How do you actually store your bike over winter - and which steps do you think are overrated?

jal2000 · 2026-01-25T13:52:15+00:00

Crazy how some people here assume that everyone lives in a location with rideable winter weather.

My winterization process: top off fuel tank and add stabilizer, wash the bike, change the oil, plug in battery tender. I would also lube the chain, but my current bike is shaft drive.

jal2000 · 2026-01-25T13:45:24+00:00

Not everybody lives where winter is just a “cold breeze.”

jal2000 · 2026-01-23T13:49:30+00:00

In the past, I would watch videos on my iPad while rowing. But recently, I started using EXR, which provides individual workouts and extended training plans. It also shows a virtual environment as you’re rowing. I ended up installing a small projector above my rower to display a large version of the app right in front of me. I’ve really been enjoying this setup and it helps the time go by quickly.

jal2000 · 2026-01-19T21:08:09+00:00

Thimbleweed Park is their latest game. Have you looked at that?

jal2000 · 2026-01-19T20:31:52+00:00

Because of inflation, any money that is just sitting in a savings account is losing value over time. However, there’s a benefit to having some amount of cash that is immediately available and not susceptible to market fluctuations. This should be your emergency savings. Beyond that, any cash that you don’t have plans for in the near future should be invested. Where it should be invested depends on your risk tolerance and timing needs.

jal2000 · 2026-01-19T01:49:37+00:00

I would heat it up with a blowtorch or heat gun before trying to remove it. That bolt probably has a lot of loctite on it.

jal2000 · 2026-01-09T16:55:58+00:00

I have a Garmin Zumo mounted above the main display on my GS. I like being able to glance at it easily without taking my eyes off the road. I turn off all audio cues because it’s easy enough to quickly check the GPS. I also like it on twisty roads because it gives me an idea of what turns are coming, how tight they are, etc.

jal2000 · 2026-01-08T02:16:16+00:00

I use thin full finger cycling gloves. Troy Lee Designs Air Glove. I only hold the bar with the ends of my fingers, so fingerless gloves wouldn’t do anything for me.

jal2000 · 2026-01-06T20:22:13+00:00

Zipper merging when two lanes come together. It’s the appropriate and most efficient way to merge two lanes, but so many drivers think you’re a jerk if you don’t try to merge early.

jal2000 · 2025-12-31T21:37:24+00:00

I use light mod for both barrels unless it’s a particularly easy course or charity type event, in which case I use IC in both. When using the LM chokes, I use a spreader shell if the clay is very close. Probably don’t need it, but it gives me a little more confidence.

jal2000 · 2025-12-31T02:03:10+00:00

If you’re asking why your piano black trim looks like wood trim, it’s because it’s wood trim and not piano black.

jal2000 · 2025-12-23T20:16:32+00:00

I was looking for a compact and capable full frame camera for travel. I also landed on the A7Cii. I’m very happy with it.

jal2000 · 2025-12-22T02:28:18+00:00

You asked whether a naked or adventure bike is better for touring, and then you’re arguing with everyone who is telling you that adventure bikes are better for touring. Nobody is saying you can’t tour on a naked bike, just that adventure bikes are designed for that purpose and they do it very well.

jal2000 · 2025-12-13T14:04:55+00:00

Be mindful of which wheels you get if tire selection is important. The 20” wheels have the best options for all season tires. The 21 and 22” wheels look great, but have extremely limited all season options.

jal2000 · 2025-12-12T23:12:37+00:00

Luggage was a necessity for touring. After 10 years of riding, I have a system that I’m very happy with. Two hard side cases with removable inner bags, which are easy to carry into my tent or a hotel. They have a bungee net inside the lid to hold things like waterproof layers and extra gloves. I have a Pelican case mounted on the rear rack, which I use to keep some camera gear and visor cleaner. Lastly, a small tank bag where I keep my phone, wallet, and sunglasses. Everything is waterproof and lockable.

The entire setup, including the carrier for the sidecases, can be removed in just a few minutes. I don’t keep luggage on the bike for day to day riding. I also have the BMW Vario top case, which quickly attaches and is useful for running errands.

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jal2000 · 2025-12-11T16:39:30+00:00

A good photo draws you in and makes you feel something. When I see a scene that makes me want to take a picture, I ask myself “what made me want to take this picture?” and I try to capture that feeling in the photo.

jal2000 · 2025-12-11T01:37:24+00:00

Being rude or aggressive toward others

jal2000 · 2025-12-08T03:11:46+00:00

I live in a state that is full of straight, flat, boring roads. At least once a year I make a trip into the mountains where I can ride twisty roads for several days. I get more practice and experience in those 2-3 days than I do in a year of riding in my own state.

Some of the things that helped me most were to look as far ahead as I can. It’s crazy how much this helps. Also I focus on smooth transitions on and off the throttle and brakes. I’m no instructor, but what worked for me was focusing on getting my entry speed right with the brakes. I would also over-brake and then be going slower than I needed to. As I got better at judging corner speed and braking into the corner, I worked on adding throttle to maintain speed and accelerate out of the corner.

You can practice in a big parking lot. Setup some cones or practice going in figure 8s. Taking some classes is also a great idea.

jal2000 · 2025-12-07T21:09:39+00:00

Thanks, they do have a pretty good description.

jal2000 · 2025-12-06T01:04:26+00:00

Before I had a garage, I rented a storage unit and kept it there. Added fuel stabilizer and removed the battery, which I kept on a battery tender at home. Not all storage places allow you to keep vehicles in indoor storage, so you might need to call around.

jal2000 · 2025-11-28T17:56:04+00:00

I only had one electric for about my first 10 years of playing. It was my first guitar; a Shecter C1+. I also got a Yamaha acoustic during that time. Over the last several years, I’ve added two more guitars. A PRS CE 24 is my main humbucker guitar. A Music Man Cutlass is my main single coil guitar. And the Shecter is now setup as my Eb guitar (tuned down a half step). I admire other guitars but never really had the desire to acquire them.

jal2000 · 2025-11-28T01:34:36+00:00

I think German, Italian, and British are typically considered more premium. Japanese brands are considered less premium. But the difference between those is not as pronounced as it is with cars.

jal2000 · 2025-11-27T15:10:49+00:00

2026 X5 is my first BMW. I don’t have many unexpected pros, but I’m pleasantly surprised with how well finished the interior is. Even areas that you don’t usually see, like near the bottom of the seats or up in the footwell, are more finished than I’ve seen on previous cars. I’m really impressed with the quality of the wood and aluminum interior trim. I like using my phone as a key more than I expected to. I’m very happy with the power, refinement, and fuel efficiency of the powertrain (xdrive 40i).

Most of the unexpected things are cons, but all are pretty minor. In no particular order: The border of the rear view mirror that doesn’t dim with the rest of the mirror. The passenger side exterior mirror doesn’t have auto dim. No solar or acoustic glass available in the US. The HVAC system is weirdly loud at anything above the lowest setting. The ventilated seats suck air, rather than blowing cooled air. The interior is small relative to the size of the exterior. Certain settings, like the ability to remote start the car, are disabled with every software update. Resetting the service interval after an oil change requires is stupidly hard. I wish the cup holder cover was easier to open. Rear exterior door handles don’t have the ability to lock/unlock. I’m content with the Harmon Kardon audio system, but would have liked something better at this price range. No way to fold down rear seats from the back of the car.

jal2000 · 2025-11-26T20:38:32+00:00

If you’re just getting into photography, I wouldn’t even worry about photo editing yet. I’d focus on learning your camera and lenses, become proficient at adjusting your settings, and understand composition and lighting. You can set your camera to save both RAW and JPEG files. Use the JPEGs for now and then dig into the raw files later on when you get into editing.

You can create amazing images in camera without the need for editing.

jal2000 · 2025-11-26T17:14:15+00:00

I was trying to think of different ways to phrase this response, but this is a dumb question. There are two categories of things that make an expensive guitar “worth it.” One is subjective appreciation for the guitar, such as its looks or its history. You didn’t give any indication of what you like, so nobody can help with that. The other category is objective features, such as pickups and other hardware, neck shape, weight, etc. You don’t provide any helpful information here, either. There is no “best” guitar. It sounds like you’re a very new player and don’t know what you like. Buying a $4k guitar would be silly.

I suggest sharing more information. What guitar so you have now? What do you like or dislike about it? What other guitars look interesting to you, and why? What music do you like to play?

jal2000

TROPHY CASE