posted on June 3, 2001 09:53:37 AM new
...and for a good cause.
My husband flew into the house about 11:50 and said, "Do you want to see a 900 motorcycle caravan?" "Do I?" I replied, as I set a personal record for stripping off my jammies and throwing on some clothes.
The caravan was scheduled to go down a nearby highway at noon on their way to the VA Hospital in Martinsburg, WV. It is an annual fundraiser for the Vets in the hospital to raise spending money for everyday needs.
WHAT A THRILL!!!!
My arms were tired from waving and giving two thumbs up to every biker that passed.
Here's the bad part...It also fed the bug I've been having to get back into motorcycle riding. I, again, want to be part of causes such as this one. I miss that camaraderie.
My husband and I use to ride until we no longer felt safe on the highway because of discourteous drivers. It was with some reluctance that we sold our bike a few years ago.
But, I find that we are talking more and more about taking it up again. We just can't agree.....I've always wanted a Gold Wing Interstate, but he is leaning toward the big Harley.
It's the American way, he says.
Next, he'll want me to learn how to bake apple pies.
posted on June 3, 2001 10:45:52 AM new
We have a "blessing of the bikes" event not too far from our area. A few years ago, we happened upon group traveling to the event. Probably around 300-400 bikes strong...The sight was awesome, but the SOUND, ah the sound....Reminded me of parades of my youth, only better...I do have car lust (the oldies & big super 8 engines), and never really was turned on by bikes...but after experiencing that, even I was ready to saddle up a hog & hit the road!!!
Shame you had to give up your bikes because of other motorists....Makes me ill to see how some drivers not only disrespect bikers space, but at times appear to actually make a sport of it!
posted on June 3, 2001 11:20:46 AM new
Have to admit I quit because of near sighted old ladies in Ramblers (now it would be K cars). They turn left in front of you in slow mo and are so apologetic after you are dead.
posted on June 3, 2001 11:27:54 AM new"I, again, want to be part of causes such as this one."
Good for you!
I am very happy to hear that the drive to be part of the solution is still going strong in you. I do my volunteer work as well, just as I have since I was in my mid-twenties. I now do mine through the Freemasons and I support your desires - however much more dangerous your methods are than mine.
My husband extends his best wishes to a fellow Brother.
He is very active in his lodge, and I am very supportive of his activity.
Buying another bike is most likely just a dream. Over time you tend to forget about why you stopped riding and remember the fun you use to have, especially when your neighbor fires up his Harley or you see spectacles such as this today.
Sometimes doing things the safe way just isn't as much fun. Must be the rebellion in me.
posted on June 3, 2001 03:12:22 PM new
What you describe, Femme, is exactly how I define joy: a high combination of a sense of pleasure and a sense of purpose.
posted on June 3, 2001 03:51:11 PM new
Last weekend we had the motorcycle caravans. Every Memorial weekend Biloxi and Gulfport becomes a destination of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts.
If you ever think motorist treat motorcycles badly you need to move further down the food chain. Bicycles were a big passion of mine for many years, I still love my bicycles but they hang on the wall far to much. If you take your bicycle to Seattle you could have a great time, a very bicycle friendly city, if you take your bicycle to Atlanta prepare for a less than inviting situation.
posted on June 3, 2001 11:15:19 PM newRancher[ Sory to ask, but I have forgotten your locale...was this blessing by any chance at "Adam's Dairy" in CT?
Our "Club" used to ride there every year.
Keith
I assume full responsibility for my actions, except
the ones that are someone else's fault.
posted on June 4, 2001 06:49:25 PM new
Ubiedaman....Sory to ask, but I have forgotten your locale NOT a problem, these days even I forget my locale!....I am on Long Island in New York....Our blessing of the bikes was held on the east end of the island, Our Lady of something (can'r remember the name)...But I believe that they have relocated the event to Bald Hill (site of a super Vietnam Memorial) in Farmingville, which is just a few miles from me....
BTW, is Adams Dairy near the old Fairgrounds in CT?...It sounds familiar to me & used to spent time in Danbury.
posted on June 4, 2001 07:03:24 PM new
Well it certainly is nice to know that not ALL my memory brian cells are dead!!!....They had the best ice cream!!!....At that time I was cruisin' in a '68 Firebird convertible, ah sweet memories!
