Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Definition of Spring

I've never liked the official definition of the "first day of spring." I'm always anxious for it to come as early as possible so I can get outside and do things, such as ride, ride, ride. That really depends on the weather, not the calendar. To solve this problem I have developed my own definition, which is: The first five consecutive days after February 15th when the temperature does not drop below freezing. This year, that day came on Feb. 24. The 24th was the first of the five days. With this method you can't know when Spring actually begins until the end of the five day period, but you can look back with fondness and remember what you did during those first glorious days of Spring.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Gloves for Cold Digits

I haven't had a proper pair of cold-weather motorcycle gloves -- instead relying on my ski gloves for seriously cold or wet days. They worked pretty well but had no abrasion protection and no gauntlet cuff. The mailman delivered my new Tourmaster Polar Tex gloves today, along with a pair of silk glove liners. Shipping on the Polar Tex would have been $7 but by adding the glove liners for $9.50 my order qualified for free shipping. My now $2.50 liners are so thin they fit inside of any of my other gloves. They feel great and are reputed to add noticeable warmth. If my dag nab work schedule will allow, I hope to try them out soon -- before the weather turns balmy. The top of Badger Mountain would be a good test.