Finally, a good weekend. Part II

Saturday was another gorgeous day. We spent the morning at the St. Jacobs Farmer's Market & Stockyards. I didn't take the Shadow because I knew I'd end up parking in the moon-surface parking lot outside the stockyards. There was an Exotic Animal sale at the yards I wanted to check out. Yes, you can buy a camel. Good luck with that. A quick trip into the market proper yielded some fresh cheese curds (from the Bright Cheese House), fudge, and baklava.

When we got home, I headed out on a solo trip, doing a reverse of my Long Way Home route. It was still a bit too cold wear my summer jacket, as I found out. I came home to pick up Julia, and a change of jacket, and we set out.

We took a fairly long ride, out to Conestogo, up to Elora and down to Cambridge. After gassing up in Cambridge, we fell behind a few guys on Harleys, who were straight out of the movie Wild Hogs. I don't know, they could have been hard-core, but they struck me as weekend warriors. Two of the four nodded at me, which is more than what I expect from Harley rider. It was a pretty decent ride with them, and they kept me entertained through the Cambridge traffic by pointing out female pedestrians and attempting to slap their butts.

After parting company at the Blair road turnoff, we headed up to Conestoga College to watch that weekend's class of Motorcycle students navigate the cones. After we wen't to see if Julia's parents were home. No answer there, so we hopped on the Expressway and headed home.

Here's a map of the day's ride.

Finally, a good weekend. Part I

After almost a month of waiting, nature finally co-operated and provided us with a great weekend for riding. Although, if it's this warm in April, I'm worried about what we're going to be facing in August. Still, let's enjoy the nice weather while we have it.

I picked up the bike from the "in-laws'" garage on Thursday night. I drove it to work to take advantage of the wash facilities, there's nothing at our building in terms of hoses, etc. There was decent layer of dust on the Shadow, despite it being stored all winter.

I had a nice ride in to work on Friday morning, despite the frost. It was cool, but once I got going it didn't matter. The ride home was much better weather-wise. I took a detour through Bloomingdale & Conestogo. Here's a link to the google map of the ride, as I don't have pictures yet.

To be continued.

Mustang Seat Install

Unbolting the stock seat was a snap, I've done that before. The Mustang seat fit great as a solo cushion, but attaching the passenger pillion threw everything out of whack.

After much shifting, pulling, pushing, sitting on, getting off, swearing, yelling, etc., the mounts finally lined up. Mission accomplished.

The difference between the stock seat and the Mustang is quite noticeable. Quite a lot heavier, more cushioning, and hopefully comfort. I think it looks nicer too.

I also installed the battery today, but stupid me forgot my key, so I couldn't start it up to see if I did it correctly. I'm looking at taking the bike out for the first ride of the year tomorrow, hopefully it starts. I'm really, really hoping it does, because I don't relish ever having to take off, or put that seat back on ever again.

Sit On It

Two weeks ago I picked up a Mustang™ seat for my Shadow. After a season on the stock seat I figured this was the best investment I could make to improve the bike.

Last year, my one day-long tour left my back sore and my butt numb. My passenger also had numerous complaints about ride comfort. Thankfully, I only could hear them when we were stopped. ;)

The Mustang™ seat is not cheap, but everything I've read says your butt and back will thank you for it.

Next weekend I'll install it on the Shadow.