March has rolled around once again and the motorcycling season has begun. Most
years the weather in Wisconsin clears enough to allow some riding before
astronomical spring arrives and this year is no different. We were blessed with
a few days of fifty degree weather and, though it won't last, it is incentive
enough to uncover the BMW, unplug the Battery Tender, and ride.
It has been an
interesting winter for owners and would be owners of certain BMW motorcycle
models. The iconic German bike builder switched up its front brake supplier for
the 2019 model year of R 1250 GS bikes. In September, 2019, I took delivery of
the first 2020 R 1250 GS Adventure at my local dealer. I did not find out until
January, 2020, that there were problems with the brake calipers leaking
fluid.Fortunately, the mine did not leak and I have over 7000 miles of brake
free trouble on the motorcycle. But over the winter the BMW mothership was
forced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall the bikes
and replace the brakes. They will be replaced with the brand that BMW previously
sourced for the bikes. In addition, a stop sale was put on all of the affected
bikes until the approved brakes could be installed. I have spoken with my dealer
and my new calipers are on the way.
But, as long as my brakes are not leaking, I
can get out and ride right now. A couple of days ago I uncovered the big beast
and checked the battery. It registered a robust 13.4 volts, so I got busy
preparing the bike and myself to get out on the road. I brought my black
aluminum Touratech panniers out of the basemnent for installation on the bike.
The right side lock is still sticky, so I will have the dealer take a look at it
when I bring it in for the caliper installation. I got out my trusty Olympia AST
2 riding jacket. I have been looking at a new one, but this jacket fits
perfectly and does all I need it to do. It was pretty grimy after last season
but a good cleaning in the fall brought it back to it hi viz self. I am still
working on a little uncomfortableness with my Shoei Hornet X2 helmet, but it is
getting better.
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| Bayshore Park |
The sun was shining brightly when I left the driveway an enjoyed a tailwind up
to Bayshore County Park. This about 20 miles from home on Green bay and is a
tradtional first ride. There were a few more people in the park than there would
have been pre-pandemic, but it was nice to see them enjoying the day. I had put
a little too much air in the tires prior to leaving, so I adjusted them before
heading back home for lunch. After lunch I met my brother on the west side of
Green Bay and we rode out US Highway 54 to the west. We checked the Bergstrom
Wildlife Area near Shiocton, but the beautiful white swans have not yet made
their appearance. The Wolf River is still frozen over, so there was no point in
checking the fishing spots along the wild Wolf. We stopped at the Kwik Trip in
New London and, over a cup of hot coffee, discussed some summer riding plans.
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| Kwik Trip in New London, WI |
The ride home was blissful as we rode north on curvy and scenic Highway 187
north out of Shiocton. A brisk ride east on Highway 156 brought us to a the
Mobil station attached to an Oneida casino. The casino is closed due to the
pandemic, but the pumps were open and we began filled up with fresh gas. The
weather is going to turn colder and windier, so we said our good byes and hope
to get back out sooner rather than later.
