Chilly BTGTWR

March 31, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

Standing in the drive with the sun shining down it seemed fairly warm. We were eager to ride a few miles before Tim goes to work. As we ambled out of the neighborhood we agreed it was a mite more chilly than it was yesterday.

No, neither one of us looked at the temp before we rode out. We saw sun and partly cloudy skies. No matter. We toughed it out for a windy 40 mile ride over the dam to Masonville, making a wide circuitous route back to Fort Collins eventually choosing roads where we didn't have to travel at highway speeds. Ha!

By the time we got back, we were both saying - damn - it was pretty cold out there this morning. As it turns out, the temp hadn't broke 50 degrees yet which means we were riding in the mid to high 40s. Shortly after, long about noon, we had 51 degrees with 52% humidity. Our humidity is normally much lower than the temperature.

Horsetooth Reservoir is getting more water every day now. We noticed construction of a few more camp sites on the western shore. Clouds were rolling over the foothills, bringing with them much cooler temps and the possibility of rain/snow showers for the next couple of days. The entire Rocky Mountain range from north to south is under a winter storm warning. They are expecting another 10-12 inches in the high country. Easter Bunny skiers are likely rejoicing that fact.

As for Tim and myself... we're thinking it would be nice to ride and actually break a "sweat". Of course, folks in Texas are smirking and saying "come on down."


Looking North over Horsetooth Reservoir


Riding West toward Masonville


Obligatory Mountain Shot

Even a little ol' parts run can be fun

March 30, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

Oh, it was only a BTGTWR (Before Tim Goes to Work Ride) but we are not complaining. It was a gorgeous day in Northern Colorado, sunny and warmer than it has been any morning this year so far.

We made a trip to Thunder Mountain for 20,000 mile maintenance parts fun by taking the long way home. Both of us were reluctant to return to the house, but work is work. We got back just in time to pack Tim's lunch and get him out of here. The day grew warmer and warmer. As I was out running errands, I noticed motorcycles everywhere. The winds kicked up a bit this afternoon, but I'm betting we would have toughed it out if we had been out and about.

We have one more day before inclement weather returns bringing rain and probably snow showers. We're hoping for an Easter Ride. Wish us luck!

Finally! A great day to ride!

March 28, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

Well, it's about time. Spring time. Riding time. Today marked the true beginning of our riding season.

By this time last year we had logged well over 1300 miles in about 23 rides. This year we've logged 573 miles in 11 rides and most of that is in two rides. About half of that was Tim riding solo while I was in Texas. Winter came to northern Colorado early in 2009 and out-stayed its welcome this year. Temperatures stayed below freezing after heavy snow turning snow-packed neighborhood streets to skating rinks for weeks and weeks.

No matter... warmer weather or almost warmer weather had us eager to be on the road this morning. We impatiently lingered over our coffee until the day had time to warm properly. By noon it was in the high 40s and we were rolling out of the drive on our way to a plesant afternoon roaming the countryside and flatlands in and around Fort Collins. The Rockies were shining bright and white from yesterday's snowfall as we rode along. We look at them longingly, but it's far too early to be up in the high country. Maybe sometime soon we'll be visiting Estes Park and riding the peak-to-peak highway.

We made our usual stop at the park in Lyons to stretch our legs and decide where to next. We snapped a few pics. Some bikers were having lunch at Oskar's. Many were riding on through. We knew from the looks of it, there would be too much snow west and up. Not too far south of here, there was a large snow storm yesterday so we traveled as far south as Longmont before turning east toward the plains. We stopped in the small town of Garden City (near Greeley) for coffee and a cookie snack at McDonald's. Afterwards, we traveled north to Cheyenne on Hwy 85 where it was too windy and a few degrees colder. Cheyenne is one of those places where the weather and winds are always an issue. It was getting late in the day, so we headed south again on I-25 back to Fort Collins, turning off to ride a few more country roads on the way in, more than a little reluctant to call it a day.

Like many other bikers we saw out and about, we rode a large loop around our area, most of it flatlands and just enjoyed being able to ride. We broke 20,000 miles on The Ride while we were out today. Woo-Hoo!

A few pics:

Thunder in the Rockies Rally on the Move - Stay tuned

March 25, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

If you have attended Thunder in the Rockies in the past, you know how many ride in for this event, you know how limited Thunder Mountain's parking is and you might also know that the road and bridge at I-25 near the dealership is under heavy construction. Hopefully the construction will be completed by then and hopefully the dealership will make good use of the open land around it to provide parking. Thunder Mountain Harley Davidson has yet to post anything about the rally on the dealership's web site. I'll do some investigating, and post again when I know more.

We usually attend Thunder in the Rockies but this year we will be on the road to Texas for the Texas State HOG Rally in Wichita Falls.

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Thunder in the Rockies to make a move in 2010
Loveland Connection • March 7, 2010

The annual Labor Day Weekend Motorcycle Rally, Thunder in the Rockies, will not be returning to The Ranch.

Instead, the event will take place solely at Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson, 4250 Byrd Drive, just west of Interstate 25. This announcement comes on the heels of speculation that the holiday event would move to other locations in Northern Colorado.

The sheer volume of attendees for the event prompted discussions between Engaging Loveland, Thunder Mountain and The Ranch staff with the city of Loveland.

However, all parties decided that moving the event to downtown Loveland would not be feasible and have decided that hosting it in one location was in the best interest for the attendees, as well as the vendors.

The event’s Web site, www.thunderintherockies.com (as of this date still showing 2009 info) says that about 58,000 motorcycle enthusiasts attend the four-day event, which begins the Friday night before Labor Day.

Todd Erdmann, owner of Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson, said in a statement, “We are scheduling all of the events that people have come to expect for Thunder in the Rockies at Thunder Mountain Amphitheatre. We believe keeping all that encapsulates the event within the confines of one venue adds to the experience for patrons.”

Bob Herrfeldt, director of The Ranch, said, “The efforts of patrons, sponsors, vendors and most importantly the residents of Northern Colorado in putting on Thunder in the Rockies has been tremendous over the past few years. The Ranch staff has enjoyed hosting the event with Thunder Mountain; however, we are now turning our attention towards bringing other regional events to our campus.”

The Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds and Events Complex, located in Loveland, opened in 2003. It is owned and operated by Larimer County.

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Source: Colorodoan.com (link is dead)

Biker Poetry - Waitin' for the Ride

March 24, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

Waitin' for the Ride
by Ann Weyant
March 24, 2010

Another beautiful day and ...

Here I sit broken-hearted,
Just lookin' at my Harley,
Longing to get her started.

I love the freedom of the ride
Roaring down the road - wind in my face.
Eatin' bugs and dirt,
Out in the open space.

There's nothing like the ride
For settlin' my nerves.
Just me and my Harley,
Leanin' round the curves.

Yes, I've been there,
and I know how it feels.
Living for the ride and
Hopin' for no spills.

There'll be another tomorrow
And in the days to come.
I'm waitin' for the ride,
That's where I'm comin' from.

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Used with permission from the author - Thanks Ann!

So Much for Spring

March 23, 2010
Fort Collins, CO


March is our snowiest month of the year - we're hoping we are done with Old Man Winter and our riding days are quickly approaching, but April weather is a crap shoot at best in northern Colorado - we will see. The following is a slide show of the snow coming in, the night snow and the next day including the day care kids snowman tasting and the promise of Spring...

Dad's friends say Get Well Ted!

March 23, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

Wichita Falls, TX -- Dad is currently recovering from surgery so there's no riding or standing the flag line missions in his near future. (I said near future, Dad.) He is on the mend and counting the days until he's back on the Road King tearing up the highway of northern Texas and southern Oklahoma.

Yesterday, fellow riders and friends, Joe and Sherry visited for a short while. They brought Dad a couple of thoughtful get well gifts. They are much appreciated.


Custom Made PGR Belt Buckle - with the wording Standing the Flag Line and Riding with Respect


Get Well Care Bear - Awwwwww.....

Signs of Spring Ride

March 22, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

I've been out of town a couple of weeks so Tim has been riding solo when he can. The weather didn't cooperate much while I was gone but he logged a few miles, including a couple of times over Horsetooth Reservoir Dam aka the Dam Ride.

Having arrived home from Texas just last night, we were still somewhat pooped but the day was as pretty as they get this time of year so we hopped on for a BTGTWR - Before Tim Goes to Work Ride and my first Dam ride of the 2010. It was a short ride, but served to clear the ol' noggin of worries and politics and other things that nag at the spirit.

The ice is breaking up on Horsetooth Reservoir, a certain sign of Spring. We'll enjoy this ride many times throughout the year but especially before the Lake People arrive when temps warm up enough for boating, fishing and other water recreation.


The notch - Fort Collins below


Looking south


Ice breaking on the north end

Texas Stuff

March 13, 2010
Wichita Falls, TX

Spring has made an appearance in both Texas and Colorado over the last couple of weeks. Tim is out cruising on The Ride every chance he gets in Colorado. Texas folk are doing the same.

I am visiting the Folks while Dad is on the mend after surgery.

I had the pleasure of attending a HOG meeting for the Red River HOG Chapter today in Wichita Falls. Red River will host the 2010 Texas State HOG Rally Labor Day weekend.

Lone Star (Tequila Talkin' and I'm Already There and Amazed) is scheduled to entertain during the rally. Several rides are being organized including a Wagner Ranch Run to the west, a North Texas Hill Country Run, a Wichita Mountain/Casino run, and a Possom Kingdom Lake run. Lots of other entertainment, activities, vendors and exhibits are in the works. There are many good eating places, leather good outlets and more along each uniquely scenic ride. It sounds like a fun time. I know we are looking forward to it and plan to ride down from Colorado to ride with friends and family.

Maybe we'll see you there...

Shadow Riders join us for BTGTWR #1 2010

March 2, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

BTGTWR - Before Tim Goes To Work Ride

The forecast gives us several days this week that will break 50 degrees. Today was one of them, but in order to get a ride in before Tim goes to work we have to ride early which means the day had not warmed to its full potential.

Ask us if we care... nope.

The sun was shining, skies were a crystal blue, winds were light... the ride was short but sweet.


Frozen Terry Lake - Fort Collins


The Shadow Riders made their first appearance of the year...


Think Tim is enjoying himself?

My kind of politician

March 1, 2010
Fort Collins, USA

I think it is sorta cool that Scott Brown of Massachusetts drives a pickup truck. It certainly seemed to help his campaign. I think I would have needed a little more information before I voted for the man but knowing the man drives a pickup made him worth a second glance, something most politicians don't get from me.

Governor Mitch Daniels - Indiana - rides a motorcycle. Now this is my kind of politician. IMHO - We need more politicians that can tap into the reality of the regular folk. Wind in your hair, bugs in your teeth, charity rides and all that... Yep, this guy is worth a second glance.