DUCATI FREEZE FRIGHT

A few days ago here in Toronto, the weather predictions indicated that temps were going to go down to below freezing, -4°C. I realized I did not have any antifreeze compound in my Ducati 749 still in its non-heated housing; only distilled water mixed with “water wetter”. I panicked as I had not expected temps to drop below freezing in October--I was not prepared! But the real clincher was realizing there's a chance, even if slight or debated by some, that if the water in the Duc's engine freezes, it could crack the engine innards!

I dropped everything and checked in with my resources at Ducati Toronto— the water expanding in the engine could cause two screws/bolts to expand (specifically) creating pressure which could cause a crack—rare but as Chris [the mechanic] at Ducati explained—it can indeed happen and I was not going to invite any chance of it!

Rather than move the bike because it was going to another heated housing shortly for the winter, I attempted to find a “one night” solution. So I tried to run an extension cord out to the housing and put in my portable heater for the night—that wouldn’t work simply for lack of outdoor electrical outlets and extension cords. Then I asked the property manager if I could get the bike inside the building just for one night— as expected fire regulations would not allow for it. I was running out of time, it was already late afternoon and the sun was setting— Paul the service manager called me back and said just try to drain out some of the water from the engine to allow room for expansion. My attempts did not succeed--I couldn’t get the specific drain screw loose, so decided to get the bike to the shop;put tools away, threw the fairings back on and went inside to let the shop know I was on my way but noticed it was ten minutes before closing time! I managed to get Paul on the phone, providing yet another update to my situation and my desire to get the bike to them for the night--and for a flushing out of the water weeter, in exchange for antifreeze. Lucky me Paul said they’d wait for me until I arrived (great service!). I jumped into my gear and got the Duc to the shop.

What a drama--and temperatures did not go below freezing that evening--only as low as 2°C. Never mind, there’s no measure worth taking when it comes to the life of one’s motorcycle engine. Plus this time I don’t have to do the work removing "water wetter" and replacing the ethylene glycol--and did make some discoveries which I'll be introducing you to in more detail (MOTORESS tech section ) shortly.

Today I’m heading out to pick up “Dante” (that’s my Ducati’s name) and ride him over to his heated winter location. Unbelievably it will reach a sunny and warm high of 17°C on this Halloween eve day -- the last day of October.

WOMEN BLAZING TRAILS FOR A CAUSE

Already a few weeks ago, 4 October (I really don’t know where time goes), early Ontario Saturday morning—I joined up with about twenty other enthusiastic women trail riders and their motorcycles. We gathered for our riders meeting which would set off the fifth annual fundraiser--“Megs Ride”.

THANK YOU MOTORESS SUPPORTERS —your contributions helped MEGS RIDE exceed goals! This “women’s only” event is hosted by Ontario’s Northumberland Trail Riders Club (NTR) with the purpose of raising funds for the Northumberland Chemo Clinic in honour of their member, Meg Thorburn. Meg’s been battling a rare form of cancer called leiomyosarcoma (currently in remission). This year the club had to finance the ride themselves as previous sponsors couldn't assist—but still succeeded in doubling the amount raised in 2007, exceeding their grand total goal of $35,000.

The trails were laid out by NTR members throughout the Northumberland Forest just outside of Centreton Ontario—the men are usually busy with the logistics supporting the women for this ride. A big “shout out” to the fine fellows in attendance (though not allowed to ride) —great to make your acquaintance! The route took us through nearly 90 kilometres, a full morning and afternoon of terrain that off road riders dream about. The routes were shown by either orange (basic experience level) or pink (more challenging level) arrows, taking riders up hills, and down again, through open space bush lined gravel trails. We rode over fallen trees, stacked logs, rocks and washed out ground as a result of this season’s record breaking rainfall. Lunch was served mid day at a clearing halfway through the woods—indeed that warm soup went down well, it was only 13 degrees, only felt when stopped of course.

BMW Motorrad Canada provided me with a 2009 “just out of the crate” BMW G450X—their enduro /motocross model which was awesome to ride. Light handling, smooth and plenty torque---"oh la la" reminding me it had been two seasons since my last true off road adventure. The G450X was a wee bit on the high side for me, some management required to climb aboard, but really a non-issue especially after making suspension adjustments. And you know, off-road riding has really no traffic pressure worries, so having both feet on the ground isn't so relevant to your riding control. You don’t have to remain between lines or stop at designated markings--your usual road riding concerns disappear. It’s just you, the woods--oh yes, and scurrying chipmunks along with the occasional rabbit and fellow riders. Initially I thought the bikes weight to be no trouble, its only 120 kg (dry weight) or 265 lbs. But later discovered I did need help getting out of a few falls especially the manner in which the bike ended up on the ground-super fun-ny! Admittedly, I’m still taking care of the broken back that occurred last year, so wasn’t going to take any chances where’s that concerned.

We could not have asked for a better day--a perfect sunny Canadian Autumn ride staged amidst a colourful forest backdrop; accompanied by the fabulous camaraderie of the NTR club riders/members. Hope you’ll join us next year!

Special thanks to Kevin Virag for being there and capturing us in his lens.