Maine, motorcycles, late October

A front is fast approaching. A significant nor’easter is predicted, and it’s only October 29. What’s in store for us this winter?

I decided to try to get in a good ride. Problem. It was only about 38° when I set out but the high was only supposed to reach 45°. I suited up with long underwear, wool socks, my fire hose jeans, and a LL Bean wool sweater that zips up into a turtle neck beneath my jacket. The Olympia Windtex gloves along with my heated grips kept my hands warm, until perspiration produced a cooling effect. Same with the feet, toasty warm for a while, then bone chilling cold. If ever I resort to heated clothing, I’ll start with electric socks.

My goal was to reach Wag It. Suzie was there with Skye for a rally competition. I thought I’d surprise them and pop in. She would have loved the pop in. I knew the approximate location and I got close but couldn’t find it. I didn’t look hard because that’s about when the cold was setting in and the needle on my fuel gauge was well below E. I headed for home and got gas and coffee in Belfast, lingering in McDonald’s with my coffee waiting for my feet to thaw.

The ride had started out sunny, and the direct rays of sunlight helped warm the body in spite of the cool temperatures. Even at 11 AM, the shadows are long here in October. Oaks are the only trees with leaves, brown leaves with minor hints of orange and yellow. As the day progressed it reminded me more and more of my youth in Ohio as it became overcast, gray and brown. There were many other signs of autumn. Men raking leaves, others splitting wood, the smell of wood burning stoves.

When I returned home I tidied up the garage, the Burgman and snowblower exchanging places, the latter near the door.