Today marks the unofficial mid-point of the summer riding season here on the upper half of the globe. For myself, having two little girls in my life requires apportioning my time between family and other interests, so I'm as guilty as anyone of not getting dedicated seat time.
I've only managed to accomplished local two- or three-hour runs on my two bikes in the stable along with various shorter test rides. Every season I like to plan at least three day-rides in the Driftless Area of southwest Wisconsin. I trailer the two hours there and back, so as to avoid that additional four hours of boring to-and-from, plus the trip back home is usually in the dark — dodging suicidal deer is just no fun.
I'm looking forward to a multi-day trip in September to the northern Blue Ridge mountains, but I no longer have a dedicated touring bike, so longer motorcycle trips are likely behind me at this point.
But Iron Butt rides are not required to be a motorcyclist — just gear up and do it. A good burger and malt at that drive-in two hours away is a great excuse for a half-day ride. Going for coffee on the town square in East Troy, Wisconsin puts 100 miles on my odometer. Talk a friend into a local ride for lunch…and take the long way home. Always take the long way home.
We all know that feeling when the magic button is pushed, the engine bursting into sound, the bike coming to life. The anticipation of a backroad ride on two wheels is a unique personal adventure. Find the time.
I've only managed to accomplished local two- or three-hour runs on my two bikes in the stable along with various shorter test rides. Every season I like to plan at least three day-rides in the Driftless Area of southwest Wisconsin. I trailer the two hours there and back, so as to avoid that additional four hours of boring to-and-from, plus the trip back home is usually in the dark — dodging suicidal deer is just no fun.
I'm looking forward to a multi-day trip in September to the northern Blue Ridge mountains, but I no longer have a dedicated touring bike, so longer motorcycle trips are likely behind me at this point.
But Iron Butt rides are not required to be a motorcyclist — just gear up and do it. A good burger and malt at that drive-in two hours away is a great excuse for a half-day ride. Going for coffee on the town square in East Troy, Wisconsin puts 100 miles on my odometer. Talk a friend into a local ride for lunch…and take the long way home. Always take the long way home.
We all know that feeling when the magic button is pushed, the engine bursting into sound, the bike coming to life. The anticipation of a backroad ride on two wheels is a unique personal adventure. Find the time.
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