Winter time = Prep time

Winter, its the bane of every motorcycle rider's happiness. During this time I keep my sanity, or what's left of it, in check by doing the following list of 10:
1- Work on my motorcycle.
Bikes are machines and as such they require maintenance. If you have a garage or shop to bring it inside you are one of the luckier ones. I use this time to fix anything that requires my attention as well as doing modifications so the bike is custom tailored to me. Lets face it, there is no such thing as the "perfect motorcycle" but with a few tweaks we can get our ride close.

During this winter I took care of leaky engine seals, spark plugs as well as adding several options to make this year's riding season even more enjoyable. If you are not mechanically inclined take it to a reputable bike shop. In Calgary Universal Cycle is a great choice.
2- Prep for the next riding season. Spend the cold winter months doing research. Magazines, online forums and sites are filled with ride reports. Decide which part of the planet you wish to explore.
For me it is a double task as I have to line up bookings, for my live shows, in the areas I wish to visit.
3- Shop!! Do you require new gear? Winter is a slow time for merchants so there are many deals to be had during the snowy months. Save money and buy the stuff you need before you need it.
If you are shopping for a new ride, again, the best deals to be had are when most people are not riding. There are many motorcycle shows across the country during the winter months and deals are there to be had as well as a chance to shop for a new bike.
4- Repair any gear you are keeping. Just because a zipper or buckle has failed does not mean your garment is finished. Like a bike, some gear requires maintenance. Before you drop big bucks on a new piece of clothing see if it can be repaired. I have had jackets, gloves, boots and pants brought back to full use for a fraction of replacement cost. If you live in my city of Calgary I recommend Conti's Biker shop for repair to leather and textile riding clothing.
5- Watch motorcycle videos to help you get your fix. I have posted several and there are many others like me that have riding videos for you to live vicariously through. Do a Google or Youtube search
6- Hone up on safety rules and skills before the melt.
Nothing dulls your reaction times quite like sitting around for snow to melt. Refresh your memory on riding techniques and how to avoid the ever present inattentive drivers. You don't want your season to end just as it begins. Consider signing up for an early season riding course to re-learn what you may have forgotten. In Calgary I highly recommend Too Cool Motorcycle School.

7- Have a biker get together. Invite your riding friends over to swap stories and plan rides. Nothing heats up winter better than hanging with your riding pals. Allow them to bring friends so you may grow your circle of 2 wheeled pals.
8- Reminisce. Go over photos from last year ( you did take pictures...right?) Think of all the fun you had, remember the things that went wrong that you can now laugh about. You did the trips so why not relive them?
9- Save! Riding takes money and an unexpected break down, even from a flat tire, can end the fun of a trip quickly. Squirrel away some emergency cash and keep it accessible, in case you need it on the road.

10- Stay in shape with another fun activity. Nothing hurts more on your first ride of the season than sore, out of shape muscles. Riding takes some physical stamina so find things that are fun to do during winter. To stay in shape and have fun.

For me, its skiing.  I also like to do archery as it helps with mind relaxation and concentration. Just don't sit in front of the boob tube yearning for summer. It will make you cabin fever crazy!!

Hoping this riding season is your best yet!


Daryl Makk and The Planet Tour