Longer Days

Being almost the end of January, we have weathered (pardon the joke) deep cold and snow, being the northeast part of the country. Rain, snow, ice, salt, sand and wind as the norm. Last week in the single digits at night and then today high 30's to mid 40's. Spring is just around the corner, riding season coming soon. This year I have my bike in a garage and not its own shed. I am able to look it over more often and move it around some. I long for my first ride which is usually in March when we have our warm up and then back away under cover for another 4-6 weeks as the days grow longer and sunnier (we hope), bringing warmth of a newer season. I am hoping to ride from the beginning to the end of each day. I have looked over my gear already and thinking only new gloves this year should get me through until all the rallies and vendors and sales start. I park my ride to wander around to see what new or old gear is around. Like an antique hunter I move from shop to hut in search of that treasure I must have. Spring shows signs of longer days!
See you on the Road!

Bricks for Memorial Day

http://plattsburghbarracksveteransparkwall.org is a site to view the Veterans wall at the former PAFB in Plattsburgh, NY and I have talked about this park before. A recap on the history of this project is: Disabled American Veterans Chapter 179 is the driving force behind this. These people include Paul Dumas, past DAV179 president, who we send the cost of a brick to, Carmen Rust, the present acting President, Steve Bowman, Veterans Affairs, most recent former President DAV179, and a variety of actors and volunteers. This park is located at a spot where every July 4th, while the air base was located there, we sat and watch the fireworks. Also called the Oval, the park grows every year with monies raised and donated. Come every May there is a day called Memorial Day, also known as Rememberance Day or Armistace Day, where there is a ceremony to remember all the vets killed in past conflicts throughout history. Every year, twice a year, the purchased bricks are laid on the wall, Memorial Day being the first, Veterans Day, being the second. This past year was the first year bricks were laid down three times. I look forward to spring to see the progress of this park and the wall located there. Anyone wanting to purchase a brick can stop by the site or contact anyone on the list for an application to do so. So Honor the Veterans in you life, buy a brick!
See you on the Road!

Ridin' into the New Year

I sat on my sofa last night, next to my warm wood stove, looking out at the snow falling, wondering about when the roads were going to clear. I look forward to taking the bike out on the open road, feeling nature run by my face. We all know the smells freshly uncovered ground can bring, it isn't my most favorite riding season, but will definitely take it anyways. As I sit here thinking about all this, I wondered if I dreamed that I was ridin' into the New Year. Happy New Years.
See you on the Road!