After doing maintenance on the Kawasaki Concours, I went for my first motorcycle ride of 2019.
The maintenance had consisted of getting a new front tire, battery, and brake pads. In addition, oil and filter were changed to get the bike ready for the riding season. After checking tire pressure, and bringing the rear tire up to standard, I started the bike, put on my leather jacket, helmet, and gloves, and headed north out of De Beque for a short 25 mile cruise.
The day was a perfect spring day. Blue skies, very few clouds, temperature in the low 50 degree range. I kept the speeds low, 45 – 50 mph, to let the bike warm up and make sure all systems were working OK after the winter of non-use.
It felt good to be back on the road again. The only thing to watch out for is gravel on the road, particularly on corners, left over from winter sanding or spring washes. Thankfully the road had very little debris on it.
Ready to install new tire
New tire in place
After I returned home I started on another project, re-painting the bed of the utility trailer. I had to scrape off the old paint and put down a new layer. I also plan to repaint one wheel which has developed a few rust spots.
The trailer had not seen a lot of maintenance for the last two years, other than new tail lights. The wear and tear of hauling firewood, and the fact that the plywood bed is old, had left the trailer looking a little sad. Now is a good time to freshen it up a bit.
Trailer bed ready for paint
Trailer after some painting
Today’s chores include changing the oil and filter on the Honda. It promises to be another good day and maybe I’ll take the ATV out for a spin later on.
That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!
Pam’s Penny:
I’ve been checking on the National Weather Service’s map that monitors water levels – above is the Midwest area. Nebraska – Iowa – Wisconsin all experiencing flooding from minor to major. We’re due for a return trip in April, guess we’ll see what potential retirement properties are in flood zones.
Happy (and dry) Trails.