It has been a great year for riding. The best I can remember. But as it does every year the bottom has dropped out of the thermomeer. Seventeen degrees yesterday - today minus eight. For most of us anything in the minuss mean we don't ride, although today I did see two hardy souls out on the QEW. God Bless em! I sat back and jacked the heater up a couple of notches. It is probably time to put the ride to bed for the winter. A brother from Brampton asked me what things should be done to winterize you bike? I thought the rest of you might be interested so here are some brief pointers based on a website article [here].

These are just tips and you should follow the instructions in your owners manual or advice from your dealer:

1. Location: Dry and warm is best. I know some who bring their bikes into the living room for the winter - Great conversation piece and it will keep your bike in show room condition. (Unless you have kids!)

2. Change the Oil: Old oil will corrode innards

3. Fuel: Top up the tank add fuel stabilizer and run for a couple minutes.

4. Battery: There is no need to remove it from the bike. Batterys don't freeze unless they are weak. If it does freeze they are cheap replace. Use a trickle charge for a day a month.

5. Wash and Wax: Use a Leaf blower to dry off all the water & put on protective coat of wax.

6. Exhaust: Mice: and rust can climb in. Spray some oil inside exhaust and cover end with plastic bag.:

7. Tires: For me tires don't last long enough to worry about - but if you do, you can put a piece of carpet or thick cardboard under each tire.

8.Cover it: It is best to buy a reguar bike cover they are porous and breath, don't hold moisture in , and they look cool.

If you don't put your bike away and plan to ride it all winter, here are some cold weather tips:

1. Buy heated everything - wear a skidoo suit.
2. Full Face helmet and Windsheild
3. Watch out for black ice - and any other colour of ice.
4. In Snow put both feet down and find a place to stop.