Spring, and Riding Season

Spring is almost here, and I'm declaring that it's officially riding season. As a year round rider, you wouldn't think that would mean much to me, but really, it's a great feeling to be able to pull the liner out of my jacket for the first time in months. Temperatures here are working their way into the mid 60's, and even the low 70's every once in a while. Aside from the fact that I won't have to feel quite so much like the michelin man when I get dressed to ride, that means that I get to start thinking about riding for more than just utilitarian purposes. I actually have a day ride in the works right now for next week, so expect an entry about that soon. 

Riding around today, I saw bikes everywhere. I even saw what I think was an old Honda Elite 80, probably a 20 year old scoot, being ridden two-up down a country road. Really, I'm not sure why I enjoy seeing other bikes on the road so often. It's not like, if I were driving a Honda Civic, I'd enjoy seeing all the other Civics out. There's just something about days when the riders are out in force... I guess it's nice to not be quite so unique every once in a while. 

Top 12 Motorcycle Myths

This will be a quick one. I just wanted to pass along an article I found regarding motorcycle myths, and the actual facts that make them myths. Most of them we've probably all heard before, but it's an interesting read all the same. Click the title link for the article.

Minimalist Tire Changing

I recently changed the tires on the Majesty, after about 15000 miles. I had never changed them myself before, so it was a bit of a learning experience, but I managed. The first tire took me several hours, and  one tire iron to the face, to get off, but after getting the jist of it, I managed the second one in about 30 minutes and saved myself fifty bucks and a trip to the shop. Anyway, as someone who doesn't have a lot of money for tools and such, I always appreciate finding a way to do something with whatever I happen to have laying around. On that note, I'd like to share a series of videos I found about doing exactly that. 

The first one covers bead breaking. I didn't spend quite as much time as he does making the "breaker". A short piece of 2x4 with one end cut at an angle worked just fine.

The next part covers removing the the old tire, and putting on the new one. I did it pretty much the same way, but I used pieces of milk carton to protect the rim from the tire irons. They worked pretty well, though they fell apart pretty quickly too. I've heard that the plastic they use to make motor oil bottles works well, or the white jugs of orange juice. Basically, something thick enough to hold up, but thin enough to be flexible and slide in between the tire and rim.

The final part covers balancing. I didn't actually balance my tires this way. I used a product called Dyna Beads. They work great, and saved a lot of time, and the ride seems to actually be smoother than it was with static balancing. Also, since they constantly rebalance themselves, if you ever do have to plug or otherwise repair a tire in the field, it'll still be balanced.

 

Anyway, as long as you don't mind getting a little dirty, I'd definitely recommend changing your own tires instead of taking them to a shop. It's really not that difficult, especially after going through the process once, and honestly I've never really trusted any shop to do a job as well as I'd do it myself.

1st Annual Diabetes Solutions Poker Run

Diabetes Solutions of Oklahoma is a not-for-profit organization based in Oklahoma City, aimed towards improving the lives of people with diabetes and reducing the incidence of diabetes and the complications of diabetes. It also happens to be an organization that I've been involved with for a long time. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 9 years old. Only 2 months after being diagnosed, I went to my first session of diabetes summer camp, and it changed my life. Aside from the invaluable education I received that summer about the disease that was now a part of my life, I learned that I wasn't alone, and that it was possible for people with diabetes to live full and productive lives just like anyone else. Now, 14 years later, I still go to that camp every year, as a counselor for other children, many of whom are newly diagnosed and just as confused and frightened as I was. If it weren't for Diabetes Solutions, none of it would be possible. That's why I'd like to encourage everyone who's able to come out to the Thunder Road House Cafe on April 26 to support Diabetes Solutions of Oklahoma, not to mention have a good time and possibly win some money while you're at it. Click on the title link to go to the Diabetes Solutions website for more information and to register for the run. I'll be there, and I hope to see you there too.