Morning awakening

[SIR REAL ED]

Knowing it is 90% Lucian.
Telling others is the other 10%

I remember a couple "knowing" statements but forget who are attributed with saying them.

"Showing up is 80% of life!"

or

"Life is 10% what you make it, & 90% how you take it!"

[SIR REAL ED]

This is the part that I like about my bikes, but that seem to lead others on an endless quest to achieve a perfection that cannot be found.  Humility is one of the best roads to contentment.

As a boy bringing in the cows at 4:30AM for milking instilled an awareness of the early day- the dry grass & air before the dew sets, the cool breeze & temp drop to expect just before the sun rises and the difference or transition in many smells at the same time of day.   It’s a good chance to read likely weather for the pending day.  Riding a bike provides the same sensory experience.   Whatever season it is, it’s like being a kid on the farm again.

During my year of doughwork, I worked at a bagel bakery in Knoxville, TN.  I had to arrive by 4:30 to have the oven up to 500F and 50 gallon kettle boiling by 5AM.  Riding my V7 Sport alone across Knoxville on I-40 when it was empty was great.  Many of the highway lights on the interstate would cast a shadow of me against the center wall which I would chase, catch and quickly pass.  It was like being in a race with a dozen or more V7 Sports and passing all of them at full speed.  But that was topped every day when I got off the interstate and passed a small swampy spot on Lovell Road that always smelled so musty at that time of the day.  Whether riding or on foot, you couldn’t smell it any other time.  Then no matter how cold it was, I would be in a blazing hot kitchen at the end of my ride.     Sadly, that boggy musty spot is now adjacent to the entrance to a large commercial development (Turkey Creek) and I expect the swamp is no longer the same.

Years later, the cold late winter and spring morning rides at 6AM on my old HD FLH to the granite studio in Vermont were much colder.  As long as it was 15F-20F, I rode because it was getting warmer after the long cold winter.  Nothing like real cold air for clarity. And nothing makes the bike run as well or sound as good as that cold clean air.

Amen.  My wife and I often say most of the younger generation will always be "different" if for no other reason than never experiencing Mother Nature at the extreme range of comfort.  The insulation and comfort wealth provides is often not a good thing.

I share the same memories. 

Playing outside during extreme weather that would get a modern parent a visit from Child Protective Services... 
Doing stupid/dangerous things with childhood friends.....
Sunburn, sunstroke, numbness, frostbite, hunger, thirst....
Plowing snow with a rubber tired loader with no heater, or a tractor with no cab at 2am in single digit (Fahrenheit) temperatures....

My wife has the same experience showering snow at night on a dead silent winter night.  She calls them "Crystal Moments."

Not exactly the same type of discomfort as someone disagreeing with you on the internet!!!

"See this mark right here?  That's the scar I got from Huzo disagreeing with me about the best kind of motorcycle oil to use!  Whenever the barometric pressure changes, I still limp a little bit!!"   

Oh the agony!

[Huzo]

That, Mr Huzo, is an incredibly generous offer.

Well…
It sort of is and it isn’t Ratso.
I now have several places that I can turn up to almost unannounced in the U.S. and there would be a bike available to me. I know that this is the case in North Carolina for starters and I have a map of North America with thumbtacks stuck in where I have an open invitation to stay.
So the thing is as I see it is this….
The major stumbling block to overseas motorbike travel is getting the bike there and back, once you hit the starter it gets easier. We have a vast resource here of bikes sprinkled across the Western world that are more or less languishing through lack of (meaningful) use. Also my view is that a bike is only a fraction of itself unless it is being used to its potential and meeting new people from other cultures through biking is a wonderful privilege.
Mine available at this point and I can’t think of too many that I’d be reluctant to make good on the offer.
But there are some….
Anyway, that’s it as it stands.

[Huzo]

I simply love this thread. Early morning rides always end with a small sense of loss when the rest of the world wakes up.

Yes Scout, but I tend to think you haven’t lost it.. It’s just put somewhere in your mind that goes everywhere with you. The inside of your helmet knows all your fears and remembers all your secrets.
It forgets nothing…

[Motormike]

Some of my best motorcycling memories are of morning rides.  Setting out before dawn on a long trip, filled with expectations. Traffic non-existent.  Stopping for a good hot breakfast 90 or 100 miles down the road.
Those rides were decades ago. Sadly, I don't do those pre-dawn rides like I used to.  Mostly because the deer threat has gotten so completely out of hand.  Retiring to a small, rural town didn't help that problem one bit! Riding to the Barber Vintage Festival each October does rouse me out and, on the road, well before dawn.  I think I counted 10 deer in the three-mile stretch before I reach the main county road.  Ugh!

[Bulldog9]

I will remind anyone in Europe or the ‘States…
It’s starting to come good weather wise here in ‘Oz and I’ll repeat my offer to anyone who wants to come over and take my V85 away for some time to tour Australia. My Son Christopher currently has it in his care, but I’m sure a slot can be made for anyone who wants to take up the offer.
I WILL collect you from Melbourne International and it’s a 1 hour trip to where I live from there. The bike is free, the only stipulation is that there’ll need to be appropriate insurance on it and the tyres/service will have to be up to speed.
It’s a nice thing to ride.


You’ll never see Australia cheaper…

Thanks for the Reminder Huzo, a very likely proposition in the coming year or so as I am just retired. I'm planning out the next two years agenda, and a solo visit to the Land Down Under would be fantastic.

Goes without saying that the same offer stands for any forum member visiting the East Coast of the US and wants to see the Mid Atlantic and great roads of the Adirondack Mountains. Plenty of room and several bikes to choose from.

[Bulldog9]

As some know, I have added a Norge to the herd, but haven't collected it. I will have to do a fly and ride, and have been putting it off till spring and warmth, but this thread is awakening that old adventurous itch. I would be picking the beauty up in Florida, and riding back to North Virginia. Weather/Cold will be fine for all but the last few hours (potentially). I could have sandwiched it in last month, but I wimped out.... Now I feel shame. What has happened to me?  There was a day where I craved and loved riding in the cold and up at the crack of dawn.

Yes it is true that my job the last 3 years about drained me of my last inch of life and energy, and I have had back, shoulder, knee and hip surgeries over the last 4 years (including total hip and knee replacements), but that is no excuse. I'll be fully retired in February... The 'honey do' list is huge to include a major house renovation, and getting my garages setup, but it is time for a change, and to roll back the clock.

I've also said before that Guzzi motorcycles, the Guzzi Community, and the friends I have made here have re-ignited my love of riding, and given me hope that I will be riding into my 70's. I'm just 60, and in 2014, at 50 thought my riding days were coming to a close. No longer..........

I won't be able to collect the Norge until after the New Year, but if I pack the gear, put on the layers, there is no reason I can't do a fly and ride in January. Afterall, I have many ports between Daytona Florida and Alexandria Virginia if the weather goes sideways........... .

SO THANKYOU Huzo and others in this thread breaking the crust off this old Soldier's lethargy........... 

[Moparnut72]

I am just a few months short of 80 and I am still going reasonably strong. I am hoping to be able to ride my V100 a couple of more years. Then I will probably continue on with the V7lll Special. and eventually wind up on a Vespa for the duration. You can do it, hang in there.
kk

[Huzo]

That is inspirational Bulldog and Moparnut.
I hope I have the balls to follow the path you have planned Moparnut, I’d love to have dinner with you. Guys like you have a book in them…

[Griso8V]

Beautifully written Huzo!  I wish I could capture those feelings in words like you can.
Yes, we due for a trip to Aus. and will be making plans for visiting my relatives in Western Australia and will dive the Great Barrier Reef. 
Tony C

[Huzo]

Beautifully written Huzo!  I wish I could capture those feelings in words like you can.
Yes, we due for a trip to Aus. and will be making plans for visiting my relatives in Western Australia and will dive the Great Barrier Reef. 
Tony C

When you arrive I’d love to come over to say hello. It’s only 3,500 k from Creswick to Perth and the Norge has another Perth trip in her.
Or maybe the Great Barrier Reef for a rendezvous.
Here’s a thought…
I could come over to Perth on the V85 and fly back home, you could ride  back…
Or…
You could take my V85 and I could come along on my Norge.
Or.
You could go alone..
Or…Or…Or…

[Moparnut72]

Huzo, if you make it to N. Cali. I have two bikes, you are welcome to one if you are not riding. We have a 5th wheel that we mainly use as a guest house, so you wouldn't be imposing. Same for anyone else as well.
kk

[Huzo]

Huzo, if you make it to N. Cali. I have two bikes, you are welcome to one if you are not riding. We have a 5th wheel that we mainly use as a guest house, so you wouldn't be imposing. Same for anyone else as well.
kk

Wonderful offer Mopie…
I appreciate the welcoming nature of you salt of the Earth working class Yanks…
You get a bad rap at times I reckon..
Thank you.

[Griso8V]

Thank you Huzo for ALL the very generous offers!  Certainly something to think about.  And if you are ever in California please look me up! 
Tony C
In Northern Calif. Santa Clara Valley.

[Huzo]

Bump for V 85 lover

[twowings]

Early morning riding=less traffic, great lighting for photos, BREAKFAST!, lots 'o' time to research campgrounds or indoor accomodations/food options.
Stopping mid-afternoon=setting up camp in daylight, cooking food in daylight, campfire-building time, showering before dark.
Going to bed with the sun=sunset photos, lots 'o' rest + saving flashlight & camplight batteries.