The 2018 Riding Season is in Full Swing

I am at about the midpoint of the riding season here in northeast Wisconsin and so far it has been an interesting one. It began before the biggest snowstorm the area has seen in almost a century and continues through weather hot enough to almost convince climate change deniers that something is afoot.

The first ride on my BMW R1200 GSA was on March 14th and I got out a few more times later that month. One cold day I rode down to Madison. Easter was in early April and April 13-14 the area received 24 inches of heavy, wet snow. The weather warmed a bit after that and it began to melt, but it was a slow process.

Lots of snow for late April!

I took the Harley Davidson out from under wraps on April 23rd and rode it to Vandervest HD to have a swingarm bag attached. I bought a new jacket from them in January and had a chance to try it out this spring. It was called a three in one, with an outer shell, a rain liner and a warmth liner. It must have become popular, because it is in their latest apparel catalog and named the "Killian". I tried out its cool weather features on a nice ride into central Wisconsin. It has been a great jacket, especially in this warmer weather. 

Langlade Ranger Station in northern Wisconsin

In May I went to the Madison area to ride the Slimey Crud Run. The ride occurs the first Sunday in both May and October each year and draws all types of bikes and riders. Riders meet up informally on Sunday morning in Pine Bluff and then ride a route of their choosing up to Leland. Food and beverages are available at both locations. It was a beautiful day and I am glad I finally made it down there for the event.

Getting ready to leave Pine Bluff

In June, after a week of fishing in Canada, I got the opportunity to try out my new Shoei Hornet X2. I have always thought about getting an adventure helmet and finally made the buy. My aunt passed away in Duluth, MN, so I took the opportunity to ride the BMW up to the funeral. The helmet was pretty tight and after two 350 mile days I was a little concerned about it. But it broke in after a few more rides and now I am glad I have it.

Nice fish!

On July 12th my brother and I rode down to Des Moines, IA, for the BMW International Rally. It was 95 degrees in Iowa. We stopped at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, IA, on the way down. It has a wonderful selection of motorcycles and information about the history of several manufacturers. The eclectic nature of the collection makes it a good stop for all motorcyclists.

The rally itself was held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, an excellent venue. It was nice to talk with some of the people who run the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America organization and the editors of the BMW Owners News. Many of the vendors who advertise in the BMW ON were there and it was a great opportunity to examine their wares firsthand.

The midway at the fairgrounds

Some vendors were out in the heat

The ride home was a little cooler and we stopped in Mount Horeb for a nice lunch. Trolls seem to be their thing, and the names of a lot the businesses work in the word "troll". After a quick look inside the Duluth Trading Company, we were on our way back to Green Bay.

I have a few more riding plans for the summer and look forward to many more miles on two wheels in 2018.