Ready Or Not
The first motorbikes to jump-start the season take on more risk. These agents on two wheels show up early, announcing to everyone that we’re back to play in traffic. They roll their dormant wrists to satisfy the itch as throttled fanfare fills the streets. The early birds catch more than the worm: they catch the dirty corners, distracted drivers, and potholes big enough to rattle your teeth. Emerging from their darkened garage once the days creep into double digits, the first round of early birds take flight, then along comes the local Easter Bunny riding his motorbike for all the girls and boys, and I follow suit.
Minus the bunny, most early birds dress ahead of the season, opting for summer layers to develop a thick skin against the spring chill. The thrill of the first ride gets people racing from their driveways, half geared up with unzipped coats flapping behind them, while I sift through winter clothes to find which long underwear pairs well with wool socks. Spring riding here is cold, just cold enough to make you feel alive as the wind stretches the skin over your face into a forced smile.
Due in part to the cold, the springtime showcase features more solo bikers than groups. Where short rides rule the pre-season, these adventurers have yet to convince their buddies it’s time to ride. They typically commute to work with a backpack or embark without baggage on a laid back afternoon of circling about town. If you’re not ready to jump into the cold, presenting your motorbike in your driveway is another way to show your commitment to the upcoming season. These glorious showpieces remain parked and ready at all times for inspection by their owners. Driveway bikes are recognizable by their persistent shiny chrome and tidy undercarriage and generally have a standby group of admirers with folded arms, discussing future plans and the weather.
Despite the long winter months of hibernation, not everyone qualifies as a first-out candidate: for just as there are many styles of bikes there are as many styles of riders atop them. Some are fair-weather bikers waiting to take off under perfect conditions, while others have waiting forced upon them. The reason they’re still behind the starting gate could be the result of a delay in parts or tires and if you’re not a mechanic, chances are your bike is amongst others standing in a corral of fix em’s at a local shop.
I find comfort in waiting to embark on a new season knowing I’m not chasing down the end of another, but while I’m eager to roll, my bike still needs coaxing. During last year’s trip to Newfoundland, I wound up with my points cable wrapped around the camshaft. Somewhere between a rock and a hard place, a motorcycle mechanic appeared and patched the cable back together. These patches held until home and carried me through the end of last season until now. Bogging at 4k rpm, my unresolved issue left us scratching our heads as to why new points weren’t fixing the problem. Through video investigations we discovered the points were arching against the advance unit at full advance, (thanks again Matt at MMMotorwerks.) After the repair we replaced a frayed throttle cable and fingers crossed, the last bit of business will be to sync the carbs. Once this is tidied up I won’t hesitate to hit the road and join the early birds, and while I’m not judging anyone who isn’t ready, last one out is a rotten egg.
