Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Close call

Hey All.
Well after God knows how long away I am back. What with injuries, home issues and a variety of soul sucking crap I am glad to say that I am retired(early) and happy.
I took the bike out for a trip the other day. Two days up to the Gold Coast in Queensland for a bit of winter sun and see the wife. (long story, but not a bad one)
So I pack up and off I go.
60kms into the trip(about 30 miles?) I was freezing and miserable. I pulled over and and hopped off and walked around. I just sat there on the side of the road and wondered if this was the end I wanted to turn around and go home. I seriously thought about selling the bike and just giving up. But I thought about it and made myself get on the bike and keep going. I thought about all the people here and the great stories I have read over the years and got on and went. Two days later I pulled into the motel and was reborn. A few days later,I was so reborn I made the trip back in one hit. Ten hours later I was exhausted , my hands were frozen and I was on top of the world. I have had this bike for nearly 16 years and it is the best I have ever had. So thank heaven for for a soul saving BA. And all the boys and girls here who feel the same.

And if you feel like that now, riding in the winter, imagine how great you'll feel in spring mate

.

There is nothing like forcing your hands to open from the grips with a smile on your face.

It's a good thing you didnt decide to go south Ken, Canberra has gotten down to -7..... now I know we live in a sunburnt country.....BUT.....get yourself some heated grips and kiss the miserables goodbye.....and welcome back

I moved to a QLD country town about 8 yrs ago and it gets to -6 here in winter.A bit chilly for the bike but it beats the big smoke by a mile.

Riding my '05 home from work around midnight last Saturday made all that me and my bike have been through the last 10 years worth it. Full moon through the pines and that 790 just a singing!!!

Yep, I miss the tropics. Maybe not the crocs and cyclones but I love the heat. Nothing like going around a long bend in North Queensland straight into the waterfall of a tropical downpour. Hahaha. But at least it was warm rain.
My wife made me come down but she almost slapped me when I talked about selling the bike. What a girl.

How is the riding in Victoria, NSW and Queensland in April? I plan to be there but will not have gear although may seek out a rental place.