Spring Is Here! Crank it Up!

My co-workers look at me like I'm crazy ... yes, everyday that's true ... but they stare with more animated expressions on frigid days as I lift my leg over off of Nietzsche and begin the disrobing of motorcycle regalia from the helmet to the balaclava (which I learned is not the same as baklava) at 8 am in the parking lot. One fine gentleman came up behind me as I was removing my gloves and said, "Jen, you look like a ninja!" as he mouthed the stereotypical Bruce Lee type whaaaaaaaa noises. My childhood instincts almost got the best of me, because for a split second I went into defense mode sensing some sort of racial slur. But of course, I realized quickly it had nothing to do with my Asian-ness, and everything to do with my gear. So rather than retort with a smartass remark, I simply smiled and enjoyed a little giggle with him.


I applaud myself for not having to put a cover over my bike for the winter. Below 20 degree temperatures did not stop me from mounting up in the mornings. However, it did make for a different experience. I found out about the importance of mobility in motorcycle gear. When it's freezing ass cold outside and you plan on riding a bike to work, you can't exactly bundle up like Ralphie's little brother in A Christmas Story. Believe me, I tried. I could barely get my hands comfortably onto the handlebars, let alone turn my head to change lanes. So after a visit to REI, and a sizable purchase of base layers and middle layers and outer layers and outer-outer layers, my winter riding gear with mobility in mind was complete.


But now I can put all that crap away and get back to normal layers because SPRING IS HERE!! You know what this means? Weekend road trips and bottles of Allegra!