And . . .
It was the coldest temperature I've experienced riding to work. It was no problem staying warm even without any heated equipment other than my grips. And Billie, my Symba, didn't stall even once on the way in. I was particularly grateful for this since it seems my electric starter is on the fritz again.
Billie parked outside in the cold all morning was my biggest concern. I knew even if my starter was working I'd be "kicking" her to life when I came out to leave at noon. Yes, we had an early dismissal.
When I went to start Billie nothing happened. I kicked three or four times and there was no sound. I kicked some more. Nothing. This was not good. But, then it up started. From nothing to started. I let her warm up a good long while and she ran great except for one stall. Fortunately there was very little traffic and no one lost their Christmas Spirit before I could push off to the side and get her started again. I'll even take some of the blame for the stall. She was running so well I kind of forgot it was as cold as it was. I suspect if I'd been a wee more vigilant she wouldn't have stalled even that once.
On the way home I stopped to top off Billie's gas tank. I could have gone straight home, but honestly I was enjoying the ride. It was shortly after I left the gas station that I notice something in my peripheral vision. I looked. It was a hawk. It was maybe ten feet to my left and just a few of feet above my head. It matched my pace and we moved in formation for the longest time before it peeled off and up. Distance wise we probably traveled together at least three-quarters of a mile. It was the most wonderful feeling. Yes, it was one of those "This is why I ride" moments.
Tomorrow is Christmas and I won't be riding to work. It will be lunch with my son and his family. Every year we do Indian. My daughter isn't going to make it this year. She hasn't missed very many.
I have much to be grateful for and I hope you do as well.
Be safe and may joy be your companion.
- 8F/-13C and clear for the ride in.
- 18F/-8C and clear for the home ride.
Merry Christmas, Keith. Enjoy the day and enjoy that Indian food, too. :^)
ReplyDeleteIt was a good day. The food was excellent.
DeleteHappy family time and a wonderful 2014 with even more 'that's why you ride' moments.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sonja! The hawk was sooo cool!
DeleteWhat a cool ride home, and I don't just mean the temperature but the hawk.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day with the family. Indian food sounds pretty tasty, but I think all our restaurants are closed. Sigh.
Here there are a number of restaurants open. The are mostly ethnic, Asian or Indian. Funnily enough they even charged us the weekday buffet rate :^)
DeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family Keith, and all the best for the new year!
ReplyDeleteThanks, and back at you David!
DeleteI hope you had an enjoyable time with your family. I seriously thought about riding to a temperature sign today just to take a picture. But sanity prevailed… (it was -40)
ReplyDeleteWe had a great time. And, I think you made the correct decision for sure!
DeleteI'll trust that your Christmas Day was a fine one!
ReplyDeleteIndeed! Almost took the Kymco out later in the afternoon. I saw a rider on our way back from St.Charles and thought that looked like a great way to top off the day, but by the time I got home I'd lost my will to gear up.
Delete