Last week thick with riding temptation. Soaring temperatures, greening landscape, a rapid departure from winter. I made this picture on the way home from work and recognizing the lengthening days and expanding windows to ride. But first things first.
My Vespa is filthy and coated with the grime and grit of winter. A responsible rider would tend to his machinery and perform all reasonable and required maintenance. At least give the thing a bath.
Time for the Heidenau Snow Tex tires to come off as well. No sense in wearing the soft, sticky, expensive rubber compound away on warm, dry roads. The exhaust system should come off as well, be sandblasted and repainted. And a few more mechanical feats should be undertaken. First things first.
Our naturalized, woodland garden is coming to life and with it a wide array of trimming, transplanting, raking and digging. I made a decision to do this work before any serious spring time rides. And the house calls out for its share of attention as well. First things first.
Junior the jungle dog peeks through the bamboo grove in our garden. This running form of bamboo, Phyllostachys aureosulcata, needs a close eye to keep it from taking over the world. Spring time means some exploration with a shovel and removal of the aggressive runners.
And there is a lot more work to do. So before any major Vespa adventures I need to tend to first things first…
Steve:
First things first, that’s what I did last Saturday.
I noticed the grass being a big long, I heard gas lawnmowers coming to life. I actually paused for a moment to considr the possibility of starting my own lawnmower but then I imagined the sweat and work that would entail cutting my lawn, so I did what anyone else in my position would do. I went for a ride
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Bobskoot: I certainly was tempted by weather and the lure of the road to ride but kept it to errands and transportation to work. I’ve chosen the ride far too often over taking care of things. Not this year. I’m going to be industrious.
A garden is nice. Sometimes I miss not having a yard to putter in, but it is indeed rare for me to regret living in a condo. I’m happy to let someone else tend to the yard and flowers.
I still haven’t removed the stuff I spray on my Symba to protect it from the salt and chemicals. I wait until April 15th to do that. Spring seems firmly here, but there is enough of the Michigander left in me not to trust it for a minute.
Good riding. I’m sure you’ll find the time.
~Keith
Circle Blue
Steve…the stuff on your scoot is just the patina of winter riding…don’t get too carried away!
Dom
Redleg’s Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
I have found that the main problem with yard work is the word work. You don’t find the word work anywhere in, “Dad what are you doing? Lets go for a ride.
Steve, I commend you for starting with your tires early. I try, really, but have a hard time just keeping mine full of air, doing anything with them when the seasons change.
As to yard work, I find it’s a good thing for about a month – gets you outside, moving, enjoying the sun and the weather. Then it’s too hot and no longer interesting. This is why I have crappy yards.
Brady
Behind Bars – Motorcycles and Life
Circle Blue: I’m finding satisfaction in tending to the garden and myriad other tasks at hand. Riding has been minimal beyond riding to work and such but that’s ok. There will be days for journeys…
Charlie6 (dom): I won’t get carried away. Responsible but not obsessive maintenance…
Low Buck Rider: Quit making me feel bad!
Brady: I have all the stuff at hand now to do the tire changes. I’ll let you know how it goes. It always seems to end up being more trouble than I imagine when I turn to mechanical activities…