I decided to ride with new group of people on October 23, 2011. I’m not much for riding in groups so this was a big change. I had recently met someone who inspired me to try it!! He was quite shocked when I told him and he said to me that he didn’t think my Dragon Slayer liked to share me with people… Was he right?
I arrived at Bartels’ Harley-Davidson in Marina Del Rey at 8 am. I came with David and Felicia. This was the first time I had ridden with them also. I had left home about 7 am and it was sunny out. I was, of course, dressed in a short sleeve shirt. I almost threw a leg over without grabbing a jacket. Lucky, I’ve been riding a long time and I NEVER go without a jacket. When I crested the hill at Getty Center, the fog was so thick, I could barley see. My goggles continually had to be wiped down with my shirt sleeve.
About 6 other bikes joined us and we made our way to the Love Ride site in Castaic. We rode about 30 miles. As we parked, three different guys said to me, “Don’t you find it hard to ride without a windshield?” “Well, I have one, but I don’t usally put in on when I’m going on short rides,” I replied. “This is a short ride?” they questioned. It was very difficult for me to keep a straight face and not drop my jaw.
We hung out for a short while and then David, Felicia and I decided to throw a leg over. David came up to me and whispered, “Do you ride staggered or side by side?” “I prefer side by side, but I can stagger if you like,” I winked at him. The smile that came to his face could have been seen in San Francisco!! “I love side by side,” he grinned.
We rode to Lake Isabella and the curves were beautiful!! I’ve never ridden there so it was sure a treat!! David and Felicia ride together and their bike is named Biotch!! At one gas stop, David said to me, “I’ve been riding 42 years. You can ride beside me any day!!” I guess I passed the test!!
On our return trip, we separated in Palmdale and I continued on alone. I was cresting a hill at about 110 when BANG!! I spotted a black and white in the bushes!! Fastest slow down to 70 I’ve ever attempted!!
Now, the reason why I was speeding, is because I was being tailed. Interestingly enough, by a white BMW car!! Did he really think he could outrun my Dragon Slayer?? Silly man!!
Felicia was kind enough to shoot my first video!! Check it out!!
