Monday, February 25, 2013

Wasn't Expecting To Ride Today

Yes, I rode to work today.

I rode yesterday, but wasn't expecting to ride today. Yesterday I encountered many places where the melting snow was turning into streams of water crossing the streets. The forecast called for nighttime temperatures well below freezing. This sounded like a recipe for patches of ice, and patches of ice and two wheels are a recipe for disaster. Surprise! the temperatures didn't fall off as much as predicted.

0700CST
I decided it would be okay to ride. And, the only place I had any problem was in the cafe parking lot. The streets on the other hand were all bone dry.

I don't think anyone bothered to clear off the motorcycle parking area after the snow storm. Fortunately the sun and warm temperatures on Sunday did a pretty good job. There were some wet areas, but no ice.

The temperatures warmed rapidly. At lunchtime I noticed there were workers in the Citygarden.

By evening even my alley was pretty much all melted.

As you may know, there is a major winter storm loose on the Plains. It appears the snowline is going to remain west and north of here. Not far from here eight to ten inches of snow and sleet may fall. Here? Rain mostly, and no snow accumulation expected. Much to my surprise there is a very good chance I'll be riding tomorrow.
  • 32F/0C and clear for the ride to work.
  • 41FF/5C and overcast for the home ride.
Posted by at

11 comments:

  1. UnknownFebruary 25, 2013 at 9:18 PM

    Yes you are right. It can be really disastrous to ride on wet roads. Am glad that the temperatures rose,giving you an easy time to ride. Having safer and comfortable rides is the key factor. Michelin Motorcycle Tires

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keith - Circle BlueFebruary 26, 2013 at 6:52 PM

      I like riding in the rain. I use a lot of rear brake when I ride on wet streets. Easy on the front brake.

      Delete
  2. Martha February 26, 2013 at 5:44 AM

    You really do seem to have a nice neighborhood. May I ask what area you are in?

    Chances are I'll be showing off MY condo before too long. It's very possible that is where I will end up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keith - Circle BlueFebruary 26, 2013 at 6:41 AM

      I live in the St.Louis Hills Neighborhood. Lots of green space.

      Delete
    2. Keith - Circle BlueFebruary 26, 2013 at 6:56 PM

      The thing I like best is the mix of housing. It definitely has a personality, but unlike later developments there is a uniqueness as well.

      I'm still amazed I live in the City. It has worked out...

      Especially if I can escape often :)

      Delete
  3. TrobairitzFebruary 26, 2013 at 5:56 AM

    Hope you got to ride today too. I've been watching that storm and hoping none of our blogging friends are in it's path.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keith - Circle BlueFebruary 26, 2013 at 7:00 PM

      I've been hoping to hear from Jim over in Wichita. I suspect he was in line to get a bunch more snow.

      There is still a Winter Storm Warning for the area just West of us and North. We may see some snow tomorrow, but not much.

      Delete
  4. Coop a.k.a. CoopdwayFebruary 26, 2013 at 4:58 PM

    Good luck Keith...sounded to me today as though you may not avoid some of the nasty. Be careful; hopefully you'll know by morning's departure whether you can ride or not.

    Peg drove home from Cleveland yesterday.....so glad she got her timing right and that the storm didn't arrive a day earlier.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keith - Circle BlueFebruary 26, 2013 at 7:05 PM

      It really was much like an early Spring ride today. It was misty. I didn't get very wet on either of the commutes. On the way home I used the squeegee on my glove a couple of times during the ride home. It rained harder in the morning, but the evening ride it was just misty enough for the face shield not to clear itself.

      There may be some nastiness tomorrow. We'll see. Sounds like maybe some slushy times.

      Delete
  5. Thomas KeeneFebruary 26, 2013 at 5:06 PM

    Keith,

    Mike and I rode about 60 miles today - a three-day storm is forecast, making it unlikely we'll get out again this week.

    I've always been surprised by your temperature postings - I thought St. Louis was much warmer. But it's nice to see that you don't have much snow.

    Tom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keith - Circle BlueFebruary 26, 2013 at 7:10 PM

      It can get chilly here. It's certainly not the cold I grew up with, but cold enough for my old bones. The last couple of winters we'll not had any sub 0degF days. I can't say I miss them.

      Glad you guys got out and about. I did a nice ride on Sunday and got to check out my new Go Cruise throttle lock. I think it's going to be a nice addition. I hope to write something about it soon.

      Spring will be sooner now then later.

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)