False Winter

 As of this writing, we have had six days of snow, and a high of 60 today. We're adjusting, and this is very acceptable compared to our previous false falls and extended summers. As the days progressively get colder, I have been preparing for more inside work. 

I've finished the plastic prep as far as I can take it prior to paint, so now I'll be cleaning the frame and replacing fork and dust seals. I'm looking forward to this because I've never done it, and as of this writing, I have 14 pairs of forks to perform this work on. Hopefully, but the end of this winter, it will be old hat and I can add it to my repertoire of acquired garage skills. 

Once those are done, I'll be ready for replacing the bearings in the steering stem, and after that, I'll then be ready for the touch up work on the frame, and replacing the bearing in the swing arm. While I'm doing that, I'll strip down the swing arm and deep clean it prior to putting it all back together. 

From there, I'll be ready for the controls, new handlebar, grips, cables and levers. I believe the engine is completely sound, so I'll scrub it in the frame in the spring and it should be ready to go. From there it's just biding time through the winter until it warms back up to paint. 

This past week I picked up another new project, just in time to lock it away in the garage. A 2003 Honda CRF450R is now resting in the garage, ready for prep work for the Rocky Mountain Enduro Circuit which should start it's season in March 2023. Over the winter I'll strip the graphics off this bike, clean the plastics and apply minimal decals for race graphics with my number. 

I'll flush the radiator and replace all the fluids, try to set a standard sag for myself, and them determine if I need to swap handlebars and likely replace the grips. I know the bike will rip for these races, and I cannot wait to get out there and live the new experience. I hope to do somewhat well in the series (not dead last) and I believe it will lead to some extremely fun times with the family during the travel. 

I've also been physically training to get ready for this, and I believe when the times come, I'll be more than ready for the physical demands, at least, I hope so. 

Time keeps marching on and I will continue to toil through the winter months.