The Window of Opportunity

[slofox]

This morning there was a three hour break in the continual rain we have had here this week. The sky was blue, the sun came out and the roads dried.

Just enough time to putter down to the gas station to refuel the vixen and take her for a short hoo...err...RIDE. ops:

What I did notice though is that the last tankful of gas returned only 14km/l instead of the more usual 15 - 15.5km/l. I don't suppose that could've had anything to do with last Sunday's...ahh nah. Never. Course not...

[Tigadee]

Yeah, it was nice wasn't it?

After the crazy wind last night tangoing me and my bike around the road, I walked out of the house this morning all dressed for driving to work but when I saw the clear blue sky, I said "Screw it!" and I walked back into the house, put my gear and rode to work.

After the last few days riding in the piss, it was glorious!

[Zedder]

This morning there was a three hour break in the continual rain we have had here this week. The sky was blue, the sun came out and the roads dried.

Just enough time to putter down to the gas station to refuel the vixen and take her for a short hoo...err...RIDE. ops:

What I did notice though is that the last tankful of gas returned only 14km/l instead of the more usual 15 - 15.5km/l. I don't suppose that could've had anything to do with last Sunday's...ahh nah. Never. Course not...

It does sound like a case of "good weather throttelitis" however, tests would be needed to confirm it.

Any update on the chip seal problem out west there?

[slofox]

It does sound like a case of "good weather throttelitis" however, tests would be needed to confirm it.

Any update on the chip seal problem out west there?

Tests? What kinda tests? No anal probes I hope. They can fuck off with that shit...

Only update on the chipseal is that SH39 is going the same way just South of Ngaruawahia...and the chip that has let go is all over the corner in a loose format.

[onearmedbandit]

Beautiful day down here, was hoping to head out for a ride at about 12, pick up my daughter from school at 3 (I'm on 2wks leave). Plans dashed when I get a phone call at 11 from my partner saying she is sick and needs to be picked up. By the time I had everything sorted here it was 1pm and I still wasn't in my gear, let alone gone to get gas and get out of town. All I can say is it better be sunny like this tomorrow. But I've just jinxed that.

[Str8 Jacket]

Beauty day here in Wellys too!

[slofox]

Beautiful day down here, was hoping to head out for a ride at about 12, pick up my daughter from school at 3 (I'm on 2wks leave). Plans dashed when I get a phone call at 11 from my partner saying she is sick and needs to be picked up. By the time I had everything sorted here it was 1pm and I still wasn't in my gear, let alone gone to get gas and get out of town. All I can say is it better be sunny like this tomorrow. But I've just jinxed that.

Have you tested the S20's in the wet yet? You could always come visit here if you want a shitty weather test - pretty much guaranteed.

[sil3nt]

I put the washing out and then it pissed down with rain

[slofox]

I put the washing out and then it pissed down with rain

So THAT'S why it rained again! All your fault. You oughta know better'n that!

[Maha]

This morning there was a three hour break in the continual rain we have had here this week. The sky was blue, the sun came out and the roads dried.

Just enough time to putter down to the gas station to refuel the vixen and take her for a short hoo...err...RIDE. ops:

What I did notice though is that the last tankful of gas returned only 14km/l instead of the more usual 15 - 15.5km/l. I don't suppose that could've had anything to do with last Sunday's...ahh nah. Never. Course not...

My bike is crap at fuel economy...around 11km/l....
And with a 17 litre tank, I stop more often than Anne does, which is complete turn around.

[slofox]

My bike is crap at fuel economy...around 11km/l....
And with a 17 litre tank, I stop more often than Anne does, which is complete turn around.

On a long trip, if I just cruise in 6th gear, I can get up to 17 - 18 km/l. Drop down a cog or two and push it through the tight stuff and the whirlpool appears in the tank.

[Subike]

Decided to give the wee puddle jumper a clean this morning
Out with the rags kero, wax and polish..ahh, dont she look clean as....

Over my shoulder I am sure i head a few sounds of depression coming from the back of the garage..
Lurking under a blanket my Black XS1100 was protesting the attention I was giving the barsted bike.
Not wanting to ignore the clicks, tinkles and minute groans coming from there,
I caught hold of the corner of the blanket, with a quick flick, uncovered exsessive..
There she sat, all black and chrome, just begging to be caressed into life with her starter,
A quick look outside at the blue sky, and the petcocks were turned to prime..the key given an ever so gentle twist....the lights blinking into life...
On with the choke, hit the go button, Varoooommm, chutter chutter chutter chutter ...
A small ball of black smoke is defiantly thrown out the exhaust into the face of the barsted bike sitting there all polished and gleaming.
With the engine warmed, the choke returned to off, and the vibration of anticipation transferring to my hands from the bars,
I clutched the clutch lever, slipped her into first , cluunnnk!, gearbox still cold eh.....
With a gentle twist of the throttle, away she pulled, I could feel the grin on my face, and the smile in the heart of exsessive....
Its a small trip to the gas shop, plenty of time to check the brakes for pressure, get the feel of the weight, settle the head into 1100cc mode.
Tire pressures right, yup, fuel topped up, yup, mirrors clean, yup, lights all going, yup,
The open road sign come into view,
for the next hour or so, from Halswell to Akaroa, to the wheatsheaf, to lyttelton, to Kaiapoi, to home,
she purred and growled, flew like a bird, hung on like a cat, ate up the straights, devourd the hills,
With the occasional scrape of the left side foot pegs, the ching of the exhaust on the right side, sometimes a bit of rear wheel lock up.......alll fun
Opening the garage, returning the XS1100 to her spot, I could feel the happiness in her, snuggled under her blanket once more,
I am sure I heard a sigh of pleasure and a " take that you little 250 fucker"" come from the cooling exhaust

yeah today was a day when you did not need a reason to go for a ride here in christchuch......just a reason to take the right bike

[slofox]

Decided to give the wee puddle jumper a clean this morning
Out with the rags kero, wax and polish..ahh, dont she look clean as....

Over my shoulder I am sure i head a few sounds of depression coming from the back of the garage..
Lurking under a blanket my Black XS1100 was protesting the attention I was giving the barsted bike.
Not wanting to ignore the clicks, tinkles and minute groans coming from there,
I caught hold of the corner of the blanket, with a quick flick, uncovered exsessive..
There she sat, all black and chrome, just begging to be caressed into life with her starter,
A quick look outside at the blue sky, and the petcocks were turned to prime..the key given an ever so gentle twist....the lights blinking into life...
On with the choke, hit the go button, Varoooommm, chutter chutter chutter chutter ...
A small ball of black smoke is defiantly thrown out the exhaust into the face of the barsted bike sitting there all polished and gleaming.
With the engine warmed, the choke returned to off, and the vibration of anticipation transferring to my hands from the bars,
I clutched the clutch lever, slipped her into first , cluunnnk!, gearbox still cold eh.....
With a gentle twist of the throttle, away she pulled, I could feel the grin on my face, and the smile in the heart of exsessive....
Its a small trip to the gas shop, plenty of time to check the brakes for pressure, get the feel of the weight, settle the head into 1100cc mode.
Tire pressures right, yup, fuel topped up, yup, mirrors clean, yup, lights all going, yup,
The open road sign come into view,
for the next hour or from Halswell to Akaroa, to the wheatsheaf, to lyttelton, to Kaiapoi, to home,
she purred and growled, flew like a bird, hung on like a cat, ate up the straights, devourd the hills,
With the occasional scrape of the left side foot pegs, the ching of the exhaust on the right side, sometimes a bit of rear wheel lock up.......alll fun
Opening the garage, returning the XS1100 to her spot, I could feel the happiness in her, snuggled under her blanket once more,
I am sure I heard a sigh of pleasure and a " take that you little 250 fucker"" come from the cooling exhaust

yeah today was a day when you did not need a reason to go for a ride here in christchuch......just a reason to take the right bike

You oughta write for Mills and Boon...

I spent many an hour riding those roads many many years ago. Quite took me back your post did.

[Zedder]

Tests? What kinda tests? No anal probes I hope. They can fuck off with that shit...

Only update on the chipseal is that SH39 is going the same way just South of Ngaruawahia...and the chip that has let go is all over the corner in a loose format.

No anal probes are needed lol, a blood test will do.

I was reading an article recently about the bodies natural "feeling good" drugs being produced by various things like exercise and chocolate etc.

According to scientists, even the anticipation of a good experience can produce the drugs so, it's not hard to see that a bike ride can add to the already good feeling and lead to opening the throttle just that little bit more.

I'll see if I can catch up with some ex colleagues from the roading industry and ask what the story is on the chip seal.

[slofox]

No anal probes are needed lol, a blood test will do.

I was reading an article recently about the bodies natural "feeling good" drugs being produced by various things like exercise and chocolate etc.

According to scientists, even the anticipation of a good experience can produce the drugs so, it's not hard to see that a bike ride can add to the already good feeling and lead to opening the throttle just that little bit more.

I'll see if I can catch up with some ex colleagues from the roading industry and ask what the story is on the chip seal.

"Endorphins" are what the natural highs come from - very close to opiates in structure IIRC. I sure as hell get a buzz off riding.