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| Parked Motorcycle Syndrome |
Winter here in Calgary has been unusually harsh this year, as it has in many areas, but even our beloved warm chinook winds seem to have forsaken us. Not one mid-winter ride to calm the soul has happened. Its times like these many riders suffer P.M.S. (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome) almost to the point of depression. It affects both men and women.
There are things to do to overcome this feeling and feel like motorcycling is a part of your life again. If your pockets aren't deep enough to ship your bike, or rent one in a warm area, don't despair, you're not alone. P.M.S. affects many riders with less than deep pockets. Friends who don't embrace motorcycling are useless as a support group. They just don't know how devastating P.M.S. can be to a rider.
Here are some sure fire ways to help reduce the symptoms and get you through until spring.
1) Work on your motorcycle:
If you are lucky enough to have an insulated garage, or perhaps you're one of those dudes that brings your ride into the house, now is the time to go over it. Look for loose wires, tighten all bolts and work on those little modifications you've wanted, service what needs servicing. Believe me, when the sun comes out you don't want to be wrenching.
If you don't have the luxury of indoor space and use your local shop for servicing get it in there during the winter months. The shop is not as busy, they don't have to rush your job and you won't be waiting in line like many others who waited until the last minute. Just knowing your bike is ready for the season works wonders on P.M.S. and if you do your own wrenching its therapeutic for both you and your bike.
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| Work on your bike |
2) Go over your riding gear:
Velcro closures may need replacing, broken zippers, etc. When spring time comes don't expect to get your riding garment in and out of repairs the same week. Like bike shops you'll wait. If your gear needs repair leather shops are usually less busy this time of year. Again, why wait until everyone else? Riding garments, whether leather or textile need a bit of attention now and then.
If you need to replace riding gear now is the best time for shopping. Shops and online stores are like other retail outlets in that this is their slow time and they're eager to make a deal. Sales are everywhere. Your bike won't mind if you go out and buy a new outfit just for riding.
3) Plan your trips:
Nothing makes P.M.S. easier to take than dreaming about that next epic trip. There are many online forums, magazines, social media sites filled with touring info. Decide where you wish to go and start researching things to see. You don't need a travel plan carved in stone but something a bit more accurate than "Go west" will make a much more fulfilling trip with interesting stops.
With careful planning you can estimate the costs so you start saving now. I once financed 27 days on the road with spare change. Each day I'd throw all my change into a bowl. You'd be surprised how fast it adds up with Canada's 1 and 2 dollar coins.
Plan a group trip with your riding buddies and book the rooms well in advance.
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| Plan that epic trip |
4) Read stories of trips:
Living vicariously through the pages of someone else's adventure can help ease the winter blahs as you travel along. Late at night flipping through pages of well written road stories can ease the P.M.S.
One book I recommend for a fun and lighthearted read is Motorcycle Therapy by Jeremy Kroeker
He takes us on a journey all the way to Panama Canal and back. I found it really enjoyable and filled with light humour all the way through. A very enjoyable read.
There are many other books out there. Search around. You can spend a bit of each day escaping through the pages to heal your P.M.S.
5) Do a motorcycle movie night:
Recently I gathered several of my good riding buddies at the house to watch "Why we ride". With the sound system cranked we all watched people tell their riding histories as images of motorcycles streaked across the screen . Great footage greeted our eyes and took us back to our summer. The excitement in the room, and road stories that poured out afterward lifted everyone's spirits. It was just what everyone needed to kick their P.M.S. out for awhile. I'll admit, we even went out to the garage and fired up the bikes....just to hear them.
There are many motorcycle themed movies plus YouTube is filled with many short ones with this channel as my favourite.
Of course, I'm biased about that one.
I do know that spring will eventually be here, which is the true cure for P.M.S. I hope you all can cope with us riders until it does.
- Daryl Makk
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