at 2pm so we had better get around. Surprizingly we are "comfortable" riding in. The leathers are blocking the wind, heavy boots and scarfs are keeping the air out on both ends and with the cool air the motor is feeling frisky(and I younger). Riders already on the hiway were being joined by others coming from woods. When we rolled into the parkinglot our group of 1 had grown to 9. The parking lot was a sea of bikes, people enjoying the sun, bikes and exchanging greetings with folks you probably only see at such things. The "ride"starts and it is a good five minutes before we actually get on the road. By then we can't see the front of the line, just a line of bikes 2X for a good mile or better and we are in the middle! The ride finished at an elementary school and parking is becoming a premium, 3 blocks of bikes on both sides backed into the curb and a full parking lot. The sun is still out, the wind is colder , a grey bank of clouds is out to the west coming fast. The line to turn in toys is already around the building corner so we decide to look at bikes first, then hit the grub line. Cruised the parking lot and headed down the street, the clouds are on top of us now, the wind decidedly colder. Then we heard it first, hitting the leather with a nasty slap and stinging your face. SLEET!! Crraapppp!
While it bounced off the leathers it had no problem melting and staying on the seats. By the time we had gotten back to the bike, I say screw the line and take the toys to the Marines truck around back. The little bride is getting the bike ready. Uh-oh word is out 400+ bikes are heading out at a speed/urgency driven by the thought that things can get bad here fast.
Anyway here is a couple of pics and links to the news stories.

www.ky3.com/home/video...50947.html

www.ky3.com/home/video...84212.html

yamaman · Posted: December 8, 2009, 2:32 pm Post subject: Re: Last ride for 2009

Nice one brother Cool

despecial · Posted: December 8, 2009, 5:31 pm Post subject: Re: Last ride for 2009

- gamsstein 2009...1st weekend in december...tirol, austria...in the alps south of münchen

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xsjohn · Posted: December 8, 2009, 8:24 pm Post subject: Re: Last ride for 2009

Heilige Scheiße.......I'll never complain about cold weather riding again.....

xsjohn

blue900 · Posted: December 9, 2009, 12:42 am Post subject: Re: Last ride for 2009

Toys for tots ride would be a great way to end the season.

I guess I need to start looking for a side car, then I could ride my bike Snowboarding or take it winter camping! That's amazing! The riding season would not need to end.

despecial · Posted: December 9, 2009, 2:08 am Post subject: Re: Last ride for 2009

- actually john, thanks to global warming, this years winter programme is being shortened Laughing

Rick_in_PDX · Posted: December 9, 2009, 2:42 am Post subject: Re: Last ride for 2009

myg/f has a ural with a sidecar....... huge fun!......... and the hack is a blast to ride also..... toys for tots is a must do ride! well done bro

pumps · Posted: December 10, 2009, 1:39 am Post subject: Re: Last ride for 2009

You guys did a great thing.

What Happened to 650rider.com?

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