After building benches and cabinets and spending time upgrading the garage, it felt good to pull the cover off the Guzzi, set it up on stands and contemplate some wrench time before rolling it out. This is when a bit of slow, reflective maintenance makes all the difference, for the bike and for the mind, too. Chilly days begin giving way to hints of warmer weather, hands feel the cold metal soon to come alive again, turning the remains of dead dinosaurs into heat, explosive sound and forward motion, it’s the right thing to do.
The Centauro will be on the stands for a while, it needs a little work and so do I. There’s a new battery sitting on the bench, oil and filter on the way, some brake work to be done, but there’s absolutely no rush, hurrying would spoil it, it takes time to fully engage the mind and bring back the flood of memories that makes it all worthwhile.
This scene is not unique, it’s happening all across the country where the cold is finally easing. If you’re watching the snow melt as the weather warms, like I am, go slow, savor the time, get reacquainted with your bike, your tools and your thoughts. It’s a ritual of rebirth. Enjoy it.
dennis says
good words on a good thought, mr crowe. reminded me of “zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance” (please take that as a compliment). now that I think of it, my Goldwing could use some tlc and I need to reread that book. Godspeed, sir
Paul Crowe says
Good book. It’s been so long since I’ve read it, but I do remember how very much I enjoyed it at the time, (late 70s). There was an interesting discovery some years ago when photos of the actual trip taken by Pirsig were discovered.
todd says
Man, I don’t know what I’d do if I had to wait more than a couple days to ride. I guess snow has it’s pluses though.
-todd
Paul Crowe says
Whether snow has any pluses or not is open to debate, but if all of the people living in snow country were to suddenly move to warmer areas, the earth would get out of balance, develop a high speed wobble, spin out of orbit and careen into the cold outer reaches of the universe. So, in that sense, those of us putting up with snow every year are saving the life of everyone on the planet. You should thank us.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Yeti2bikes says
Thanks Paul. We here in Arizona appreciate your sacrifice. Nice looking Guzzi by the way.
X says
Yet another “hey I live in an area where I can ride year-round” comment by todd
Paul Crowe says
Well, his home does offer that possibility, newer readers might not know that and he’s making an observation related to the post, so, just move on if the comment is redundant for you.
Clive Makinson-Sanders says
Ive lived in San Diego and Philly (and everywhere in between)….I FAR prefer riding in San Diego, but only because of the pristine roads and mountain passes near the city. Philly is one giant angry pothole.
But there is no feeling like getting choked up riding out on the first nice day of spring. Theres a camaraderie that west coasters just dont feel after a long hard winter…everybody you see on a motorcycle is so freaking excited to be on it.
When you can ride every day it loses luster. Becomes routine. Not that its a bad routine…
joe knisel says
having grown up in penna and enjoying snowsports as a kid, just doesn’t compare to the love of being on two wheels here in south texas. cool weather, rain, traffic, truckers, geriatrics, newly licensed drivers, out of town businessmen in rentals, those who think they’re still driving in mexico, speed demons, and others, just cant keep me off my bike 361 days of the year. the visibility of not being in a “cage” is a real plus, but you always need to keep “checking your six” for those tailgaters who don’t understand or care for how quickly you can stop your ride. As i see it, i’m the smallest commuter in the “jungle” and i need to watch out for all those larger beasts who might do you harm, even the smallest vw or minicooper demands vigilance. But the joy of being “in the breeze” outweighs all that, and it’s the closest thing to flying, here on the ground. As Clive put it as a “routine”, I love my routine.
Paulinator says
I spend most of my time in Ft Lauderdale and actually enjoy Canadian winters more than Florida summers. Florida winters on the other hand…perfect for scootin (as in gy6) to the beach, or to work, or to the local burger joint. I just bought a kite Wing so I’ve got to get back to the Rockies, step into the boards and jump off a mountain. They make it look easy on YouTube.
zipidachimp says
speaking of guzzi’s, this one from 40 years ago was always my favorite:
http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=24702.0 kept that magazine around for decades until it finally disappeared.