For many bikers, there comes a time every year when the bikes are stored away for winter. Those who ride all year long simply cannot understand the pain and anguish we feel as we go through our winter storage routine. For months, we groan as we read the status updates of our friends who are hoping on their bikes in mid-January for a day long run. Some of us can’t take it, and we pull out bikes out, throw them on a trailer, and make a pilgrimage to the land of year-long riding. No, some of you will never understand what it’s like to have a season when riding is not an option.
At the same time, you can’t know the thrill of having riding season begin. We watch the weather channel religiously, marking the days on our calendar to when we can ride again. For us in my neck of the woods, that season usually begins some time in April. Oh, there can be days in late March where the weather is a few degrees above freezing, and a few brave souls (read: crazy people) will pull their bikes out for a quick spin around the block.
This year has been incredible. In Ottawa, we had no snow accumulation in March. The temperature was far above normal the entire month. Many people have had their bikes out for close to a month now (some even longer). Even the street sweepers (the ultimate sign that riding season is upon us) have been out, cleaning away the winter debris. This upcoming weekend, we are expected to shatter the record for warm temperature in this area. Amazing.
Most of us go through a spring maintenance routine before starting the riding season. While each person’s ritual is different, most include:
- checking or changing the oil
- checking or replacing the spark plugs
- checking tire pressure
- checking lights, brakes, etc
- making sure all cables are lubricated
- adding fresh gas
- washing the bike
Again, there are far too many things I could put on a list like this, but my point is, there is a ritual that almost all bikers follow before they head out on a true “first ride” of the season.
Even those who are not all that serious about taking care of their bike usually follow some sort of routine at the beginning of the season. It’s like having a new year’s resolution. “This year, I’m going to wash my bike more. I’m going to care for it better.” They may not stick to it, but at the start of the season, their intentions are certainly good.
Yes, this weekend will be a time when many will dive into their spring maintenance ritual (if they haven’t done it already). It will be a weekend filled with smiling, happy bikers in the National Capital Region of Canada.
It’s also Easter weekend. Tomorrow is Good Friday. This Sunday is Easter Sunday. Can I suggest that you consider another routine? I have no idea where you are with any spiritual mindset, but perhaps this is a good weekend to take stock. Maybe there’s a little tweaking that needs to happen. Maybe you need a total oil flush. But why not take some time this weekend to do a little maintenance on the spiritual side of your life?
If you’re in Ottawa, I’d invite you to join us tonight for our Bikers’ Church service. We’ll be celebrating communion as part of the evening. Regardless of where you are, there will be services happening on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Maybe it’s a good time to check out a place near you and take a little time to remind yourself that there is more to life than the hear and now.
Whatever you do, don’t neglect a little spiritual maintenance to go along with your bike’s spring maintenance.
Happy riding, and Happy Easter!
