The leaves are changing colors and the temperatures are trending lower. Yes! fall is definitely in the air. It is still in the low 40s (about 4-5 deg C). I desired to squeeze a few more POTA activations on my motorcycle.
This morning, I decided to ride to K-1518 for a quick activation. It was gloomy 46F, tolerable for me. As I set out to ride, the skies cleared up; unfortunately this caused the temperatures to drop to 41F. I reached the park with cold hands despite my heavy riding gloves. On arrival, I kept my riding gear on and they provided considerable warmth. I had to take my gloves off to get the radio set up, which caused my hands to go very cold. As I was putting out CQs the winds picked up and my hands were starting to freeze. I was barely able to work the paddles. I quickly managed 26 contacts in about 30 minutes. Although the contacts were coming in on a good clip, I could take it no more and decided to call it quits!
It is funny how the same 40 degree weather now feels cold, but feels like heaven during spring!
On the way back after the POTA activation, I decided to pick up some washers for a leaky faucet at the home improvement store. I head back out of the store and crank my motorcycle, I hear the dreaded clicking! My battery had run down! Fortunately I had the tools to remove the plastics surrounding the battery compartment and put in a call to the roadside assistance. They come back with a 2 hour wait -- this right in the middle of a Metro area on a Saturday morning to a business location! Fortunately, I had a fellow shopper who had a jump cable and with his help I was able to get the motorcycle started. Is my bike telling me it's time to wrap up motorcycle POTA activations for the year?
I have ordered a new battery and should be on my motorcycle later this week!
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