Looking for a ride this weekend? The weather is looking favorable and there are a couple of option right here in Skagit County. First up is the First Annual Jim Schermerhorn Poker Run sponsored by Star Chapter 154. This event starts at 9 am on Saturday at Skagit Powersports. Upon completion of the poker run, there will be a BBQ at Skagit Powersports with prize drawings starting at 2 pm. Proceeds benefit the family of Jim Schermerhorn.

Steel Dreams in Burlington is also holding their annual open house. As a bonus, it is Can Am Spyder demo day. I was fortunate enough to road test one of these very cool three-wheelers (see my road test at NorthwestCycleNews.com) and I can tell you that it is a blast to ride. Stop by Steel Dreams on Saturday and check it out.

I am going to attempt to make it to both events, so maybe I will see you there!

Memorial Day weekend is upon us. With decent weather forecasted, this weekend looks to be a nice opportunity to get out for ride. However, this is traditionally one of the most dangerous weekends to be on the road; especially on a motorcycle.

If you do go out, be extra vigilant. Especially on Friday and Monday evenings as these are the times when lots of folks hit the road. They are either in a hurry to get to the campground/river/lake or tired, sunburned, hungover and in a hurry to get home.

Me, I _might_ ride down to the Museum of Flight on Saturday to see one of the few remaining B-17’s on display. Other than that, I’m going to try to stay off the road as much as possible.

I attended Skagit Powersports annual open house last weekend. What a turnout! I’m sure the presence of Supercross Superstar Jeremy McGrath was no small factor in getting people to the event. My son waited in line for over an hour without complaint to shake Jeremy’s hand and get an autograph.

The guys from Star Chapter 154 were there serving free hamburgers and hot dogs. Complimentary Rock Star beverages were available and there were numerous drawings and giveaways; including a motorcycle.

I chatted with the reps from Dunlop and they made me a sweet deal on a new rear tire for the VTX. It wasn’t in stock, but was available in Portland. They will ship it up for me to pick up on Tuesday.

This weekend’s forecast is for much warmer weather. So warm that the weather service issued an Special Weather Statement:

… Unseasonably hot weather will affect western Washington from
Thursday through Saturday…

After a cool and cloudy Spring in western Washington… a dramatic
shift to hot and sunny weather will take place starting Thursday.
Temperatures will begin to climb on Thursday… as a strong upper
ridge builds over the region and provides sunny skies. Weak
northerly onshore flow will keep temperatures from getting really
hot. Still… high temperatures across much of western Washington
will be in the 70s and lower 80s.

Temperatures are expected to reach 80 degrees on Saturday. Definitely a prime riding opportunity. Star Chapter 154 is organizing a ride on Saturday departing from Skagit Powersports at 1:00. I know I mention this group a lot, but you know, they ride a lot and that’s what it’s all about.

Get out and enjoy the sunshine. Be safe and remember to stay hydrated.