An Undesirable Father's Day Gift...

After Sunday services today I had the opportunity to head out for a quick Father's Day on the Suzuki. It was a real pressure cooker out today with temps in the high 90's and humidity that felt like a large Saint Bernard panting in my face.

I didn't stay out too long but long enough to get soaked through with sweat under my gear - ATGATT - even on the hot days. Once I returned home I parked the bike in the driveway and went inside to cool off with a shower.

As I was exiting the shower, I heard the dogs barking, which is not uncommon. The sound of a field mouse digging for dinner out in the yard will send these two howling to the windows and doors - anything to protect the family home. But this time the barking continued - whatever they were barking at wasn't going away.

I dried off, put on the minimal layer of "go see what this is about" clothing and marched down the stairs to investigate. I'm not certain, because the windows were closed and the AC was running, but I swear I heard a sewing machine running, then fade away into the distance. I pulled back the blinds and peered out through the front window - nothing.

I then went to the side window that looks out over at the driveway. All seemed fine...bike still there...nothing out of the ordinary....but wait...."What is that on the bike?", I muttered out loud.

"There's something on the seat. What in the world is that?"

There appeared to be something for me on the seat of the bike...

I went out to the driveway to investigate. As I moved closer I started to suspect what 'It' was. As I reached the bike, the smell confirmed it.

A "fresh" present for Father's Day...courtesy of a local BMW rider...but which one?

It appears as though I just received a 'hint' from some area Beemer riders. I can't wait to find out from whom...Happy Father's Day!

Giving Back the Love

Something that has taken good care of me over the years of motorcycle riding is my riding gear. It has kept me warm in cold weather, it has kept me dry during wet riding, and it has kept me mostly safe when I have had the unfortunate spill. I am a strong advocate of the ATGATT philosophy - All The Gear All The Time.

After a ride this morning I was putting my gear away when I really took a look at my Sidi Sympatex riding boots and said, I think out load, "Holy Cow - these things look like Crap!". Here's a quick snap of them showing just a few miles of wear and tear.

(Click to enlarge and see the full extent of the wear)

Many years ago as a young lad my grandfather gifted me with a shoe shine kit complete with daubers, rags, brushes and a few tins of polish. The only problem at that time I think was that the only shoes I owned were a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor High Tops in white--not exactly the ideal candidate for spit shine practice.

As an adult, I still keep a shoe shine kit on hand, since I now actually own a few pairs of shoes. I no longer have the exact kit or tools from my grandfather as I have replaced various items with new as they've exceeded their useful life.

I decided to pull out the kit and have a go with my boots - the result can be seen below. While there are a few battle scars that cannot be repaired or hidden with polish, overall I have shown some love back to some items that have taken good care of me for many miles, and likely will for many more.

(Click to enlarge and see how they look after a little facial)

Moto-themed Crop Circles?

A Rather Unusual Crop Circle Design...the MAC-PAC reputation is growing!