Is it Spring Yet?

[crowtdog]

It’s been 3 weeks since I got to ride and I’m having withdrawal symptoms. But the bike is ready.

Got my winter Strom projects complete already. 2 new tires on, TBS adjusted, valve clearance checked and fuel injector wiring checked.

Pictured is the new dual element front turn signal conversion, “Backoff” LED license plate frame, my surround sound triple horn system and the new Cortech sport bags.

Now with any luck, it’ll only be about 7 weeks before I get to try it all out.

Guess I have time to go work on my taxes.:sad:

[BHazz]

Hey Crowtdog,

7 weeks - Too long for me. Consider today, 38 to 40 degrees, I cruised for about 1 1/2 hours around CT - very nice ride.

Wait for a nice day and take that baby for a spin. It really helps with those withdrawl symptoms!

[VtSTROM-K5]

Considered today , High of 14deg.:(
So I started the Kero Heater in the garage brought temp to 50 and did : TPS. Air filter , Fished wire for the Hot Grips & did Chain cleaning & Lube & fabricated New Horn Mount (Didn't install yet though:confused:.)
:)I cant wait for a couple 40 degree days:)

[water warrior]

Bike has been parked since Oct 22nd. PMS big time.

[WeThereYet]

Bike has been parked since Oct 22nd. PMS big time.

What shape are the roads in up there WW? How about the Sea to Sky as far as Whistler? Did you pull your bike off the road? No point riding up there for coffee if your grounded!

[BHazz]

Considered today , High of 14deg...)

14 deg - that is quite chilly but I know that very little stops you from riding.

I have a limited choice in riding. I sold my bike to my son and basically ride all year except for when weather conditions are dangerous (snow, ice, single-digit temps.) Then, I rely on my wife or daughter for rides to and from work. I only have 1 1/2 mi. to work so it's not that bad.

One item that really helps in the cold is one of those thin nylon windbreakers. Wearing one under your jacket stops the wind from penetrating so deeply.

[crowtdog]

Hey Crowtdog,

Wait for a nice day and take that baby for a spin. It really helps with those withdrawl symptoms!


The thing is that at this point I need several nice days in a row. I live in a "hollow". The road I live on follows a small stream with large hills on either side. The issue is lack of sunlight.

Though we don't have squat for snow yet (we are over 30" below average right now), we have been getting lake effect snow flurries several days a week. Right now my road and driveway are a icy, sandy mess.

But I can be ready at a moments notice. I just have to throw the battery back in and I'm good to go. Though realistically I still don't see it happening until mid March. But then again, I never would have guessed I would be riding in early January either.

[BHazz]

The thing is that at this point I need several nice days in a row. I live in a "hollow"...

Ah! I see your problem. If you start getting the "shakes" from withdrawl, try watching one of our videos. It just might settle you down until Spring.

It does seem that most, if not all, the NE Stromtroopers ride whenever possible and a bit beyond. They are all quite mad!

Was JohnS. doing our first trip (Finger Lakes) this spring. We need something to dream about.

[VtSTROM-K5]

BHazz Your correct about what it takes for me to say "Not the Bike" . :)
But ,I have a simmilar condition's at the house to crowtdog, Verry icy under the little bitt of snow. Also it seems the Cage Drivers tend to forget how to drive in snow / cold! Every freekin summer they wipe out the skills memory !
I swear they all suffer short term Winter driving skills loss every time the 1st snow starts to fall they have to re-learn .. Example a Honda civic fastback 2 dr only needs 1/2 of its lane in spring summer driving conditions ...
1/2 " of snow on the road and the same civic now needs all of his/her lane & 1/3 of your lane ..:mad: " OOPS!! UMMm the cars skidding out of control" .....I'll have to call you back....."CRASH".. Cue sounds of fire /rescue vehicles . "STUPID IDIOT" what the hell's he doing riding a motorcycle in this weather.:confused:....Mam ,Mam , your lucky to be alive ! Was this his fault..Do you have a cell phone? You should call a Lawyer. :???:

[randyo]

it was mid 20's yesterday, and a gorgeous sunny day

thanks to heated grips & gerbings, I went out for a hundred miles or so in NH lakes region

I hope weather is as good for next sundays Kanc ride :mrgreen:

[BHazz]

... Example a Honda civic fastback 2 dr only needs 1/2 of its lane in spring summer driving conditions ...
1/2 " of snow on the road and the same civic now needs all of his/her lane & 1/3 of your lane ..:mad: " OOPS!! UMMm the cars skidding out of control" .....I'll have to call you back....."CRASH".. Cue sounds of fire /rescue vehicles . "STUPID IDIOT" what the hell's he doing riding a motorcycle in this weather.:confused:....Mam ,Mam , your lucky to be alive ! Was this his fault..Do you have a cell phone? You should call a Lawyer. :???:


Funny stuff Jack. I laugh everytime I read it.

[Clyde]

28 deg. this morning in sunny north Florida... must be global warming!!!

Clyde

[VtSTROM-K5]

Funny stuff Jack. I laugh everytime I read it.

I know what your saying I was kinda laughin too as I peck'd it out :)
But I had the above vehicle slide past me last thursday while I was drivin the Tacoma to work and Yes, she was on the cell as she slid thru the corner just missing myself and the truck behind me ( His was a 10 wheeler) ..the outcome was better than the scenario she was just banged up and the civic will need some physical rehab. and new makeup:-D

[water warrior]

WeThereYet, the roads are decent to Squamish but I haven't been North to Whistler in a while. Should be pretty good now but the temps keep me in the cage for running around. Need a warming trend to set in so I can work in the Bat Cave to install heated grips, handguards and a bunch of other stuff collected over the past few months. Can't do the freezing hands thing anymore. Sure wish I could shoehorn the Wee into the apartment and do stuff.
Anytime is a good time for coffee if you want to brave the weather. A bunch of heated gear would make it a good ride.

[WeThereYet]

.
Anytime is a good time for coffee if you want to brave the weather. A bunch of heated gear would make it a good ride.

Thanks for the update WW. Really looking forward to it. Haven't taken a ferry for coffee before. Ah the joys of Stromhood.

[water warrior]

Your bike will love the ferry ride too. Went to the Sunshine Coast last summer and quite enjoyed the whole thing. If you can manage the time to get to ride to Lillooeet you will realy have a ball. Nice twisties and scenery all the way. Also a decent lower cost motel in Lil.

[BHazz]

I know what your saying I was kinda laughin too as I peck'd it out :)
But I had the above vehicle slide past me last thursday ...:-D

I didn't realize that it actually happenned to you. I wouldn't have considered it quite so funny. Although, you do have a way of telling stories that makes me laugh.

Glak you OK!

[WeThereYet]

Your bike will love the ferry ride too. Went to the Sunshine Coast last summer and quite enjoyed the whole thing. If you can manage the time to get to ride to Lillooeet you will realy have a ball. Nice twisties and scenery all the way. Also a decent lower cost motel in Lil.

I hear you WW. Bike's been on the ferry alot. The only way to travel on it. First on, first off, get there five minutes before loading and you're on. The only issue I have is the $30.00 fee, as they can get five bikes in the space of 1 car. But if it gets me in the chow line first, I'm OK with it. I go to the mainland alot. Visit kin in Chilliwack, Abby airshow, etc. A Wee riding buddy and I did the Duffy lake loop last year on what had to be the hottest day of the year. An absolutely wonderful trip with great scenery. Will be doing it again. Looking forward to getting up yur way for a cuppa! :D

[VtSTROM-K5]

I didn't realize that it actually happenned to you. I wouldn't have considered it quite so funny. Although, you do have a way of telling stories that makes me laugh.

Glak you OK!
Bruce its ok I was laughin at it myself ...:) afterwards:rolleyes:
I don't tend to take things too seriously anymore ( OK, I never Have) and the young lady in the civic wasn't hurt to much but .....(.I Know this was NOT the first thing I would have thought about) Her cell phone was dammaged in the accident too...:o
OH MY GAWWWD!!

[joyous7]

Hi there,

I just bought a bike exactly like yours...same color and all. You have awesome taste!! lol
Anyway, I really like those soft pack bags. How do you like them?

Joyous

It’s been 3 weeks since I got to ride and I’m having withdrawal symptoms. But the bike is ready.

Got my winter Strom projects complete already. 2 new tires on, TBS adjusted, valve clearance checked and fuel injector wiring checked.

Pictured is the new dual element front turn signal conversion, “Backoff” LED license plate frame, my surround sound triple horn system and the new Cortech sport bags.

Now with any luck, it’ll only be about 7 weeks before I get to try it all out.

Guess I have time to go work on my taxes.:sad:

[crowtdog]

I just bought a bike exactly like yours...same color and all. You have awesome taste!! lol
Anyway, I really like those soft pack bags. How do you like them?




The bags are good quality and fit well. On the small side but should be all I need to supplement my Chase Harper deluxe hideaway tail bag (which I also think highly of)

[dmf109]

Well, the fat rat didn't see its shadow, so early spring (yeah, right).

I still can't believe that the day I buy my new bike the warm weather ended! :confused:

[crowtdog]

Dan, Sweet new bike. You should be riding that one. Nice frozen ground and not too much snow. Wish I still had my KDX220. I'd be making the snowmodilers in my area jealous.

[dmf109]

I've been thinking about it, believe me! But there's lots of ice around here. It'd be a shame to stud those nice new tires. But I'm getting desparate, so maybe I will.

[jackpiner57]

I've been thinking about it, believe me! But there's lots of ice around here. It'd be a shame to stud those nice new tires. But I'm getting desparate, so maybe I will.

Dan, If I were you, ( rich and single):) I'd get a set of Trelleborg studded tires. You can swap over to your regular knobbies in the spring. They're spensive, but worth it. They should last you 2 or 3 seasons if you don't ride it like a Ditch Witch.

Check out the new Best Grip studs too. They're removable to use again!

http://www.werproducts.net/

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/front.jpg

Rear tire
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/rear.jpg

[BHazz]

Well, the fat rat didn't see its shadow, so early spring (yeah, right).

I still can't believe that the day I buy my new bike the warm weather ended! :confused:

Hey Dan,
Did you really buy a new bike and if yes, what did you buy?

[dmf109]

Dan, If I were you, ( rich and single) Well, you got the single part right. Hear that ladies? ;)

Hey Dan,
Did you really buy a new bike and if yes, what did you buy?

Hey Bruce. I bought this:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l224/dmf109/Stuff/WR250F_blu_1.jpg

2006 Yamaha WR250F. I've been dying to do more offroad riding with a real dirtbike, versus the DR350 I had. I'm very close to caving in and buying those tires Tom posted so that I can hit a few frozen ponds in the area.

[BHazz]

Well, you got the single part right. Hear that ladies? ;)



Hey Bruce. I bought this:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l224/dmf109/Stuff/WR250F_blu_1.jpg

2006 Yamaha WR250F. ....
Very nice, for a young man like yourself. It looks like a whole lot of fun!! I don't think that my knee could take the pounding any longer.

[tmcgee]

I'm very close to caving in and buying those tires Tom posted so that I can hit a few frozen ponds in the area.

Those tires are scary!

[VtSTROM-K5]

Dan what did you end up doing with the DR?:rolleyes:

[dmf109]

Dan what did you end up doing with the DR?:rolleyes:

Gave it to a buddy of mine. It was a great all around bike (actually pretty good for riding around town) but for dirt only it was too heavy and the suspension wasn't that great.

Still going to host a spring Strom maintenance day?

[VtSTROM-K5]

Gave it to a buddy of mine. It was a great all around bike (actually pretty good for riding around town) but for dirt only it was too heavy and the suspension wasn't that great.

Still going to host a spring Strom maintenance day?


Hell Yeah! & I can't wait to be able to ride again.....this Snow $^!# is for the Christmas and thats over!!!:mad:
Lets get the temps back into the 40's at least:-D

[jackpiner57]

Those tires are scary!

No Tom, THESE are scary!

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/Icespikes.jpg

:D

[jackpiner57]

Well, you got the single part right. Hear that ladies? ;)



Hey Bruce. I bought this:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l224/dmf109/Stuff/WR250F_blu_1.jpg

2006 Yamaha WR250F. I've been dying to do more offroad riding with a real dirtbike, versus the DR350 I had. I'm very close to caving in and buying those tires Tom posted so that I can hit a few frozen ponds in the area.

Nice bike Dan! But, We all know the 2-strokes are superior in the woods. As a good riding buddy, I would be willing to trade MY bike for yours. Let me know, I wouldn't make this offer to just anyone you know.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/kdx200_studio.jpg



OK, so it doesn't look anywhere near that good. I broke mine in for you free of charge!

[tmcgee]

No Tom, THESE are scary!


....now I'm gonna have nightmares.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Nice bike Dan! But, We all know the 2-strokes are superior in the woods. As a good riding buddy, I would be willing to trade MY bike for yours. Let me know, I wouldn't make this offer to just anyone you know.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/kdx200_studio.jpg



OK, so it doesn't look anywhere near that good. I broke mine in for you free of charge!

Are a Piece of work!!:-D
I am in awe of Your selfless GINERoscity:???:
Why, Dan's lukky to have a friend such as(s) you ///

How and where the hell have You been??

[dmf109]

Hey, Wasted Spark, sounds like a good deal! I've been tempted in past rides to switch keys with that 650 of yours too :rolleyes:.

Hey, I think we should plan a real adventure ride for this spring- something to make all those smug BMW GS riders jealous. A ride that brings world wide attention!

[joyous7]

Hey there,

I need some advice on a good bike to be looking for in order to do some off road. Not really up on bikes that would be good for this...so all info will be appreciated.

Joyous

[jackpiner57]

Are a Piece of work!!:-D
I am in awe of Your selfless GINERoscity:???:
Why, Dan's lukky to have a friend such as(s) you ///

How and where the hell have You been??

Hey Jack, I've been good! How bout you? I am starting to get busy and should be right through spring, summer, fall and the Atlantic Maritimes ride.:(
Please talk to Dan and tell him what a great deal I'm offering.:D

[jackpiner57]

Hey, Wasted Spark, sounds like a good deal! I've been tempted in past rides to switch keys with that 650 of yours too :rolleyes:.

Hey, I think we should plan a real adventure ride for this spring- something to make all those smug BMW GS riders jealous. A ride that brings world wide attention!

Dan, I'll meet you next saturday night at the Black Dog Pub for all the Guinness you can drink. I'm buying!!!

Please bring both titles with you. See you there!:D




P.S. I have just the place for that ride. It will wreck our bikes!:D

[jackpiner57]

....now I'm gonna have nightmares.

Tom, Have you had that nightmare about being in the ice race and getting the holeshot only to go down in the first turn with 20 competitors coming at you?

I have. It was like going through a sausage grinder.

Then they had to use Zircon encrusted tweezers to get the spikes out! I woke up in a field of dental floss somewhere in Montana. My wife tried to interpret that one and came to the conclusion that I'm truly MAD.

Sleep well!:D

[jackpiner57]

Well, the fat rat didn't see its shadow, so early spring (yeah, right).

I still can't believe that the day I buy my new bike the warm weather ended! :confused:

Damn! I forgot about Woodchuck Day! I've gotten one every year for the past 6 years. My string has been broken.:(

Maybe that's why my barometer froze up. I'm gonna bring it inside tomorrow.

[tmcgee]

Tom, Have you had that nightmare about being in the ice race and getting the holeshot only to go down in the first turn with 20 competitors coming at you?

I have. It was like going through a sausage grinder.

Then they had to use Zircon encrusted tweezers to get the spikes out! I woke up in a field of dental floss somewhere in Montana. My wife tried to interpret that one and came to the conclusion that I'm truly MAD.

Sleep well!:D

Better to ride all aong the borderline...

[water warrior]

Stupid ground hogs. All the Canadian rats said Spring was on the way, too bad they didn't check the weather forecast first.

[dmf109]

Dan, I'll meet you next saturday night at the Black Dog Pub for all the Guinness you can drink. I'm buying!!!

Please bring both titles with you. See you there!:D




P.S. I have just the place for that ride. It will wreck our bikes!:D

Tom, you have a deal! You'll have to take an IOU on my first born, if you decide you want that too. But I'm good for it! Or just bring a VT lasse and we can do a lay-away.

[RedAnt]

I don't know Dan, the problem with your new bike is that it needs one of those darn trailer/truck things to take it out on dates.

Not that I want to drive a few hours on it but at least a DRZ400S can drive too the woods!

Looks like you'll be getting muddy in the spring. I'd love to try and keep up with you sometime. My DRZ hasn't gotten much attention since I bought the Wee in August. Keep in touch after the big melt occurs.

[dmf109]

I don't know Dan, the problem with your new bike is that it needs one of those darn trailer/truck things to take it out on dates.

Not that I want to drive a few hours on it but at least a DRZ400S can drive too the woods!

Looks like you'll be getting muddy in the spring. I'd love to try and keep up with you sometime. My DRZ hasn't gotten much attention since I bought the Wee in August. Keep in touch after the big melt occurs.

Hey, he LIVES! Where ya been Rob?

My Yamaha is actually street legal and registered. I've got a swivel mirror and a clown horn on it. I definitely do not plan on any serious travel with it, but I went this route in order to make it easy to get from trail to trail. My next purchase will either be a trailer or a pickup truck. In the mean time, I have it at a friends house who lives right on a nice trail entrance.

So, any dirt rides you want to do, let me know. Also, check out Merrimack Valley Trail Riders. I'm going to catch their meeting tonight over at Freedom Cycle at 7:00. I also plan to take the 'Strom to their ride this June. Sounds like fun.

[jackpiner57]

Tom, you have a deal! You'll have to take an IOU on my first born, if you decide you want that too. But I'm good for it! Or just bring a VT lasse and we can do a lay-away.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/yelrotflmao.gif

[jackpiner57]

I don't know Dan, the problem with your new bike is that it needs one of those darn trailer/truck things to take it out on dates.

Not that I want to drive a few hours on it but at least a DRZ400S can drive too the woods!

Looks like you'll be getting muddy in the spring. I'd love to try and keep up with you sometime. My DRZ hasn't gotten much attention since I bought the Wee in August. Keep in touch after the big melt occurs.

Hey RedAnt, good to hear from you! Maybe we 3 can go dirt riding this spring?

This is for Dan: https://www.bajadesigns.com/NET/mainframe2.aspx?content=


Here is my street registered and insured bike. Full of equipment violations though. Notice the license plate riveted to the rear fender.:D

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/2006_1015adironacksmap0155.jpg

[dmf109]

Hey everyone- a heat wave is coming!!! Supposed to be 32 degrees here tomorrow! Woo hoo!

[BHazz]

Hey everyone- a heat wave is coming!!! Supposed to be 32 degrees here tomorrow! Woo hoo!

That's good enough for me. I'll be out (1/2 hrl. to 1hr.) just to give the engine a little workout.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Yo, BHazz. I'm in the Ledyard / Mystic area for today & tomorrow morning . I'm doing some Sheetrock for My half brother :D ( I'm driving the tacoma :( ) but hoping to return here for St. Paddy's day w/the VEE !! so I'll let you know maybe we can tour your area for a day:-D

[BHazz]

Yo, BHazz. I'm in the Ledyard / Mystic area for today & tomorrow morning . I'm doing some Sheetrock for My half brother :D ( I'm driving the tacoma :( ) but hoping to return here for St. Paddy's day w/the VEE !! so I'll let you know maybe we can tour your area for a day:-D

Sounds like some early season fun to me! Definitely doable in little old CT. I have been riding around Central and Eastern CT and making mental notes of some nice roads. I'll try to put together a ride for us and any other Stromtrooper that would like to ride that day

[VtSTROM-K5]

Great we could probly get dmf109 and a couple of others if weather permits:rolleyes:

[VtSTROM-K5]

Of WINTER!! so it's not SPRING YET!!!
Well, I don't how the rest of You Troopers were affected by the "Blizzard" of '07 , but here is what we have here in the champlain valley:mad:.
28" inches of snow in 24 hours.:( Drifts as large as 7 1/2' and blowing w/20 -25 mph winds & gust to 40 ( so Far) .:(
I have a 4 wheel drive S.U.V. stuck @ the end of my driveway . The guy who normally plows the driveway can't because the plow unit broke yesterday :twisted:.
OH and when I get plowed out I'm goin to go "Ground Hog " huntin':-D
I'll post "post storm pics as they come available!!

[dmf109]

Of WINTER!! so it's not SPRING YET!!!
Well, I don't how the rest of You Troopers were affected by the "Blizzard" of '07 , but here is what we have here in the champlain valley:mad:.
28" inches of snow in 24 hours.:( Drifts as large as 7 1/2' and blowing w/20 -25 mph winds & gust to 40 ( so Far) .:(
I have a 4 wheel drive S.U.V. stuck @ the end of my driveway . The guy who normally plows the driveway can't because the plow unit broke yesterday :twisted:.
OH and when I get plowed out I'm goin to go "Ground Hog " huntin':-D
I'll post "post storm pics as they come available!!

3 words: I HATE WINTER

[VtSTROM-K5]

3 words: I HATE WINTER

Dan , You've gotta learn to let your emotions out man!:rolleyes:
keeping everything bottled up like this isn't good :twisted:

this was @ 6am today
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m83/VtSTROM-K5/Blizzard%2007/FSCN0332.jpg
Three months of snow : and it all showed up on 2/14/2007
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m83/VtSTROM-K5/Blizzard%2007/FSCN0331.jpg

This is gonna take a cuppla daze to melt ,Right??

[dmf109]

Jack, nice house.

All four of the wheel on my car are full of snow. Nothing like driving on the highway and feeling like your car is going to shake itself apart.

[tmcgee]

Jack, nice house.

All four of the wheel on my car are full of snow. Nothing like driving on the highway and feeling like your car is going to shake itself apart.

2 or 3 inches of ice on everything here. It started as slush and froze solid. Lily the Dog (see avatar) hit the backyard running this morning and slid halfway to the fence....took her several minutes to get a good squatting grip for the morning pee. Pretty funny.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Dan, thats rough , it can realy take a toll on the nervous system...
the house is ok ,But the Garage is going to be GREAT!!!!
Tom , I would rather have the snow;) Yup; there I said it out loud ! Snow takes less time to melt.heh,heh,heh
My " I SURVVED THE ICE STORM OF ' 98 " tee shirt finally gave it up on me last summer. I lived on the St. Lawrence River area back then , I don't Like Ice Storms, Ice fishing , Ice Igloo's. [I do like Ice cold Sam Adam's] :-D.
Well you get the idea :rolleyes:. I feel bad for the "PUP" though .
anyway lets hear it for sunny & 40

[dmf109]

Hey, 4:49 PM and it's still light out!

[tmcgee]

Tom , I would rather have the snow;) Yup; there I said it out loud ! Snow takes less time to melt.heh,heh,heh
My " I SURVVED THE ICE STORM OF ' 98 " tee shirt finally gave it up on me last summer. I lived on the St. Lawrence River area back then

I have a friend in Castine, Maine who lost power for 5 days in that storm. They didn't clear the downed trees along I-95 from Augusta on up for nearly a year.

[dmf109]

I used to snowmobile, but even this white garbage wouldn't give much fun for that. Is ANYONE out there having fun in this weather?

[VtSTROM-K5]

Hey, 4:49 PM and it's still light out!

DAN, SUNSET @ 5:24 TODAY!!!:-D

[VtSTROM-K5]

I was wondering if this Fr@*#!n weather were to give us a window of opportunity to POSSIBLY get a ride in on St.Paddy's day :???:?
if the weather were to co-operate who ( YES Dan ,I see your hand raised :D) would be interested in a day(?) run to the Rural Ct.or the shore ? I believe that there is a 'trooper in the area that might be familiar with some of the state.:rolleyes:
OR maybe a run thru the rural Mass area?
This would have to be a weather permitting deal as I personally have to travel thru three major ski areas to get down & back...:( meaning I'm in No rush to ride thru Slush!!

[tmcgee]

I was wondering if this Fr@*#!n weather were to give us a window of opportunity to POSSIBLY get a ride in on St.Paddy's day :???:?

I'm ready.

[BHazz]

I was wondering if this Fr@*#!n weather were to give us a window of opportunity to POSSIBLY get a ride in on St.Paddy's day :???:?
if the weather were to co-operate who ( YES Dan ,I see your hand raised :D) would be interested in a day(?) run to the Rural Ct.or the shore ? I believe that there is a 'trooper in the area that might be familiar with some of the state.:rolleyes:
OR maybe a run thru the rural Mass area?
This would have to be a weather permitting deal as I personally have to travel thru three major ski areas to get down & back...:( meaning I'm in No rush to ride thru Slush!!
Yo - Yo - Yo - Which way do we go! :D
If you want to go though CT, let me know what section of the state to start at and what shore (Old Saybrook, Guildord, etc.) you want to end up at and we will take the scenic route. We should stay away from the really rural roads because many times the landscape, trees, etc. prevent the snow and ice from thoroughly melting. But, you upper Northerners already know that more than I do.
We could consider this a kind of warm-up for the start of our season.

[jackpiner57]

I'm in you guys! I'll ride as long as I can get some traction. Hey Bruce, I like your avatar. I remember that waterhole.:D

[BHazz]

I'm in you guys! I'll ride as long as I can get some traction. Hey Bruce, I like your avatar. I remember that waterhole.:D
It's such a great photo that I have to remember that it's actually me on that bike.

I'm definitely saving that picture for my grandchildren. I can already hear them saying "That was YOU??" with a doubting look on their faces.

[jackpiner57]

It's such a great photo that I have to remember that it's actually me on that bike.

I'm definitely saving that picture for my grandchildren. I can already hear them saying "That was YOU??" with a doubting look on their faces.

Me too Bruce!:mrgreen:

Waterhole photo's courtesy of dmf109. Thanks Dan.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/TomonStromNov.jpg

[RedAnt]

Me too Bruce!:mrgreen:

Waterhole photo's courtesy of dmf109. Thanks Dan.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/TomonStromNov.jpg

Had I seen this picture I wouldn't have spent so much time confirming that people wanted to keep going around that Connecticut Lake in Norther NH on our VT&NH ride last year.

Who knew Bruce was so hard core! That is one messy ride, must have something to do with Jackpiner!



I've been out a day or two that reached into the 40F range. Looking forward to getting some seat time when available. I'm interested in a early trip. I seem to be collecting a bunch of new Strom owners down here. Seems everybody I know with a bike now wants a Strom. I must hang out with folks that have good taste, I never would have guessed.

[tmcgee]

Who knew Bruce was so hard core! That is one messy ride, must have something to do with Jackpiner!

If you look way down the road, that's who it is.

[tmcgee]

from my weather station:
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/9246/picture1ua6.jpg

After getting the bike a new oil filter and Rotella synthetic, I cleaned it up a little bit. Then I added the Kisan voltage monitor and a set of their brake light modulator bulbs. The bulbs are halogen, plug into the 1157 sockets and they are the same intensity as the stock bulbs. When you brake, they flash at a progressive rate for 4 seconds and then stay steady. There is circuitry in the bulb base that synchronizes the two bulbs.

Not much riding afterwards. A trip to get gas and more brake cleaner, and then home.

[BHazz]

...Who knew Bruce was so hard core! That is one messy ride, must have something to do with Jackpiner!...

Hey Red Ant,
Nice to hear from you.

You got that right. Our very own JackPiner57 was leading that portion of the ride. He has the ability to ride those roads. Me - I think it was about a 50-50 chance that I was going for a swim in that mud puddle.

I look at that picture and wonder what happenned to me. I had to lead the ride that day so I think that I "went off my rocker" as you can tell by my driving down that road in the first place. I use the word "road" loosely. I was bouncing around on that road so bad that I felt like a pinball. I drove over a rock so big that my bike stopped dead in it's tracks --THUNK--and the bike stalled. My eyes stayed half closed as I was sure that a stream of oil was about to come out from under the bike. Fortunately, no damage. Two or three other times my backend slid out in the mud and I thought it was over but I remembered JackPiner57's advice, "move up on the bike and keep the bike moving forward". Well - that day it worked. Somehow, I made it through that "road" without a scratch.

I'm really happy to have that picture from dmf109 but It was a relief to get off that road. From now on, I hope that I have the good sense to stick to the fire roads.

[jackpiner57]

Don't let BHazz's jovial exterior fool you guys. Beneath it lurks a hardcore dirt loving animal. http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/ricky.gif Can't wait for the next ride he hosts!

[RedAnt]

Is there a ride report for that trip. Now I'm really curious, and want to see more pictures!

Each time I see that picture I wonder how you got a group of guys to go through that! I look at it and think it's something I could ride through, but it would make such a mess of the bike. Not to mention that road looks like it would trigger a blinker replacement and add a few scratches to somebodies shinny Strom.

I bet there are A LOT of roads that look like that about now!

[jackpiner57]

That pic is of me coming back through the waterhole. Bruce is up the trail a bit. Nobody else followed Bruce and me, so we came back.:D

Dan took similar pics of the both of us. Bruce is using his as his avatar.

[BHazz]

Is there a ride report for that trip....

I have a video of that trip. It includes the road from hell. Check out how bad I was bouncing around. And, that wasn't the worst of it. I'm going back this spring to find my other kidney:lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whZXbDPFHWI

[dmf109]

Extended forecast shows highs in the mid 40s coming our way!

http://www.weather.com/outlook/events/weddings/tenday/03303?from=36hr_topnav

St. Patty's Day ride is gonna happen!

[VtSTROM-K5]

More friggin like it !:D
The temps will start an upward trend this Saturday and looks to continue thru the end of the month :mrgreen:.... So yes as it looks now we should be golden for next weekend.
http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/USCT0161?from=36hr_fcst10DayLink_outdoors

Dan , P.m. me when you log in next:rolleyes:

[dmf109]

Now they're saying it'll be in the 50s next week! Looks like I'll be riding on Sunday.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Now they're saying it'll be in the 50s next week! Looks like I'll be riding on Sunday.

you southern guys and your warm weather :rolleyes::-D:-D:-D

[VtSTROM-K5]

For everyone who has been itchin' to get out but can't due to weather I offer the following ;)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m83/VtSTROM-K5/th_DSCN0117.jpg (http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m83/VtSTROM-K5/?action=view&current=DSCN0117.flv)

I hope that it helps:???:

[tmcgee]

For everyone who has been itchin' to get out but can't due to weather I offer the following ;)

Thanks, Jack. I especially needed to see green foliage.

I always get a slight case of vertigo watching these movies, especially when I don't know the road, and I'd take a different line through the corners. I suppose the worst part is that there are no grips mounted on my desk!

I picked up a camera mount several weeks ago and it'll be interesting to see if I get the same sensation from my own video. Of course, a bike mounted camera leans more than a helmet camera.

[water warrior]

Boy oh boy, kick a guy when he is down. It is raining so hard here that I actually drove the cage through a waterfall today. Normally the water just drains down the sides of the mountains and into the ditches and culverts. Not today though, mega rain and lots of water coming down on the highway from the rock up above. Any more of this and I will be dealing on an Ark.

[crowtdog]

I was wondering if this Fr@*#!n weather were to give us a window of opportunity to POSSIBLY get a ride in on St.Paddy's day :???:?


Mother Nature must ride an Artic Cat.....That *itch :mad:

[BHazz]

Mother Nature must ride an Artic Cat.....That *itch :mad:

It's going to be 35 degress with ice pellets on Saturday. That kills the ride for me.

[Martin]

For everyone who has been itchin' to get out but can't due to weather I offer the following ;)

I hope that it helps:???:

Thanks VtStrom, that brought back some fond memories of similar roads traveled up here last summer.

I think a camera/camcorder mount is in my future... What kind of mount did you use? Was it a RAM mount or a shelf or something?

I'd like to get something that would maybe put the camera over the windshield (it's on a Madstad bracket so it can tilt back quite a bit).

The weekend weather forecast for this area is predicting sun and slightly-above freezing temps so a ride is looking very possible. :)


- Martin

[tmcgee]

This is the set-up I bought for camera mounting. From BH Photo:

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/8223/picture5md5.jpg

[JohnS.]

Crowtdog, Looks like you beat me to it. I got my strom on the road for the spring today, but I saw yours in the lot at work last week. Every day I'd drive in and think it's GOT to be behind that snowbank today... Finally saw it. Way to go!

JohnS.

[crowtdog]

John S,

I was just waiting for the overnight low temp to stay above 32F. I made the commute 3 times so far. Unfortunately had to ride home twice in the rain. But I got to test my new Tour Master Solution boots. They are officially waterproof. (for 30 minutes anyway).

Hope to see your bike soon.

[tmcgee]

Unfortunately had to ride home twice in the rain. But I got to test my new Tour Master Solution boots. They are officially water proof. (for 30 minutes anyway).

Great to hear, Dave. Mine are just about broken in and the house smells like boot polish this morning after cleaning up three pairs of boots,

[VtSTROM-K5]

It’s been 3 weeks since I got to ride and I’m having withdrawal symptoms. But the bike is ready.

Got my winter Strom projects complete already. 2 new tires on, TBS adjusted, valve clearance checked and fuel injector wiring checked.

Pictured is the new dual element front turn signal conversion, “Backoff” LED license plate frame, my surround sound triple horn system and the new Cortech sport bags.

Now with any luck, it’ll only be about 7 weeks before I get to try it all out.

Guess I have time to go work on my taxes.:sad:


crowtdog; could you explain how you did the surround sound wiring for me??

[crowtdog]

crowtdog; could you explain how you did the surround sound wiring for me??

Well I certainly could have back in January. Now you are making me think.

I installed another relay back by the battery. I believe I removed the 2 wires going to the existing horn, cut the ends off, spliced on more wire and ran them back to the trip circuit of the relay. So now the horn button trips the relay. Of course a hot hire from battery to relay. From the switched hot terminal of the relay I connected three wires and ran one to each horn. Then ran a separate ground wire from each horn to the grounding bar I installed under the seat (visible in photo in original posting).

These horns are a definite improvement but are nowhere near air horn levels.

[tmcgee]

These horns are a definite improvement but are nowhere near air horn levels.

You mean like this?

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/1320/5chimevm6.jpg

[VtSTROM-K5]

Monday morning I start physical therapy for My wrist:???:
The few people I've talked to at the college say the Vt. Sports Medicine people are very good... hopelull I'll make a quick recovery.....
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m83/VtSTROM-K5/Strom07001-1.jpg

Here's me givin' myself a BIG ( actually swollen) Thumb's up...:shock:
Maybe I can ride next weekend....:neutral:

[VtSTROM-K5]

Today was 2.5 hrs of phys. therapy followed by 5hrs of light duty work & I have another appt. on the 4th. so far looks like 2-3 more weeks of therapy unless I acquire super powers..:shock: :lol: :lol:

[tmcgee]

So how does the hand feel, Jack?

[RedAnt]

Today was 2.5 hrs of phys. therapy followed by 5hrs of light duty work & I have another appt. on the 4th. so far looks like 2-3 more weeks of therapy unless I acquire super powers..:shock: :lol: :lol:

Remember not to push it too hard. You want it to heal CORRECTLY. Better to have many more years of riding and trips than an early ride this spring. Unless clutching is PT, then by all means do you PT. :)

[VtSTROM-K5]

Remember not to push it too hard. You want it to heal CORRECTLY. Better to have many more years of riding and trips than an early ride this spring. Unless clutching is PT, then by all means do you PT. :)
I agree !! :-D
:(unfortunately It's the rotaional and flexor(?) actions of the wrist that are the hinderance. so I'll do the excercises and stretching as outlined in the work sheet & I'LL BE FIT in no time:rolleyes:

[RedAnt]

I agree !! :-D
:(unfortunately It's the rotaional and flexor(?) actions of the wrist that are the hinderance. so I'll do the excercises and stretching as outlined in the work sheet & I'LL BE FIT in no time:rolleyes:

I guess someone up there loves you, and hates the rest of us. I can see no other reason to bring winter back for a third round????:twisted:

[VtSTROM-K5]

I guess someone up there loves you, and hates the rest of us. I can see no other reason to bring winter back for a third round????:twisted:
Neither can I . Whats up with this :(???
Can someone please get Al Gore on the phone :|

[GRS1959]

This weather sux! Until today, I had commuted to work on the bike for 7 days in a row. Now we get this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/grs1959/Forecast.jpg

[jackpiner57]

I talked to Al Gore and he told me "this is reverse global warming, but global warming nonetheless."