With the early onset of winter like weather, here it is November 23rd and I think that it has been about 6 weeks already that other than two short rides I have not had my bike out of the garage. I go through my garage to reach my cars and see two shapes under nylon covers and almost forget what is under there. Now it looks like I will be traveling to the International Motorcycle Show in Chicago in early February by myself. My regular crew of three friends and myself have gone every year for the last decade or two, and yet now I am the only one still riding actively (despite being the oldest of the four of us by far) so it looks like I will attend that show solo this year. I add all this to the cold, gray skies outside, and that my next door neighbor, a fellow Vietnam vet 5 years younger than me is being buried today and I feel pretty damn discouraged. Riding for me is more than just a fun diversion. Nothing else seems to make the years disappear as when I am riding a motorcycle (or even when riding my little 150cc scooter). During these winter months and with the loss of this friend added to the loss of several riding friends makes me just feel old and tired.
