The last few weekends have been full of family commitments and finally, despite the forecast 37 degrees, I was determined to go for a ride this morning and hopefully beat the worst of the heat. My son was keen and I had no plans with respect to a destination. I was aware that the local HOG chapter had a three day ride organised, that I couldn't commit to, but I decided to head up to the meeting place and at the very least introduce myself. It was really the first opportunity to do so since I joined.
On arriving at the meeting place I recognised one of the people from a photo in the newsletter I'd been sent so I introduced myself. I was made immediately welcome, as was my son. An invitation to join them for a ride followed soon after and I was very happy to accept. We then wandered over to another group of members and after some short introductions it was noted that it was time to leave.
A quick discussion about where I would be placed in the group found me in position number 2 behind the "Road Captain" as a newbie so that I wouldn't be exposed to the concertina effect of riding further back. Very shortly after embarking my correct position on the road was indicated and approved of by the Road Captain and we were away. The group consisted of about 10 Harleys.
We struck out basically north west towards climbing temperatures but despite the slightly uncomfortable heat, the day was good enough. I found it a little difficult keeping left and matching my speed with the Road Captain (who had the advantage of cruise control) but that process was assisted by fairly strict adherence to the speed limit. Cornering was interesting and took some concentration, I had to unlearn my instinctive "lines" to maintain the left side of the lane position and hopefully not annoy the rider behind and to my right.
The Road Captain signalled obstacles/bad sections of road in my path as a warning, I wasn't sure if there was anything I needed to do to warn those behind me, usually by the time I had a chance I was past it. Probably the only "dangerous" thing we encountered was a fuel can on the road I gave a wide berth and others followed my line. I really did enjoy it, although it took much more concentration than just fanging up the highway by myself. My son took some photos on the way (below).
We arrived at the first drink stop, a smallish town, and parked the bikes in the main street outside the local pub. Waters, lemon squashes and comments about the building heat (guessing 38 or 39 degrees) prevailed and after a 20 minute break it was time for the group to leave us for their next destination.
My son and I headed back the same way we came, with slightly less adherence to the speed limit and rode straight through to home. He commented that he'd now experienced bucketing rain, stinking heat and only had cold to go, but no complaints.
I found the people in the group friendly, sensible and there was a happy shared spirit of a common interest. I didn't really envy them the long ride ahead for them today, but silently wished I was going. Next time!
Kilometres travelled: 293
