Getting through the ‘Off Season’: A guide for us Northern Riders

As I sit here drinking a steaming hot tea in front of my computer writing this latest blog post it is currently –34C outside with Old Man Winter’s grip firmly choking out any notions of riding a motorcycle. Not even with the best heated gear, grips and seat would I brave this cold and the roads that are covered in drifting snow and deadly ice. And although we will be blessed with a wonderful Chinook next week that will surely sore the temps to a balmy plus 5 or so I still know that neither of my motorcycles will be coming out of their hibernation for at least another 4 months. So how do we as motorcyclists that reside in a Northern climate survive the months of being deprived of the wind therapy we need in our lives? Well, I have some ways to cope with being separated from our trusty iron horses including some tips and tricks to get you through the winter months and possibly a few ways to alter your perception of the “off season” so you might emerge next spring feeling a little less haggard and a lot more prepared and excited to get back in the saddle.

We can’t ride so now what? Well for starters the off season gives us ample time for any maintenance and upgrades on our bikes. I mean we have a few months so if you are looking to get that new custom exhaust, tuner, cam, seat or paint job now is the time. Since we can’t ride, we might as well take care of the oil change, tire change, fluid flush or brake pad swap that you put off all summer since you were too busy riding, rallying and moto camping. This is also the perfect time to be researching, finding and purchasing new gear for you and your moto and going ahead with the installation of any add-ons long before the first day the mercury hits +20C. As Christmas approaches this gives you a great excuse to order that expensive farkle or new helmet that you just haven’t been able to warrant buying but have had your eye on all summer. I mean your bike deserves to be spoiled during the holidays too. Or maybe you are in the market for a whole new bike. Winter can be a great time to grab that brand new cruiser or ‘new to you’ sport bike you want to add to your stable and often get it at a great price.

Other than spending money what other things can we do to limit our motorcycle withdrawal? Over the winter months I am constantly watching Youtube videos, reading books, listening to podcasts that are all motorcycle focused and of course I am planning trips and rides for the coming season. Moto Jitsu, Doodle on a Bike, Bikes and Beards and Pedro Mota are some great Youtube channels to follow for good riding instruction and to possibly inspire you to ride somewhere out of your comfort zone, and they are all an entertaining way to spend a few blustery winter nights. As far as moto-minded books go I prefer to read real accounts of riders exploring different parts of the world on two wheels and the true adventure that comes with this type of travel. My favorite books I have read lately are by author/riders Jeremy Kroeker (Canadian) and Geoff Hill (Irish). Every book I have read by these two have been well worth it and they inspire me to be a better rider and think outside the box when planning rides and trips. Their combined world-wide experiences on motorcycles will make you want to sell everything you own and ride until the road runs out. Once you have watched all the videos and read all the books you can handle you will be left with a plethora of ideas for trips to add to your next season or file them away into your riding bucket list. Google maps is definitely a rider's friend and great way to blow a couple hours dreaming of the endless possibilities of places to ride and travel. Meanwhile you will be getting your motorcycle fix while waiting on the big thaw.

But if all that isn’t helping then here are a couple other moto life hacks that can see you through until the grass returns to green. You might want to join a motorcycle organization or non-profit. These groups are always looking for new blood and often have work to be done before the riding season hits. Most of the planning and organizing that goes on with these groups happen during the winter months and is an awesome way to stay connected to the riding community and spend time with other riders. Or if time and money allow you can take a vacation somewhere hot where you can rent bikes or join a bike tour to satisfy your craving for being on two wheels. There are great motorcycle riding experiences to be had all over Central and South America, SE Asia and Australia. So instead of falling into moto deprived depression, pack a bag and grab your gear. Lastly, start looking at the off season through a bit of a different lens. See it as a time to research, plan, maintain, purchase and get together with friends to relive the best moments of the last season and get pumped about creating some new ones over the coming year. I know it is hard but as with most things I think that time away from motorcycling only makes us cherish our time riding more and pushes us to make the most of our valuable summer months and to ride harder and not take a minute in the saddle for granted. And as the longest night of the year has passed now, we know that those oh-so-sweet, longest days of summer will be here before you know it.

Cheers everyone, have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all the best in the New Year! See you out on the road in 2023!