Testing my mettle

[Dennis]

Google dictionary quote, "Mettle is the courage to carry on. If someone wants to "test your mettle," they want to see if you have the heart to follow through when the going gets tough."

Last fall, I had a horrible return ride from an otherwise nice visit to my folks in 100 Mile House.  I described it shortly after the event on this forum.

http://www.princegeorgevintagemcclub.org/forum/index.php?topic=2174.0

So a twisted turn of events has presented me with an opportunity to visit my mom in 100 Mile House without my spouse and daughter this weekend.  That means motorcycle potential.  I still have insurance.

Last year's "serious hypothermic" experience was truly awful.  It was the first weekend in October.  This weekend will be 6 weeks later in the fall.  The window of opportunity will be much narrower; peak riding hours probably 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The real challenge will be tomorrow night; I want to be there to attend Rembrance Day with my mom (first time without my Dad who passed away).  That means the ride will be Thursday night... as soon as I can leave work and pack.

I've done this before.  Finished a gig at 1:00 a.m. on a Friday night, got home half drunk and stoned (usual for musician) and rode a 1981 gs1100 Suzuki to 100 Mile House.  Rained the whole way and barely above freezing... 'cept I was in my early 30s, not 50s.

The ride would be on the Stolen Sportster.  Its running great and has a windsheild.  Otherwise its a rigid frame chopper.  If I wimp out, I'll report.  Otherwise I'm going for it.  I am not coming home the long way... unless I really want to test my mettle.

Peace and perseverance, Dennis the Mettle.

[Donovan]

The only problem you might have is lack of snow tires on your bike.  That has been an issue in the past on our highways and byways. Good luck on the ride.

[Shep]

Which day are you returning to PG?
Shep

[Dennis]

Wimped out.  Four studded winter tires, a heater and a radio trumped the challenge.   Thursday after work when the crucial call had to be made, I could see my breath just crossing the street to the courthouse.  "Fug that" thought me.

I drove when I would have biked just for reference: Thursday would have been miserable until Quesnel.  Quesnel to 100 Mile House was dry and 8 degrees.  Sunday from my mom's until Quesnel was clear sky, dry road and (I'm guessing) 5-8 degrees.   Quesnel to PG was rainy and colder and dark.  I'm glad I was not on a motorcycle, even if I can't brag about it.

I will have to wait for another opportunity to "test my mettle."  Still got insurance 'till November 26th.  Maybe a sprint somewhere and back.

I have a photo of me riding the Chang at minus 25 celcius ... just to say I did.

Peace & precipitation, Dennis

[Shep]

Better safe than hurt. I have insurance until  Dec. something so I thought about riding down to meet you on your return trip.
Another time perhaps.
Shep