Earplugs. A small but important accessory.

Earplugs are often overlooked riding accessory. I’ve been slowing acquiring more and more gear since I got back in the saddle. I never really gave it any thought. Road noise was acceptable and even enjoyable as long as I wasn’t at highway speed. And I was thinking about bigger things like pants and gloves.

We had finished lunch during a road trip and my buddy Terry announced that he had extra earplugs if anyone wanted. That sounded pretty nice after riding 60 miles on the highway to get to where we were. So I took him up on the offer. And I’m glad I did! The ride home was much more comfortable. How can I go so long without using these.

These were a disposable foam type of earplug. Meant for single or a few uses. My new favorite accessory didn’t last very long. I just needed to order some more! No big deal right? Well you may be surprised to know that there are many different types and brands out there. Suddenly you find yourself sorting through various Noise Reduction Ratings, different shapes or styles, and varying materials.

This shouldn’t be that complicated.

Earplug Superstore offered a cool trial package. 1 pair of the 58 different foam earplugs they carried for $14.95. So I ordered that and I’m just noting which ones I like more.

After trying these out for a month. Here’s what I find…

They can feel a little strange when you first put them in. You typically roll the plug so it compresses into a cylinder. You then insert it into your ear canal. They are supposed to go all the way in. As the plug settles and expands, you’ll get a nice seal and things get quiet. That part feels weird but is sorta cool. After a while you’d be surprised how you adjust them and can still hear important sounds like other cars, voices, etc. When you take them out be careful! Don’t just yank them out. That seal is right up against your eardrum. The return to full volume is abrupt enough as it is.

There are also earplugs that have speakers in them. I might try those for voice communication but I’m not comfortable with music or audio books piping through them. I see riders do this and it’s just too distracting.

What is a motorcycle? Legally speaking.

2101.19 Motorcycle.

“Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle other than a tractor, having a saddle for the use of the operator and designed to travel on not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground, including, but not limited to motor vehicles known as “motor-driven cycles,” “motor scooter,” or “motorcycle” without regard to weight or brake horsepower. (ORC 4511.01(C)) (Ord. 599-78: Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part).)

GPS mishap leads to lunch adventure

It’s a beautiful day today. I get an email invite from a co-worker to go for a lunch ride over to Woody’s BBQ. Woody’s is located in an out of the way place between Columbus and Marysville. It’s rumored to be good, but not popular since its exactly close. Of course i say, “Yes”, right away and get all excited to be out of the office and on the road.

Four of us get out to our bikes and prepare to leave. Someone asks, “Who knows how to get there?” No one knows. I’m the only one of us that had a GPS unit so I quickly type in Woody’s and pick the one that looks to be right where we expect. I’d lead the ride and follow the navigation instructions. What could go wrong?

The computer has us going on some great country roads. It’s a very thoughtful device. We enjoyed passing by farms and poking through a few small towns. Very scenic and pleasant. At each stop I can sense that everyone is wondering that we should have been there by now. This was only supposed to be a 12 mile trip to get there. We pass through Plain City. Then Unionville Center. Then a little further to Milford Center. Ding! Woody’s is right around the corner. Soon we’ll be feasting on pulled pork and bbq ribs. We turn the corner to find that Woody’s is a automotive service garage. Uh oh. This is how it’s possible to get lost with GPS computer. No pulled pork in sight.

We see a building with an open for lunch sign. It was a tavern called Yummy’s Bar & Grill. We joked about the name and nervously walked in to the dark and windowless little dive. It was comforting to find one other table of customers in the place. They ended up serving a pretty nice burger. We’d have never planned to be here, and that’s part of the magic of getting lost and improvising. The server asked us where we were from and how we got there. We shared some good laughs and went back the same path that took us there. Riding 45 miles total.

The Yummy’s would be a good name for our little posse.