Countdown to Spring

[FastDoc]

Today is the equinox. The shortest day of the year. Things start getting better now. 89 days left to Spring.

I hope to celebrate by going for a ride after work.

[Weldangrind]

Snow is everywhere here today, but they're predicting rain and 50 degrees on Monday. Everything will be back to normal. Bring on the longer days!

[FastDoc]

We had 1/2 inch yesterday. It lasted about 6 hours and I was happy to see it gone.

Today I'm riding.

[cheesy]

We are going to get dumped on tomorrow. Six to nine inches of snow after 18 hours of freezing rain. Glad I have wood for the fireplace and white gas for the lanterns and stoves.

[FastDoc]

Today was 'sunny' longer than yesterday. A tiny step in the right direction.

Mid 30's and intermittent light drizzle was no bargin, but a step to Spring.

[culcune]

It rained the other day, but has been dry enough to ride to work daily. But it is cold, and gets about 8 degrees (Faranheit) colder when I ride through the agriculture areas between home and work.

[SpudRider]

I'll take any glimmer of hope I can get! I am very glad the days are getting longer. Here's the countdown clock until spring. :tup:

http://mycountdown.org/Other/Spring/widget/

[FastDoc]

We are on the way Brothers!

[FastDoc]

63 days to go. Almost a third of the way there.

Keep it together gentlemen, many of us are likely to make it!

I wasted about a half hour on You Tube last night watching Ducati videos just to listen to the sound...

It's been a mild winter but the Ducati and the Wing are under cover on Battery Tenders. This time of year 90% of my riding is on the KLX and YZF.

[cheesy]

This time of year 90% of my riding is on the KLX and YZF.

:D

Time of year, 100% of my riding is in a vehicle with 4 wheel drive.:ohno:

[SpudRider]

We're having the mildest winter I have yet experienced in East Idaho. Even better, we have had very little snowfall. :tup: If this keeps up, I see the arrival of an early, and a long riding season. :yay:

[Krasi_BG]

We also have a very, very mild and snowless winter around here. BUT, I had a nasty lung infection during Christmas holidays and the better half of our family has forbidden me any sort of bike riding... :(

[katoranger]

I got the plow on the tractor. That should help repel the snow. Spent most of the week outside fixing water leaks. The warmer temps have been nice after the week before.

[SpudRider]

We also have a very, very mild and snowless winter around here. BUT, I had a nasty lung infection during Christmas holidays and the better half of our family has forbidden me any sort of bike riding... :(

I am sorry to hear of your lung infection, Krasi. I hope you are recovering. :)

[FastDoc]

Bulgarian flu sucks :-(

[Krasi_BG]

Nah, it's not that bad! Plus, I'm a man, and can handle it (as I always remind my wife) :)

It took two different antibiotic sessions, totaling at two weeks, and it was gone. But my vocal cords got some kind of lumps on them, so I had a very "manly" voice for few weeks. I was a real competition to the guy that does movie trailers and Bonnie Taylor at the same time :):):) Now, though, it's OK and I can shout freely to kids around the house.... again!

[Weldangrind]

It's fun to sing Johnny Cash songs when your voice is like that. :D

I'm glad to hear you're feeling better.

[FastDoc]

Glad that all is well for you Krasi! By the way, I have been thinking about you. I recently watched a movie on DVD, called The Expendables two! It was a fun action movie, with many big stars, but what I really enjoyed was that it was filmed in your native Bulgaria, in particular parts of it were filmed in your home city of Sofia. You live in a very interesting and beautiful country!

[Krasi_BG]

Oh, The Expendables 2 is quite famous around here (despite being total "sludge"). When they were filming it, the prime minister invited Arnold Schwarzenegger for a dinner. And there was a bit of newspaper hype why did they let them close one commercial airport for the final scenes.

Even my grandma is now a Stalone fan, because she lives near by one cave they were filming in, and because of the movie production, they rebuilt the bridge leading to that cave that was in ruins for the past 20 or so years. And now she can take a walking with ease in the area there :)

Overall it's a normal country with its beauties and rich history, but the saying, "Love the country, hate the state", is painfully valid these days.

[FastDoc]

I think one of the amazing things of Europe is that you can ride your bike and visit different countries as easily as we can visit different states.

Whereas each state and Canadian providence has its own flavor, we are not all that different from our neighboring state or providence. If you ride to Greece or Romania you are in a totally different culture! Amazing!

[Weldangrind]

I can think of some States and Provinces with very different cultures. :D

[FastDoc]

Absolutely!

[Krasi_BG]

I think one of the amazing things of Europe is that you can ride your bike and visit different countries as easily as we can visit different states.

Whereas each state and Canadian providence has its own flavor, we are not all that different from our neighboring state or providence. If you ride to Greece or Romania you are in a totally different culture! Amazing!

Well, totally different is a bit of an overstatement. Especially here at the Balkans. Our history with the Greeks for example goes back for more than 1000 years. Parts of, or whole, countries, were merged with, and then separated from, other countries more times than one can remember. Hence we're always in the news :)

But you're right. Distances have different "meaning" around here. If I decide to drive to northern Italy, for example, I have to cross at least 3 countries. And that's merely 600-700 miles we're talking about! That's probably touring biker's dreamland, but I can't get enough "furlough" from the kids yet to take advantage of it. But I'll prevail.... one fine day! :)

[FastDoc]

52 days gentlemen.

[SpudRider]

This is wonderfully mild winter for East Idaho. :tup: We have received very little snowfall so far. If this trend continues, we will start an early, and a long riding season this year. :D

[FastDoc]

I may have some extra free time in May for an early trip with you if the weather is good enough.

[SpudRider]

Even if the snow is gone, the USFS and BLM trails won't open until June 18. :ohno: However, the Snake River Plain should be in good condition at that time. If you bring Brother Roger, we could consider riding the Tour of Idaho trail from Spudville up to Challis, and back. :)

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6155

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=9899

We would ride off road past Big Southern Butte up to Arco, and then ride dirt most of the way to Challis. It would take about 3, or 4 days to make the trip.

[FastDoc]

I will be between jobs.

I sold my practice to the hospital in return for a very large salary increase, expense decrease, and much more free time. Plus, I got a Harley ;-)

I will be leaving my other jobs (except for my Saturday volunteer job), and I'll be better off.

May get me a KTM, who knows?

I'm thinking of taking a few weeks off between jobs. Maybe fly to Alaska if the weather is good enough to camp (not likely) or ride Gold Wing cross country, +/- a ride in Idaho with my wonderful Brother and friend.

[SpudRider]

Check my ride report links in my previous post. I rode a lot of pavement on those trips, but we would mostly ride off road this time. See if Brother Roger can come along. I would ride my XR650L on this trip; it takes much longer riding a 200cc bike. ;)

[FastDoc]

I'll be on the KLX if I don't have a KTM, Roger will be on his WR, and the 650 will round it out nicely :-)

I'm debating this Pan-Washington ride this summer also. Maybe we could do it together as well?

http://www.backcountrydiscoveryroutes.com/WABDR

Been thinking about asking Weld too.

One end is close to me, the other end is close to him.

[SpudRider]

I'll consider the Washington ride. :) Also, we could take that ride to Jackson, Wyoming. This time we wouldn't stop in Alpine, WY, but continue riding to the Grand Tetons. ;)

[Weldangrind]

I'll be on the KLX if I don't have a KTM, Roger will be on his WR, and the 650 will round it out nicely :-)

I'm debating this Pan-Washington ride this summer also. Maybe we could do it together as well?

http://www.backcountrydiscoveryroutes.com/WABDR

Been thinking about asking Weld too.

One end is close to me, the other end is close to him.

Great idea! Osoyoos is a considerable drive for me, but it would be worth it. I'd likely be on my TW200.

[FastDoc]

The logistics require some work.

We would need to ride to the starting point. Then complete the ride. Then ride back home. It's do-able but either a lot of road riding (400 miles or so?) or another few days off road backtracking.

[FastDoc]

If we did the ride together we would meet at either end. One of us would have to do a full day of road riding either before or after, and a half a day at the other end... And vice versa.

[Weldangrind]

If Son of Weldangrind (or someone else) joins me, perhaps we could do it this way :

Doc, if you're inclined to meet us on the US side of the border, we could use that as the starting point and ride to wherever we wish. On our way back, you could just head home, and my tribe will continue back to the border. That would allow me to just park my van on the Canadian side.

We could also drive to Ellensburg and meet you there.

I would also be inclined to simply drive to Docville and ride from there. That would require secondary or tertiary roads from Docville to the WABDR.

[FastDoc]

There are a lot of excellent country roads between here and the Bridge Of The Gods. I can get us there with speed limits of 60 and less I think for all of it.

[Weldangrind]

I'll chat with Son of Weldangrind tonight, and I'll ask Atomic Wedgie as soon as we connect. He and I are building my old KLR250 for him right now, so it might be ready in time.

[FastDoc]

I'm starting to get excited...

[Weldangrind]

Son of Weldangrind likes the idea.

[Weldangrind]

So, if we were to ride out of Docville to the Bridge of the Gods and then up to Ellensburg, would there be a decent route back to Docville?

[FastDoc]

Very much so.

[FastDoc]

We may be able to work something out wih a rental truck.

[cheesy]

Okay, I'm about ready to consider, consider mind you, some spring weather.

I have a personal parking spot:wtf: at work. Don't ask why, I just do. Anyway, the clown who plows our lot decided that my spot was the best place to dump the snow. When I saw my spot, I was somewhat ticked.:grr:

As I sat, looking at my parking spot, I thought, 'I have a Wrangler, I have 4wd. Screw the snowplow guy'.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2014-01-31170015_zps20a0bf4a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2014-01-31170015_zps20a0bf4a.jpg.html)


:hehe: We had 'visitors' at the office this week. The 'visitors' asked about my parking job. Management told them that I'm........different.

[Weldangrind]

That's why God created locking hubs.

[katoranger]

Different. That's a compliment.

[SpudRider]

Different. That's a compliment.

Amen! :tup:

[FastDoc]

Rats.

I got my hopes up too soon.

Al's Global Warming Farce remains evident in the Northwest (and Southwest Canada).

30 degree below normal temperatures, record low overnight cooling, and now white %$#@.

Falling out of the sky. Of all places. How rude. Getting over everything.

2 inches tonight, and more light snow on and off for the next 4 days. The cold and wind ensure every flake we get we keep for a while.

Roger and I hope to ride the sand dunes this weekend!

With a paddle, I bet the dry drifiting snow will only add to the fun and add a new dimension.

Hypothermia.

[cheesy]

2"? That's it?

[FastDoc]

That's enough. I don't own a snow shovel. I'm on my 7th winter here. Have not needed one yet.

[Weldangrind]

We're only looking at 1/2" overnight, and maybe the same amount over the weekend. Meh.

[katoranger]

We are suppose to be in the 30s tomorrow. Looks like a good day for a van retrievel. Weather went from snow storm to 35 and clear.

God is looking out for us.

[cheesy]

Hah!

I laugh at your weak amount of snow deposits.:lmao::lmao::lmao:

Another four to six this weekend.:grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::g rr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr::grr:

[FastDoc]

2 inches last night. 9 degrees this morning. Snow showers on and off for the next few days predicted with additional accumulations of an inch or more. Rats.

I agree with Spud. Winter is a sign of a fallen world. Adam and Eve would have frozen to death in elements like this.

I especially feel bad for the stray/feral cats I feed outside. Lousy time to be a stray cat.

[katoranger]

Looks like SlowDoc will be your transportation of choice.

[FastDoc]

He is in the parking lot now.

Roger informed me warmer weather for next week so I hope to be free of this soon.

I miss Sophia. I wish the door between the house and garage was a little wider; I think she's rather be in front of the fireplace than in the garage under a cover on a Battery Tender.

[SpudRider]

Hang in there, Doc. I think this is winter's last hurrah! :tup:

[katoranger]

Time for a carpenter. Nice french door to the garage. That way you can enjoy the view.

[FastDoc]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/commander/bbb_zps18c25321.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/maule/media/commander/bbb_zps18c25321.jpg.html)

The mighty yet humble ancient Ranger braved the snow today.

All 1-2"

[katoranger]

That is one nice little ranger. Hoping my van will polish up like that.

[FastDoc]

Tonto responded well to love.

With some time, patience, and a decent Harbor Freight buffer you can do a lot of good for an old paintjob.

Tonto is not a clearcoat, so it cleaned up much better.

[FastDoc]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/maule016/ddd_zps24737ec7.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/maule/media/maule016/ddd_zps24737ec7.jpg.html)

[Weldangrind]

Back to the WABDR for a moment...

Doc, if we were to proceed with the plan of meeting at your place, riding out to the Bridge of the Gods, heading North to Ellensburg and back to Docville, would June be an acceptable time? I'm thinking that it won't be terribly hot, and the mosquitoes won't be out yet.

[FastDoc]

It would pretty much have to be in June for me.

I will be leaving my current job at the end of May. I will be starting my new position as a physician/director at the hospital on June 24. This will be my last decent length time off of work for a long time, and my first real break in about 19 years.

[Weldangrind]

Ok, what window do you have to work with? Which dates would be best? I'm thinking of taking Monday through Friday off, which would give Son of Weldangrind and I nine days to work with (counting weekends on either end). That would be a very comfortable time period for us.

[FastDoc]

My guess is the later in the interval the better. I'll have to do some more research when we see what the snow situation looks like.

Even with this current storm, snowpack is at much less than half normal so we may be in good shape, but who knows?

[Weldangrind]

What date will you be back at work? If we're going to plan this ride, I need to book the vacation time.

[FastDoc]

23 days to go.

Spud, I'm thinking maybe a ride in Spudland may be earlier than usual this year due to our mild winter?

[SpudRider]

23 days to go.

Spud, I'm thinking maybe a ride in Spudland may be earlier than usual this year due to our mild winter?

The riding season will arrive at least a month earlier this year. :yay: Nevertheless, the U.S.F.S. won't open their trails until May 18. :tdown: However, the road to Big Southern Butte/Arco and other rides will definitely become passable much earlier than usual. :) Check your personal messages. ;)

[FastDoc]

Doc likes Arco.

[SpudRider]

I'm pretty confident I will be riding to Arco in March this year. In fact, it might be warm enough to make that ride in several weeks. :D

[FastDoc]

10 days.

It's been sunny and warm here. What a blessing.

[FastDoc]

2 days.

Although this may not yet apply to the Mid-Atlantic states.

[SpudRider]

The high temperature exceeded 60 degrees Fahrenheit last Sunday! :yay: I rode about 200 miles to Arco and back, past Big Southern Butte. :tup: I will post a ride report later today. :)

[FastDoc]

Life is good.

[cheesy]

I don't care what the weather is at home, I'm back in Mexico City. 75F, a light breeze, and bottles of Sol cerveza.:tup:

[FastDoc]

:-)

[Killerbracing]

I don't care what the weather is at home, I'm back in Mexico City. 75F, a light breeze, and bottles of Sol cerveza.:tup:

Thanks cheese! Must be in the air. I ate lunch at a Mexican joint that doesn't speak English.

[Weldangrind]

Mr. Fromage, you must be living right. Despite working, it's as if you're on a mini vacation, when you get to enjoy an environment like that.

With all the garbage you've been through lately, you certainly deserve some quality time in the sun, more than anyone I can think of.

[Weldangrind]

It's today! :D

[Weldangrind]

A sobering thought for motorcyclists in the northern hemishpere: only three months until the days begin to get shorter, and only six months until the first day of Autumn. Get out there and ride!

[FastDoc]

A sobering thought for motorcyclists in the northern hemishpere: only three months until the days begin to get shorter, and only six months until the first day of Autumn. Get out there and ride!

Weld, you are the WORST BUZZKILLER ON THE INTERNET.

[FastDoc]

Happy Spring, to everyone else ;-)

I heard on the radio more cold and snowy weather next week for the northern states, and likley the southern provinces next week...

[Weldangrind]

Happy Spring, to everyone else ;-)

I heard on the radio more cold and snowy weather next week for the northern states, and likley the southern provinces next week...

And you call me a buzzkiller?

:D

[FastDoc]

Valid point Brother.

Doc has no comeback ;-(

[SpudRider]

Sping is here! Spring is here! Spring is here! :clap:

:yay:

:yay:

:yay:

[FastDoc]

Praise God who remembers to turn up the thermostat.

[cheesy]

Mr. Fromage, you must be living right. Despite working, it's as if you're on a mini vacation, when you get to enjoy an environment like that.

With all the garbage you've been through lately, you certainly deserve some quality time in the sun, more than anyone I can think of.

Well, with only having to work for one hour in the past 72, mini vacation is right. The sales reps and I were having lunch at a sidewalk cafe in an older part of the city and decided we could get used to living there.