Saturday found another perfect day...a bit cool in the morning but quickly warming up. Stu and I rode into D.C. with his youngest daughter, Melissa, and her boyfriend, Andy. Andy bought a new Harley Sportster a few months back and she was picking up her new Harley Softail Deluxe. She fell in love with the new green color and got a good deal on a new 2011. Since she doesn't have a ton of riding experience (maybe 3000 miles on a older Suzuki), she asked me if I would ride it home for her.
Needless to say, there was no hesitation on my part...my favorite bike of all time still is the 2005 Deluxe that I toured with. I'd have one now but it's 9" longer than my sporty and won't fit in our toy hauler unless I give up my washer/dryer (not going to happen). The bars were slightly different and she had changed to a reach seat, but all in all it was a pretty similar ride. The reach seat crowded me a bit and my thighs had to get used to the position on the floorboards as compared to my mid-controls. All in all, it was a great 70 mile ride back from D.C. to the eastern shore of MD. Definitely brought back MANY happy memories.
Her older sister, Heather, had decided to buy Melissa's Suzuki but since she hadn't taken the MSF course yet, they asked me if I would ride it from Melissa's to Heather's where we are parked right now (in the RV). Sure...why not. Well let me tell you, this was like going from a 2011 Camaro to a 1962 VW Beetle. LOL! It needs a tune-up (died on me three times when I downshifted), I suspect the front tire was low (handled like a tank on corners), and I had a hard time getting comfortable with the forward controls.
But it's delivered and I got in 100 or so miles of wind time and a gorgeous day! Plus we've added another rider to the family...life is good!
Today I woke with the start of a cold...UGH! We did a few chores around the rig and just generally relaxed. The grandgirls are off at a local pumpkin farm so it's quiet here. Next week will be hectic. I have chiro appointments Mon-Thu, Stu has PT on Mon & Wed, we have plans in Annapolis most of the day on Tue and still need to fit in a few lunches/dinners with friends before HOPEFULLY moving on Friday.
Note I said HOPEFULLY. Stu called Annapolis Harley on Saturday and the parts are all in, finally. The rebuild shouldn't take more than a day so we should be able to pick the bike up sometime this week. Phew!
Friday we will move over to our friend's yard in PA, Saturday is the Red Helmet Ride, Sunday is a quiet day unless Stu still hasn't gotten our replacement steps installed (front steps are broken from wear and tear, back steps got crunched when we dragged the hind end of the rig in a ditch a few years back). Then on Monday we will head out to TN...once again I'll be riding behind the rig. Such a hardship....LOL!
Be sure to check out Sadie's latest post: New Playmates
Till next time - keep on rollin',
Donna and Stu
Stu and Donna
What a pretty green bike! That sure is snazzy -- should be a fun ride! Glad to hear your weather is holding out. I'm so jealous to hear you're in Annapolis right now -- but then I remembered that Maryland is Stu's old stomping grounds (and I think the state is small enough that I can say it that way). Y'all have a marvelous trip! :)
ReplyDeleteFirst I want to thank you for the kind words you posted on our blog.
ReplyDeleteI know our scooter is no Harley but we would be proud to ride with you guys. lol
Have fun enjoy..
Glad you got to have a great ride!!!
ReplyDeleteHave fun & Travel safe
Donna
Hooray for wind time! I tell ya, that is one sweet-lookin' ride in the photo!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a good day. I got mine out for a 30 mile ride today. Had a blast
ReplyDeleteI like the green bike, too, but my riding days are behind me. Glad you got to experience the different bikes and hope Heather doesn't have problems with the Suzuki.
ReplyDeleteLOVIN' THAT BIKE...PRETTY JAZZY!
ReplyDeleteNice motorcycle!! Hope your daughter enjoys it for a long time.
ReplyDelete