That's right folks, the mercury in Bismarck, ND is about to hit 50* for the first time since October 3rd and the F3 will be making its 2009 debut!!

I have already turned in my leave slip from work for the last 3 hours of today (not as if I'm working super hard right now, considering I'm posting from my desk) and plan on doing at least 120 miles before dark.

Anyone else still waiting for their first ride of the year?

 

Aw man, here I was going to congratulate you and wish you Happy Birthday. Well congratulations on being able to get out and ride this year. Fortunately, down here we don't stop riding. Oh, did I say that out loud

 

I only wish I was lucky enough to have year round riding! I was in Orlando for a few days in mid February and was overtaken by jealously seeing all the bikes out.

I got in just under 100 miles yesterday and had a blast. I only saw a couple other sport bikes out. Due to the snow and ice we get our city puts down a lethal mix of sand and salt to keep the roads clear. It usually takes a week of 60* before they get out and clean it all up so it wasn't the most relaxed ride.

On a brighter note, I got to try out my new Teknic textile for the first time. It proved to be everything I wanted out of a riding jacket. I picked it for around $100 from motorcyclesuperstore.com over the winter. It kept me warm without roasting me out and gave a lot more confidence to my riding. This is also my first season wearing a helmet and I have mixed feelings. I am having a hell of a time keeping the shield from fogging and since I only have the factory clear shield the sun raised all kinds of havoc. I am resolved to keep wearing it and ordered a tinted sheild today.

It's at about 35* right now and I need about another 10 warmer before I'm venturing out today.

 

Well, down here we even think that Orlando gets cold . I support your decision to wear a helmet, good idea. I wear a Shark RSX helmet. I have a clear shield and a dark smoked shield. I like the dark one, but I don't like getting caught out in the evening with it. So most of the time I resign myself to wearing sunglasses with the clear shield. This way I don't have to carry an extra shield, and besides the smoked one isn't polarized. I preferr to wear polarized sunglass' because of the enhanced vision they provide. Well, thanks to global warming, I think you'll be getting your warmer weather sooner than later. At least its good for something.