Where Did All These People Come From?

So I've seen things around on various forums and blogs about putting bikes and other toys away for the winter, which confused me slightly until I remembered it's mid-September and most of the world is now getting cold.

It's hardly cold here. In fact, right now is the beginning of prime riding season in Phoenix.

Which means everyone and their cousin has their motorcycle out on the road. As a year-round rider, it always surprises me in the spring and fall when all of these bikes just appear, seemingly out of nowhere, on the roads. I don't mean to sound like an elitist, but where were all these people the rest of the year?

I understand not riding during the summer here. It's flipping hot. But where do they all go during the winter? If you don't ride in the summer, and you don't ride in the winter, that gives you approximately two months of riding weather in an area where ice and rain are exceedingly rare.

I don't get it. What do they do with their bikes for the other 10 months?

That little rant out of the way, I have to say I really am glad to see lots of bikes on the road again. It's like a whole bunch of friends I haven't seen for a long time are back in town. So I guess my feelings on the matter are mixed. Therefore, I guess I'll just say it's good to see you. Wusses.