First ride of the season

[vito1943]

Yesterday was surprisingly warm, temps in the high 50's, so I was able to get out for my first ride of the season. I missed most of the fall riding months because my RT was sitting at the dealer awaiting a part, and by the time the bike was fixed it was mid December. So yesterday was the first time since late September 2024 that I was able to get out on the road with the Spyder. And it felt great to be riding again. In fact, it also reminded me of how wrong I was when I traded in the Goldwing for this Spyder. I assumed that having to steer through curves rather than lean through the curves would rob me of one of the best parts of riding a motorcycle. Giving up the leaning turned out to be far less of a sacrifice than I thought it would be. My ride yesterday made me think that maybe my purchase of a small two wheeler, just to stay within the "real" motorcycle community, might not have been necessary after all.

Back when I was in my early 40's I met a rider who was 85 and traveling from San Diego to Boston solo on his old BMW motorcycle. He became my hero that day. Now I am almost at his age, looking at 82 in just a few months, and yesterday's ride made me feel that I just might make it to that age still riding after all. I don't think we are truly done with winter just yet, but riding season has arrived and life is good.

 

[jmbiii]

Vito, I just turned 82 last month. My wife and I have managed to ride (two Spyders) year-round for the past 4-5 years. Granted, a couple of years just a quick short ryde in January or February occurred due to weather. We are determined to be able to say we ryde year-round. We're headed up to the WVa mountains later this week! Keep ryding and don't let age be a limit.

 

[ARtraveler]

Yesterday was surprisingly warm, temps in the high 50's, so I was able to get out for my first ride of the season. I missed most of the fall riding months because my RT was sitting at the dealer awaiting a part, and by the time the bike was fixed it was mid December. So yesterday was the first time since late September 2024 that I was able to get out on the road with the Spyder. And it felt great to be riding again. In fact, it also reminded me of how wrong I was when I traded in the Goldwing for this Spyder. I assumed that having to steer through curves rather than lean through the curves would rob me of one of the best parts of riding a motorcycle. Giving up the leaning turned out to be far less of a sacrifice than I thought it would be. My ride yesterday made me think that maybe my purchase of a small two wheeler, just to stay within the "real" motorcycle community, might not have been necessary after all.

Back when I was in my early 40's I met a rider who was 85 and traveling from San Diego to Boston solo on his old BMW motorcycle. He became my hero that day. Now I am almost at his age, looking at 82 in just a few months, and yesterday's ride made me feel that I just might make it to that age still riding after all. I don't think we are truly done with winter just yet, but riding season has arrived and life is good.

You have some good points. When I still had my Kawi motorcycle (sold in 2023 or so), I did enjoy leaning in the twisties. That was the ONLY complaint that I have had about Spyder that could be considered ongoing.

 

[spyderladyf3]

Did my first ride of the season today, it was in the 70s, had an awesome ride except for the wind. Weird Wisconsin weather, it's supposed to be in the 40's tomorrow and snow on Thursday. There's a Wisconsin saying that, "if you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes, it'll change..."

 

[iotanet]

Last Friday, it was mid 70’s in East-Central MN. Coincidentally, our Spyders were ready to be picked up following their annual maintenance. The Mrs and I had a wonderful afternoon/evening ride from Red Wing, to Prescott, to Stillwater, and home. Perfect way to kick off the season… even tho it snowed yesterday.

 

[Little Blue]

Still waiting for that first Spyder Ryde.
Just been busy and now all the rain.

I know my Day will come.
Please enjoy your Ryde Times.

 

[Mikey]

My bride and I have taken two rides around the block for about 250 miles total! I am loving the new rear shock, and the extra brake pedal and response I am getting from a good brake flush this year! Now some new tires on the front and hit the road!!