Christmas Day Ride-out
29th December 2019
By now most people are already over the Christmas spirit. You’re either back at work and confused about what day it is and when you get New Year’s off or you’re at home wondering how you managed to consume so much - but you still don’t know what day it is. Either way I hope Santa brought you all the Christmas goodies you were looking for! I myself received a much needed pair of winter riding gloves (I’ve been winter riding in summer gloves for years) and treated my better half to a new helmet. But there are more treats for riders on Christmas than what’s under the tree.
You see, every year at Christmas little boys and girls across the country get up and rush to open their presents. The bigger boys and girls very much do the same before beginning preparations for the days feast and festivities. For most people, leaving the house before 9am isn’t even a consideration. This, for those of us who do venture out, means the roads are empty and free from the usual traffic. Christmas morning presents the best opportunity for us motorcyclists to enjoy our local roads free of distractions and inconveniences. We can appreciate the beauty of our local neighborhoods and the roads which they provide without hassle or disruption. And that is exactly what we did on Christmas morning this year.
Like three unwise men we rode out of our driveway for a blast around the local countryside. I for one was thankful for those new winter gloves. It's a testament to what I’ve invested in my gear over the years that in the 8º temperatures I was still nicely warm. My riding buddies weren’t so lucky so the ride was a short-ish one. The weather is one thing to look out for when riding in the winter and Christmas Day is no exception. Be careful if the temperatures drop too low where you are and if it’s windy/rainy/snowy/icy and you’re not prepared for that then maybe be like Santa checking his list and think twice. Anyway, as Christmas traditions go it’s not a bad one. Maybe next year you can give it a go too? Just be careful in those wintery conditions!