Dinner Ride

Up until a few months ago, if I had seen a big group of bikes on the road, I'd have thought they were a biker 'gang'. Why? Mostly because of television and movies and general perception of bikers. And because I never really knew anyone who rode a motorcycle.

Last night we went to the local Harley dealer and met for dinner. I was excited. I'm facinated by the dynamics of groups of people. When Pete and I ride down the road, bikers give hand signals in acknowledgement of each other. Usually Pete's left hand is down in almost a 'give me 5' kind of way at his left side when he passes a biker.

There weren't very may bikes there when we got there. When it was time to leave, there were probably 30 bikes. All Harleys and all beautiful. The signal was given to ride out and all the bikes started and it was almost musical. The riders were in various Harely outfits and jackets. Som had half helmets, but mostly no helmets.

We started out and were in the front of the pack. Next time I'm going to ask Pete to stay to the back. I want to see the line of bikes as we ride. I really need to get a small camera. I was dying to get pictures as we were riding of the bikers and I'm facinated with the shoadow that Pete and I create on the bike. Somehow I'm going to get a picture of that.

The back got everything from waves from people, honks from cars/trucks, to wonder from little boys and interested, but wary looks from others. It felt good to be part of a group that people notice. I now understand the pull of it. Why people do it. And I can't wait for more.

We met some nice couples that ride in the dinners and various other things. I'm hoping that we get more involved with the people there for more rides.

Just getting it done

There is something to be said for just getting it done and over with and not dragging it out. What is the it I'm referring to? Well Pete and his sister have had some hard decisions based on things related to their father's death. He's decided to just get it done. Not to linger about waiting. It's a good thing. I think that he needs some closure to the process and this will help out.

Memorial Day was Monday. We made our way to his parent's gravesite and spent some time there. We rode the bike because Pete wanted to show his Dad what he bought. It may just be wedding emotions, but I cried. I cried that they are not going to be with us at the wedding. Their physical presence will be greatly missed.

Then we stopped at the little building to find another site. I wanted to see Dave P's grave. Dave was a great friend of the family. He was happy go lucky, always laughing, tons of fun and great to be around. Unfortunately hidden under all that was a very sad and depressed man. He struggled for years with his depression and finally took his own life. It was a sad day for everyone. Even worse that it left my Dad with one less friend to do things with. It happended in the midst of 2.5 years in which we attended 7 funerals. I miss Dave and wonder what would have been.

Meet Siren

Actually, meet Pete and Siren. This is the bike that my booty has sat on for 300 miles in the last 2 1/2 evenings. (you booty gets used to it, right?) I love sitting on the back of the bike with Pete. Yesterday some high school girls kind of cat called to us. I don't know if it was for the bike, Pete or me. LOL It made me laugh at any rate. We rode back roads last night. There was a bike on the side of the road and we stopped to see what was wrong. I recognized the model of the bike and impressed myself and Pete. There wasn't anything we could do to help the guy so we continued on.

At times I want to put my arms out, Titannic style and let the wind wash over me. When we're sitting at a stop and the bike is idling, it makes my voice quake and like a child I purposely make noise ot hear myself. I also love looking at our shadows on the ground. Sometimes it's the perfect outline of 2 riders, me hugging Pete's back. Others, it's the 2 riders sitting straight up and my hair flowing in the wind behind me.

Speaking of hair - riding does nothing for it. LOL So I need a patch/shirt that says "hairstyle by Harley".

Square Butt

Just like riding a pedal bike, it's going to take me some time to get used to sitting on the back of that cycle. The first night we did 50 miles on it. Last night we did a little over 100. I'm all leathered up now. Well, all except chaps.

I've learned that even though it looks nice out, it's cold on the back of that bike.
I've learned that wind will work it's way up the sleeve of your jacket no matter what you do.
I've learned that you CANNOT move until the drive says so. (sorry honey)
I've learned that other bikers passing you or seeing you will sometimes wave to you as if they're saying "ROCK ON!"
I've learned that I love the back of that bike. I can't wait for a little warmer weather and a nice long ride through some pretty areas.

"Siren"

THIS is Siren.

She is a 2008 Road King Classic. Beautiful bike. Just beautiful. Pete picked her up last night and we took her for the first 50 mile ride. It was awesome. Hopefully the dealer can at least put the beackrest on before the weekend. The rest of the parts aren't in for the customs. I'm forsee a lot of time spent on that bike!