Like most of you northern bikers, this below-zero spate has run its course for me. I want the spring thaw, and it doesn't help that both of my bikes have been completed and sit in my dealer's "cold storage" area. They could be ready immediately if it suddenly turned 80 degrees.

I usually test out all of the new toys and mods at the beginning of the riding season. But this year, I just want to ride. I'm going to need my wife to ferry me back and forth to the shop to get both bikes, and even that tedious routine makes me anxious and giddy. I even have all of my micro-fiber clothes all washed and ready for detailing. Good grief, do all fudds act like this?

I have become so anal about the start of spring that at the gym I have been working my back and shoulders like a galley slave. When I throw a leg o'er and look into the wind I doubt I'll get off until the gas stations close.

I've even been fantasizing about a third Harley--and old school Sportster made to look like a chrome drenched CVO Screaming Eagle and tweaked like a rocket ship--but one that carries enough fuel to satisfy my lusts!

Right now it's as dark as a dungeon at Chez Turista, but all my mind's eye can see is a bright summer's day. Has this particular winter left you feeling the same way?

Well, a new day has dawned, the wife is stilll asleep, a pot of strong Sumatra X-Bold (ground to dust) is perking, and I polished a new knife last night. My cold is remarkably better and my mood seems to be improving. However, I'm still one idiot away from a police tranquilizer dart and a stern comeupance from my psychiatrist. Or as my associatiates might relate, "Just another day for the weirdo."

I did hit the bike shop yesterday. I had to make a payment on my winter work, deliver a knife to my mechanic and steal some (more) coffee before hitting the gym. The place was as devoid of customers as a Hillary Clinton swimsuit calendar, and we had plenty of time to goof off and tell some lies.

One thing that struck me about this "modern age" was a stroll through the parts department. As a dinosaur I once wrenched my own engines, as knowledge permitted. Even now I chose the parts I needed for me and me alone. However, there on an engine stand was a pre-built custom motor--all blinged, goosed with more inches, inhaling through a 'Heavy Breather,' and probably a lighter-weight valve train and longer duration camshafts.

Sort of "ego in a box." Youz buys an empty frame and six bolts later youz are a badass. I just hope the dude knows what the name "Brembo" means, 'cause he's going to need it.

But here's the point. A few days back I probably couldn't have made that joke, or even noticed that Viagra engine. My smart-mouth attitude seems inversely proportionate to the phlegm I displace. Ain't this a great country, or what?

Hey, where are all of you chest-thumpin' beastly types? How 'bout a few lines here on the forum? Even an insult would be nice...

Just barely survived -27 degrees. Now getting whacked with another 10 inchs of snow,lol. Yahoo.

It didn't dawn on me as a motorcycle rider that winter would be of any concern. When my kids were little and because they indulged in winter activities like playing hockey and skiing and stuff like that it was no big deal. Now they're gone and this weather really really bites. Unfortunately I am too vested in my job to move. I have tried unsucesfully twice to relocate via a transfer.

What ever.

It's snowing again here this morning. Not a blizzard, just a light wispy snow with zero wind dusting everything with a fresh coat of white. Strangley beautiful over latte' in the morning.

Ask me again at noon when I'm driving home to work!

Three more days, just three more days...

12 inches of snow, can't get to the doors at my shop just Saturday it was 60's and sunny. Is winter over yet?