Spring snow

Spring is finally here, and it is snowing...What to do?..what to do?

                                                                                   

                                    We have the bikes, we have the gear, let's....go RIDE IN IT!

If you need the gear to do this. Come see us, we have it all!

                                                                             

Snow days can be fun too.

    After getting a few bikes fixed at the shop, we promptly closed the doors at 2:00 (a rare thing indeed) and headed home for some much needed play time.

     The snow was falling, fluffy and light. PERFECT traction for knobbie tires.
                             

It was hard to keep a clear, fog free faceshield to see where we were going. Luckily, we have the correct gear intended just for that purpose (we can even sell it to you as well).

Remember, you don't have to spend a fortune to get out and have fun in the snow. A 20 year old mount will still get the job done with decent tires on the rim.

The bikes were going well and we were riding all over "our" mountain. Time to see if the scooters could move in the snow too. We knew it wasn't going to be their forte, but just wanted to see if we could get where we wanted to go.

                                           

We won't lie. This is not a ride for beginners and, if you look, that rear tire is sliding around pretty well. However, the Lance Cabo did manage to make the drive up the entire road in the snow. Not too shabby.

We had a blast. After getting wet, sweaty and tired; we declared it a great snow day and went in to cozy up around the fire with some hot cocoa.

                                                                     

Shrinky Dink V

    The next event begins Dec. 21 and will end March 20th. 2018.

                                                                           

The rules.

The rules are pretty simple and loosely followed at best. 

1) BE SAFE! You all know your limits, but don't risk life and limb, too much, for a good result. This is supposed to be FUN.

2.) The challenge will start on December 21st and run through March 20th.

3.) The ride will have two classes. Motorcycles and Scooters; if you have one of those wierd in between bikes we will make it up as we go. DON'T WORRY! We have this covered; just ride SOMETHING!

4.) This is pretty simple, the coldest temperature wins, sort of. TRY to take a pic in front of a temperature sign somewhere. We realize this isn't always possible, so you CAN use your phone in a pinch. NO CHEATING! We are putting you on your honour to be fair.

5.) The ride has to be 5 miles or longer to count (total length). The longer the ride the more points it gets. We have a formula worked out for this. It's math stuff, don't worry we have that under control. So, if you do 11 miles in -2 and some nut does 80 miles in 3 degrees. He/she MIGHT just beat you. There are extra points for stupidity (just remember rule #1)

6.) This contest is open to residents of the U.S. only.

7.)If you think it is too warm where you live? Do it anyway, remember points are awarded for originality, stupidity, and bravery. This is supposed to be FUN. The first year the Shrinky Dink was won by a southern rider who got lucky on a cold snap in the south.

     That's it for the rules we think. Ride. Post your pics on our  Facebook page. We will post a few for fun, but will save the results till the end. There will be a chat about the ride during the event. Also feel free to post comments here.

Yes, there will be prizes. They may or may not be amazing. Ride now. ride often.

   There will be an open house at Carlisle Cycle and Scooter on Saturday February 24th.  It is part of our winter riding contest There will be some snacks and lots of warm beverages to keep you toasty. IF the weather is decent some folks will ride in. If you want to arrive on 4 wheels that is just fine,too. Stop by and enjoy the people riding in. There will be lots of shenanigans, and some short rides around the block as well. The sidecar rig will be out and running no matter what the weather (we have snow tires). The shop will be staying open late; stop by, laugh, ask questions, talk bikes and scooters. There will be movies later in the evening on the projector if you would like to stay.

    The weather is already turning cold. Remember, BE SAFE out there, and have fun. Remember, you don't have to win for this to be fun. It is all about the ride!

    A little tip: If its over 32 degrees it doesn't count. But you can ride anyway. Be sure to post ALL of your rides below 32. They all add up.

                                                                                 

We have been asked many times just how we score this. There are secret modifiers, BUT the basic scoring system is as follows.

   Any ride under 32 degrees F counts. For every degree under, that factor gets multiplied times the mileage of the ride. In other words. 10 miles in 30 degrees = 10 x 2 = 20 points. The same ride in 15 degrees would be 10 x 17 = 170 points. The cold rides REALLY add up fast. Remember, we had a winner two years ago with a large number of short hops to work, but he rode almost EVERY DAY.


New for this year, BONUS POINTS:

+500 A naked ride, +500 for the coldest ride,  but  +200 for any ride done in the buff. A helmet, gloves and footwear are allowable. ( This is the only ride where points are awarded for a ride under 5 miles; around the block will do.). Yes, you can do more than one, but you won't want to.

+1,000 points (YES, 1,000) Absolute coldest ride, MUST be 5 miles or more. The absolute coldest temp wins this one. There will only be one. In case of a tie the longer ride wins.

+250 points The longest ride under 32 degrees. Total mileage for the day wins here.( We may name this the Tony award)

+200 points for attending the shop Shrinky Dink 5 event on a bike.  The ride in has to be at least 5 miles. So, you far away riders can truck it in part of the way if you like.

+100 points for ridiculous terrain ( there will need to be a pic)...if it makes the judges wonder how the heck you got there...it counts. This can be awarded multiple times.

The longest ride IN snow. Obviously this could be dangerous. Remember rule #1. Be safe.  +300 if the machine has 3 wheels. +500 if it has 2 wheels. There will be 2nd and third place awards here. Each one dropping 100 points from the 1st place award. ( We need a pic of the bike IN the snow)

Rides on 50cc machines or mopeds get a bonus of a 1.5x multiplier on all points.

Vintage bikes. Anything built before 1992 will receive the same multiplier as 50cc machines. All points multiplied by 1.5x. 
^^^ The bonus for vintage and 50cc are NOT stack able.

+600 points if you manage to end up on television in one of their "bad weather" segments.

+100 for the FIRST post in the contest

+100 for the LAST post in the contest





Go to the FB page Shrinky Dink Entries to post your results. Social media IS a thing, ONLY rides posted this year will count. If you don't post it, it doesn't count.

We work on an honour system here. We will trust you. If you say you did it, you did. Keep track of your mileage and temp on the days you ride. The only things we require a photo for is the coldest absolute ride. We need a picture of a bank sign, or if one isn't nearby, a screen shot of your phone with the temp will do in a pinch. We also need a pic for the snow ride. Last, but not least we need a naked ride pic ( NO we do not need to see your junk) of you on the bike. Last year we were supplied with video proof of a lunatic riding by his house on New Years.

Get out and ride. We have cold weather gear if you need it, stop by. BE SAFE, and have fun. Make sure to check back often as new bonus rides will be added periodically.

Freak snow storms

Sometimes the weather can catch you off guard, but with the right gear and a good mindset you can persevere. There was an early snowstorm here yesterday and several folks had ridden their two-wheeled machines to work.               

                                                                     

      I can honestly say we were happy to see the posts on Facebook and various other social media. Pictures of people cleaning some snow off of their seats; putting on the right gear and riding home.

    It's a bit of a shock coming out from work and seeing your bike waiting for you like this. Believe us, the bike will still start and take you home. All you need is the right gear to get you there in comfort. That is where we can help. We have been riding in this stuff for decades and have the gear to keep you warm and dry. The right attitude is up to you ( but is so much easier when you are warm).

Don't be afraid of some bad weather.

Come by and let us get you ready for anything nature can throw your way.

Having the right gear really does allow you to enjoy the ride!

*Thanks Tim and Das for the pics!