Where Did All These People Come From?

So I've seen things around on various forums and blogs about putting bikes and other toys away for the winter, which confused me slightly until I remembered it's mid-September and most of the world is now getting cold.

It's hardly cold here. In fact, right now is the beginning of prime riding season in Phoenix.

Which means everyone and their cousin has their motorcycle out on the road. As a year-round rider, it always surprises me in the spring and fall when all of these bikes just appear, seemingly out of nowhere, on the roads. I don't mean to sound like an elitist, but where were all these people the rest of the year?

I understand not riding during the summer here. It's flipping hot. But where do they all go during the winter? If you don't ride in the summer, and you don't ride in the winter, that gives you approximately two months of riding weather in an area where ice and rain are exceedingly rare.

I don't get it. What do they do with their bikes for the other 10 months?

That little rant out of the way, I have to say I really am glad to see lots of bikes on the road again. It's like a whole bunch of friends I haven't seen for a long time are back in town. So I guess my feelings on the matter are mixed. Therefore, I guess I'll just say it's good to see you. Wusses.

Causing Trouble Again

So it would seem that I've successfully repaired the oil leak on the Triumph. There were no puddles of oil under the bike this morning, which is just how I like it...

Anyway, after a couple of weeks on the Vespa, getting back on the Speed Four is kinda... exhilarating. What can I say? I like fast motorcycles.

So after riding a more leisurely bike, it's very, very tempting to get into all sorts of trouble.

Especially when some guy in his car wants to race. I love it when people in cars want to race. Usually, I don't actually indulge in my urges to whack open the throttle and leave behind a hazy outline of myself that can still outrun some doofus in his pick 'em up.

But a cager who wants to race a motorcycle is just begging to be messed with. Although I wouldn't do this - because it would be dangerous as well as foolish - here is what I sorely want to do:

1. Doofus indicates desire to race in usual way (getting next to me and hanging out, then keeping pace when I speed up to get my safety cushion back)
2. I get into full tuck and speed up the tiniest bit, just to get doofus hooked
3. Doofus tries to pass, and I keep pace as we accelerate
4. I let him get the tiniest bit ahead, then pull up next to him/slightly ahead
5. Repeat step 4 several times so doofus thinks we're really racing now
6. Look over and make eye contact with doofus
7. Wink
8. Downshift and watch doofus vanish in my rear view mirrors

So maybe I won't really do it, but it's sure a fun dream...