They don't know(or care)about salt eating their bikes. I'm looking at late April/early May unless global warming does something extra. We definitely need some good rain to wash things off the roads-especially in the hills.GJ

    The Fut is completely serviced and has fresh rubber so we'll see you by lake Pepin when the weather gets warm enough for this old carcass. Guzzi John

  Been out xcountrying 5 times so far and have Aprilia's chassis completely serviced. Anyone else taking care of their bikes & bodies? ::)Guzzi John

  I was going to title this "LUBE YOUR REAR" but thought better of that. Many folks probably never think of things beyond engine oil,chain lube,and maybe fork oil. The wheel & steering head bearings and especially the swing arm and shock pivots generally remain out of mind until they're toast. The Futura is now empty behind the engine and I have at least 5 lbs of Wisconsin tar coating much of the bits hidden by the hard bags. I may add zerks to the shock linkage this time as all those loose needle bearings are a pain to clean and re-lube. The rear hub will get new grease also as I had a failure of the $140 king bearing @ 25k and want the new one to be immortal! Once the rear portion is back together the fork and steering head and front wheel will get their turn. @35k the Rotax needs nothing other than fresh oil and perhaps plugs. It like the K75 I used to have are pretty much bulletproof. Now if Santa brings me new tires I'll be in fat city. If we didn't live in winter wonderland and could ride year round how would these things get done? A good thing the work is progressing as the coming snowfall will make the trails usable and my skis are crying to get out. Hope you all have happy and safe holidays. :ban:Guzzi John

  Looks like I stirred the pot a bit . I did some sledding years ago and enjoyed it most when I found a nice spot and shut the thing off. As far as the need for speed thing we certainly are getting on statistically with sledders and atvers doing themselves in-a bit like the suvers on the highways. Unfortunately so many of the victims in the first two groups aren't even of legal driving age. Let's not argue over this-I'm just looking for a companion or two for some winter get togethers(that is if my knee gets better-how fun snowblowing concrete is!).  GJ

  When I posted 'skis' to the get together forum  my Norwegian intuition knew this was coming . I know there are some other elderly bikers(or comely maidens) out there that still are able to put lumber on their feet. I can't go down hills at all but love getting out in the quiet woods for some nature time.  The Futura will get stripped to the bone for service but this old carcass needs to get out of the shop for the same reason. I'm sure some of you need the same. C'mon let's shoosh.GJ

  We don't need any elitism. I like the fact that an old fart like me can post unorganized rides(no GPS,route sheets,etc)and get a few others to show up and enjoy trying to get lost in the 'Hills'. Maybe next year I'll make it to an 'official ride'. I hope the Frosty pumpkin goes well for those who went. Guzzi John

 I usually pack yogurt,slimfast,water,7pop in my little bag cooler.   But has anyone else enjoyed the 'Pickle Factory' in Pepin? Another question is the fabled farmer who fires up his wood fed pizza oven once a week-heard of him or been there? Guzzi John