My third winter riding in Maryland. Depressing

[Eric L]

Well it seems winter is here. 20s in the morning, 30s at night. I rode all winter last year, but I am feeling a little unmotivated. Car is nice and warm, but boring, and uses twice the gas.

I see no other MC daily on the road now. I am the only idiot I see commuting out there.

 

[RedPorscheKilla]

Sorry to hear that Eric, yet I'd keep on doing it, you enjoy it, so all is good. I was getting so antsy that I had to go for a ride today, despite unpleasant temps, but heck, it was worth every mile!

V

RPK

 

[FJR Flyer]

MD's winters are pretty benign compared to anywhere to the north. I'm still commuting every day. And, so far, the only thing that keeps me off the road is ice and/or snow. Temps usually aren't an issue if you have some heated gear.

 

[Spud]

EIGHT BELOW ZERO at my house this am. Ice on the roads and snow. No depression here--you mentally have to know you cannot ride for a while. I like the changing seasons. It's like living in two different worlds between summer and winter. The Grand Teton was spectacular from the top of the mountain at Targhee ski hill a few days ago....

 

[Eric L]

Yeah Yeah, I am just whiny.

 

[Twinrivers]

Stop your whining!! 6 degrees here this morning and eight inches of snow on the ground and I have a brand spanking new 2013 so I don't want to here it

 

[PhilJet09]

I know exactly what you're saying. I rode all winter last year, but this year is different. The timing of the little bit of snow and cold is just enough to make things miserable. I think knowing that if the conditions were just a wee bit different, riding would be possible and enjoyable. Oh well, I've been waiting for parts anyway.

 

[gixxerjasen]

I am the only idiot I see commuting out there.

I love when I have this thought myself. Didn't ride this week though. Had to ship a large box on Wednesday and pick up a hitch for my car from a seller. Seller forgot the hitch so I had to drive on Thursday. I was all set to ride today but forecast was showing mixtures of rain, sleet and snow all over the metroplex. I drove again. Dang. Roads were dry and 40F across the city. I've been on vacation with the family the last week and a half, I'm starting to get the shakes from not riding!

 

[Wild72]

I used to commute daily from York, PA down to Baltimore year round unless there was snow or ice. One morning, I pulled into the parking lot at work, and a couple of guys looked over in disbeleif at me. When I took off my helmet, one of them shouted, "Dude, are you insane? it's 9 degrees".

Sadly, about two years ago I got demoted into management, and was given a company truck that I need to commute in these days. Nice that they pay for all the gas and maintenance, but I miss my daily ride, and try and get as much as possible in over the weekends now.

 

[whataboutbob]

Had to wear the liner in my mesh jacket..4 below..(70f)

 

[BkerChuck]

My job now has me only a few miles from home so even though I love to ride I just can't bring myself to bundle up for the short distance. Whenever we do get a nice day though I try to get out for at least a little bit to maintain my sanity.

 

[Bustanut joker]

It ain't the weather so much as the traffic... I suppose if you are far enough away from the greater DC area it could be nice.

Never had that luxury though

 

[gixxerjasen]

I've got a good distance to ride and lots of traffic, but having use of the HOV lanes makes it worthwhile. Without them, I'd just drive. They say free HOV lanes in Dallas are going to be a thing of the past. Not sure what I'll do then.

 

[majicmaker]

I've got a good distance to ride and lots of traffic, but having use of the HOV lanes makes it worthwhile. Without them, I'd just drive. They say free HOV lanes in Dallas are going to be a thing of the past. Not sure what I'll do then.

You'll pay the toll Gixxer like we do here in Florida. Still worth every penny when you're flying by everyone else at a stand still. )

 

[gixxerjasen]

Meh, maybe I'll move closer to work.

 

[kolonial72]

Mods, plese move this thread. MD does not belong to the North East region.

And yeah, riding has been tough lately.

 

[Eric L]

Most of my riding is in PA, so I feel like an honorary NE member.

Got sleeted on two days ago. I commute back and forth on a 25 mile trip on back roads up to Frederick so I have no traffic headed my way - everyone is going the other way :=)

 

[user 213]

There is a perverse pleasure in being "that guy" that rides to work, no matter what. But at some point, you just have to call it. I rode to work years ago in a snow storm, on the '40 HD knucklehead and swore never again. I got home and went out and bought a 4WD Subaru that same day.

But when the conditions are reasonable, if cold, screw it, ride in. Nothing makes the salesmen squirm like riding in during freezing weather. Almost as good as the urinal question "what did you do this weekend" and you answer, "rode to Alaska" No, really? "Yeah, really" *****.