The Lake Effect

After experiencing three days of sweltering 98º highs during the BMW Motorcyle Owners Of America’s National Rally in Springfield Missouri, I headed homeward riding up state route sixty-five. First stop, lunch in Sedalia. Temp still 98-99º. Sticky hot. By Iowa it was down to 87º and comfortable enough. At Minneapolis, 83. Very comfortable. All those miles of comfortable-ness made me want to keep going even though I was getting tired. Bike working well. Enjoying the ride, etc. Last gas stop was at Stacey, just north of Forest Lake. Still warm and comfortable at 10:45PM.

Those who have spent any amount of time in northern MN during the early part summer already know what happens next. By Hinkley, I began to sense there may be a problem. By Finlayson, I was thinking I might see snow by Barnum, or maybe Carlton. Though this felt like a real possibility, thanks to the keen Aerostich-sourced digital thermometer stuck to the handlebars I could see it was still eleven degrees too warm at only 43º. Riding along in a T-shirt and vented leather Aerostich Transit jacket after spending the last twelve hours (and prior four days) in upper 90’s air, this digital temperature information was small consolation.

Nearly an hour later I finally started to feel a little better after spending several minutes quietly standing under a nearly-scalding stream of hot shower water.

– Mr. Subjective, June 19, 2022, a stubborn long-time rider of ‘naked’ motorcycles.

PS – If you visited us at this event, thank you!

PPS – If you are thinking of visiting us here in Duluth MN via an unfaired motorcycle, the best times are between mid-July and mid-September.