Something is going to happen soon. This year it happens on March 20^th - at varying times depending on your time zone. For those of us who live in the Mountain Time Zone, it will swing by at 03:01 AM. You won’t feel it, nor will you see it. But for those that love riding our motorcycles, it is profound. You guessed it - It’s the Spring Equinox – the official start of Spring. That means there will be more daylight hours than darkness. As the days plow onward we’ll start to feel the difference that more sunlight makes. It gets warmer, which means we ride more.

We’ve already seen a number of motorcycles roaming around here in the Black Hills, around Sturgis, Deadwood, and Rapid City. I’m sure you’ve seen that same wherever you live. While the snow will still tamp-down riding in a few areas of the country, now’s the time to get the bike ready to ride.

Planning is the key. Get your bike ready to ride, first by cleaning it. Make sure you have fresh oil. In addition to getting the bike ready to ride, think about what summer riding really means.

Here are a few tips to make it a great summer. Always wear your helmet. Have rain-gear handy – if it’s not snow, now it’s rain. In addition to your Harley style shirt and pants, make sure you wear a jacket. Even if it is 85-degress outside, a jacket will provide comfort and protection. And if you like riding after dark, make sure you have clothing that has some reflective qualities. Being seen is half the battle.

There are other essentials you’ll want to tick-off. Are your boots ready for another season? Remember to always wear gloves. Proper eyewear is essential, too. Don’t get blinded by the sun on a sharp curve – sunglasses will help.

Have a great summer. Ride safe. Make it a fun 2025.