FROM THE RAMBLIN RIDER

Reprinted from Iowa Chapter “L” Newsletter

Written by Mary Fox

Hip Hip Hooray.  The weather has finally broken and we can get out and ride those shiny things that have been sitting in the garage all winter long.  Yes I know some of you have ridden all season long, but we are not one of those.  Don gives our bike a pat on the rump and a bucket of oats and leaves her sitting until the weather is just right.  We did take it out one night last week and had more than our share of deer pass in front of us.  Since I took off a little weight it is a little harder keeping my butt in the seat.  I don’t have near the tonnage on my back side to keep me in the seat.  I might have to try some Velcro.  On one occasion I managed to lightly (?) tap Don’s helmet when he touched the brakes a little briskly.  Sure got his attention.  I was even awake on the back but just had to see if he was paying attention.  Believe me, he did notice.  You know you have to do that at least once in the season, just to get it out of your system.  We were riding with another couple and tried to convince them it was their turn to take the lead, but they didn’t want to run interference with the deer.  They said that we were doing just fine and were enjoying following us.  Don said one dear on the bike was enough and he didn’t want any more.  After our ride we had to take the bike to the doctor to get it looked at.  We got three recalls so Don wanted to get it in the shop so we would have it to ride when the weather was nice, like now. Needless to say it is still in the shop and we are at home listening to everyone else talk about the great rides they have been on.  Well I don’t want to hear it!  Do I sound a little bitter?  You bet.  At least it has been windy and you know I don’t like to get blown all over the road when riding nor do I like to be cold or wet.  I bet most of you are surprised that I ride at all, me too.  When you ride with the Rainman you usually get all three in one ride.  Ask anyone that lets him lead to MO.  It never fails to be cold, rainy and windy.  That’s what you get for wanting him to lead.  Hopefully we will get the bike back before too long and will be able to get out and ride again.  I can hear Big Red up at the doctor just a moaning cause he can’t get out of the shop on such nice days.