I'd made a tentative booking for a ride with a school buddy ("old" is assumed) to go for a ride this morning weather permitting. The sky was black in the early a.m. but I was determined to head out, so I called and told him I was prepared to get wet and was going anyway. He thought that was a plan and we decided to meet at my place at 9am.
He arrived on time on his Virago with a friend of his from their chapter of the Ulysses Club, Louise, who was also riding a Virago. Allan was given the responsibility of determining the destination and after a quick fuel stop (15.77 litres @ $23.48) we were on our way to Tea Gardens.
The weather actually cleared up a bit during the ride, which was a good thing because about 15 minutes in I realised I didn't have a stitch of wet weather gear with me. Must remember to be better prepared! The trip up was funny... I had no itch to be in front so Al led the way with me second. Not being to familiar with group riding, I assumed the HOG array in second place only to watch him ride anywhere he wanted in the lane. That was absolutely fine by me, but did afford the opportunity for some good natured ribbing at the coffee stop. Louise on the other hand positioned herself where I actually expected to see her. I decided to drop back and let her deal with Al in front which afforded me the opportunity to stop putting thought into road position. Now I'm absolutely not a road position nazi, but it was definitely easier knowing where the other bikes were in space.
We ended up in the coffee shop next to the cafe I went to last time we went up that way and had a very decent brew, a nice chat and headed home via Medowie. All in all a short but very pleasant ride.
Some notes:
- This was the first time I've ridden any distance at all without having my son on the back. It was a bit weird.
- The new rear tyre made it harder to manoeuvre slowly in traffic, stop signs etc. I'd forgotten that and a couple of times it could have been embarrassing
- Must remember to pack my wet weather gear just in case.
- It's not that easy to take photos while you are riding.
Kilometres Travelled: 162
