Phil Tarman
Site Supporter
That's good to know. What kind of speeds were you running?
Winter arrives rather suddenly
- Thread starter DirtFlier
- Start date
60/65 mph or so.
Rode the XT today and will have two days of sun for the other bikes and 40 degrees. Winter hits Sunday.
Depressing isn't it. I'd love to live in Alaska EXCEPT for the long hours of darkness in winter. My primary care Dr. suggested to take vitamin D - he says everyone who lives up here is short on vitamin D in winter.
We seem to be in an thermal roller coaster with temps one week in the 20s-30 then some 40s-50s the next, plus we've already had a few days that maxed out in the teens. I was able to get in a good ride with friends on Tuesday when it reached a high of 51. Rain & some snow was predicted for last night but as far as I can tell, none of the white stuff fell.
Although it has nothing close to the weather protection of my NT, I've been riding my NC700XD a lot and happy to suffer the cold as a trade-off. Obviously being 70-pounds lighter helps a lot plus it has a much lower center of gravity and DCT so riding it is easy. I replaced the drive chain & sprockets on the NC at around 25k miles and am fully accustomed to chain maintenance, which honestly is minimal - especially with all-new parts!
My next long ride on the NT or any ride (?) might be our NT Gathering next May.
ps. Jungle Jim - they have special lamps to help you catch-up on vitamin D over the winter. The lamp idea may have started in Scandinavia decades ago?
Although it has nothing close to the weather protection of my NT, I've been riding my NC700XD a lot and happy to suffer the cold as a trade-off. Obviously being 70-pounds lighter helps a lot plus it has a much lower center of gravity and DCT so riding it is easy. I replaced the drive chain & sprockets on the NC at around 25k miles and am fully accustomed to chain maintenance, which honestly is minimal - especially with all-new parts!
My next long ride on the NT or any ride (?) might be our NT Gathering next May.
ps. Jungle Jim - they have special lamps to help you catch-up on vitamin D over the winter. The lamp idea may have started in Scandinavia decades ago?
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Having Vit D levels checked is not a bad idea, but up here at 49 north, I always take Vit D. The sun clawed its way to 23 degrees above the horizon a few days ago....its lower now.
With the sun at such low angles at this time of year, I find it difficult at times to ride due to the glare depending on my direction of travel. Anyone else have this issue or is it just my olde fartz eyes?
Mike
I've had similar problems when riding to our monthly club breakfast where riding east into the low sun made it really difficult, plus the dropdown shade on my Schuberth C3 was kaput so that didn't help.
I have a new HJC RHPA (modular) and everything works as designed so that should no longer be a problem.
I have a new HJC RHPA (modular) and everything works as designed so that should no longer be a problem.
Right, and it will get worse for about another month. And then by Jan 22 we will be back up to as bad as it is now.
Yep, same here. My eye doctor says I have cataracts that cause that. When I asked about when I might be a candidate for cataract surgery she told me "maybe not in your lifetime". At first I thought that meant that the cataracts weren't too bad, but then I thought she meant I was going to die soon. "Olde fartz" have cataracts and then they die.
Tis the season for doom and gloom. Winter has that effect in the northern part of the world. But that is part of what makes feel so good in the spring. Looking forward to that first (cold) ride - probably in April.
From my recent ride along the Mississippi River. I hope to get out today before the snow storm tonight
THIS IS WHY I RIDE!
THIS IS WHY I RIDE!
Phil Tarman
Site Supporter
I haven't ridden since my cataract surgery last week, but I've been amazed at how bright things are out of the eye that has the new lens. The left eye (surgery scheduled for 12/5) makes things look brown and dingy. I can see better without my glasses than with them now but I'm looking forward to being able to get new glasses in January to correct for my astigmatism and to let me see up close things more sharply. I'll also be curious to see how sun glare affects me with my new Shoei Neotec 2, but it may take a while to have a chance to find out. We got close to a foot of snow last night and it's not predicted to warm up much for the next few weeks. My alley will probably have ice till Christmas.
Thanks, Phil, for the wonderful snow you're sending our way. So generous and thoughtful of you to share.
Phil Tarman
Site Supporter
I wouldn't have wanted you to feel left out, Jim. I just wish there was some way I could send Colorado snow to Coyote Chris and Frosty.
Our weather is western OH for the past month has been and continues to be roller coaster ride. We've had sub-freezing temps during the day alternating with warmer days. This Sunday it will be in the low-50s and dry so I'm going on a ride! Gotta get those rides in while I still can.
No snow lately, but thanks for thinking about us. Everything is ready for winter and the shovels, snowblower, scoops, etc are handy ... which means it won't snow.