In my youngter days I stupedly rode in less than good weather and wore a snowmobile suit. I did have a bad fall on black ice . Took a year and a half to get back on and ride. That crash was on a "dresser" Yamaha. I got my 650 in '05 and love it. It goes fast enough and more than keeps up with traffic but when winter comes I "winterize" it and store it in the garage 'til spring. By that time I can't wait to get on it and ride. Just wait out the bad weather. It's not worth the risk.

Wot you like, Jan.?

One minute it's "Knickers", next, it's "Pants"

It certainly wasn't a good day for riding. Did it ever stop raining?

Now, fearless, or barking?…..I wonder?…

Not having to have to go out, I decided to stay in, all day.

Still, it has tested the new mineral felt, put up on my flat bathroom roof, on Monday.

Henry_C said:

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I wouldn't dispute your assessment as to poor seamanship but they COULD have opted for the North Channel into Hurst Narrows which would have afforded them SOME protection in the lee of the shingle bank though either way is a horrendous idea in anything of a blow.

I did consider the north channel, but thought, with a S/Westerly, they would have been driven onto a lee shore.

But, on reflection, even that, may have been a saving grace.

You're a brave one, Jan! I am even flinching at the idea of having to ride a couple of miles to the garage for servicing on Thursday!! Perhaps it'll dry up specially for me!?

BUT if it rains for the WB weekend I WILL make the trip anyway – I am determined (at least, based on tomorrow's release of the final details being GOOD news).

Alto1_3 said …

But we see this sort of thing every day, on our roads. Cagers, and bikers, alike. Going mad, speeding, and taking chances. Listen to the road reports on the wireless, in the mornings. There's accidents everywhere, every day.

Wireless, Alan? Is that placed next to your gramophone? Lol!

Nige.

We can all be wise, after the event, and say, never again. But there's always going to be an occasion, when we FEEL we need to push on. And end up, taking a chance. I know I have, on more than one occasion.

The sad case, of the coppers was, BAD seamanship, more than anything else. If they were coming into the Solent from the west, they HAD to go through the Needle's channel. Or St. Catherine's point, which may have been even worse.

It was probably the summer, and so a sou'westerly blowing . That means they were running before the wind. Which is the most dangerous point of sailing, because you can't spill the wind out of your sails easily. If you try to bring the yacht into the wind, you risk rolling it over, in the waves.

All sails, barring a storm jib, should have been stashed away. And the cardinal rule, they broke was, they didn't hook themselves on to the jack-stay. Which would have prevented any of them from going over the side.

There, I said it was easy to be wise, now!  But they, at the time….

But we see this sort of thing every day, on our roads. Cagers, and bikers, alike. Going mad, speeding, and taking chances. Listen to the road reports on the wireless, in the mornings. There's accidents everywhere, every day.

I thought it would all quieten down, once I stopped driving……

Last Sunday, I went out for a ride. Then it rained on me. Then it got cold. Then it almost turned to sleet.  So I cut my ride short, and pulled in for a warming carvery. You can always haul yourself in somewhere, if the going gets too bad.

I think winter is a good time to ride into the countryside. With the foliage gone, you can see for miles. But only if you feel safe in yourself to do so, on the roads, and you're wrapped up well.

Happy Winter Riding.

I agree with several of the posts here. Go with my gut. Some days I gear up, swing a leg over (or thru) and it just doesn't feel right. Take a break and try again later. Then there's the weather. If you don't like it, wait about 20 minutes and it'll change. That's how it sometimes is around theses parts. Especially close to winter. November can be very unpredictable. Of course, new years day, 2008, I took a short ride. We hadn't gotten any snow. It was cold as you know what, but I had to do it just to say I did. I've seen bikes out over the course of this winter. There were some nice, dry days, but I don't want to have to wash off any salt remnants from the roadways. Too much trouble for my liking.

Got caught in a downpour on an interstate once (camping trip to Canada). Semi's passing us, spraying water everywhere, wind blowing. Couldn't see the brake lights of the vehicle ahead and couldn't see my riding partner in the rear views. Bad mojo. Got off at the next exit. stayed in a hotel for the night. Dried off. Had a beer or two with dinner and the next day, sunshine and blue skies. Those 4 miles felt like an eternity.

I never want to feel I have to get somewhere by a certain time and I won't ever again feel like I have to prove something by pushing or pressing. I did that on the return trip from Canada. 8 hrs riding (including traffic jams and crossing the border). I pressed to get home. I stopped many times that last 100 miles (another eternity moment). Tried taking slower, more scenic routes to break the monotony and mental fatigue. I got home safe, but never again will I push it. I was exhausted and sore when I finally peeled myself off the bike. I will plan for extra travel days.

My feeling for any ride: if you ask yourself if you should, think twice.

Bouncer said:

You cant blame me this time Ive been away! Trout in the fishnets … LoL!

YOU TOO??? How the heck do those little blighters get in there!?

LOL – here we go again!!

Burgermiser said:

Just one layer under my jogging bottoms, …

Wouldn't be fishnets would it?