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So, my wife and I were supposed to go to Cedar Point for three days next week (Monday through Wednesday) but we found out she is expecting (a while ago) and that means roller coasters and amusement rides are out. Before she hits that uncomfortable stage, we decided that instead we were going to go on a small-ish tour for 5-7 days (we're allowed some flexibility here). We will be leaving Windsor on Monday, and then riding around the bay, up to Sarnia, from there we will be riding along the lake to Owen Sound, and up Bruce Peninsula, at the northern tip, we will be taking the ferry over to Manitoulin Island, riding north, and crossing the oldest working swing bridge in the world, further north than east to Sudbury to visit some old friends, then east again to North Bay, then south to Huntsville, again for a reconnection. After that, we will be heading to Vaughan to stop by at my sister-in-law's and then Niagara Falls, after that, we will be traveling along Lake Erie on our return trip home. Fortunately, I had a bunch of lieu time at work, so took two days off, which finally gave me time to do things I've been meaning to do for a while. Bled the cooling system, added my USB Power, which will complement my clutch reservoir RAM mount that should be arriving tomorrow along with my phone mount, killed my battery in the process (after several starts, I very intelligently left the key in the ignition and left it on), I freaked out because I thought it had something to do with the USB charger I had installed, jumped the bike and ran around town to charge the battery. Good news is, the bike seems to run at about 85C now instead of nearly 100-110, and I'm not afraid to idle. I also heard the fans for the first time since getting the bike. Need to top up my brake fluid next. But that is a job for tomorrow.

We all have seen a pic of a road that instant got you tought to how lovely it would be to ride it. I have ridden one that a pic as vid has made me think so, the Nurburgring, back in 2008. Browsing I found this pic. Now how exiting would it be to ride that road! Its stange 18 of the 2015 Tuor the France cycling, Lacets de Montvernier. What roads have you seen?

There is plenty of great info around the web about the differences between Michelin pilot road 2's and 3's. From my understanding almost identical compound just the tread pattern has added parts to deal with rain water better and is a little softer ride. Has anyone had experience with the 4's? Is its a bit of overkill? and a lot pricier over the 2 +3's? Is it worth choosing over a well proven 2 for its price?

So - the Michelin Pilot Road 4 is the hot new sport touring tyre for 2014 and seems to be OE for many models from BMW. I've seen no bad reviews of the PR3 but very little on the new version. I just fitted a pair of these and after a couple of hundred miles in variable weather and cold temperatures I thought I'd give you an initial review. I guess if you live in Southern California etc you may not be that interested! It's slightly tricky to make a direct comparison as the VFR is a new bike to me and I didn't give the previous tyres much time to impress me. They were Diablo Stradas and all I can say is the front was getting worn and felt horrible cranked over and in the wet they didn't feel great. Given it's still chilly and wet here in the UK and I commute year round along twisty, bumpy country roads strewn with mud from tractors, it was time for a change. New tyres are very different. The ride can only be described as plush. Very comfy. Plenty of feel though, great stability with more neutral turn in. Almost feels like the suspension has been upgraded - lots of feedback but the harshness of the Pirellis has gone. I've had to ride in some really filthy weather this week, lots of surface water and temperature close to freezing. The best compliment I can give these tyres is even though I'm still getting used to the bike I've got total confidence in the grip and traction. It's meant my riding style hasn't had to change that much. No drama under heavy braking either - just lots and lots of grip. The tyre seems to be designed to work well with a heavier bike and of course the VFR is no featherweight so it's well-suited. As the weather warms/drys up it'll be interesting to see how they pan out but I'm pretty confident for this bike, in this Northern European climate they're a really great match. Can you tell I'm impressed?