Three Days In One

Cranked on over three hundred kilometers on the Vstrom today.  I met my friend John at a local coffee shop and we set out on our bikes. John’s got at least ten years experience with motorcycles and while I did my best to keep up I also appreciated John toning down his riding to allow me to keep up.  The first stop was my choice and very nearly was the last.  I had in my mind another coffee place up highway 48. Pretty basic stuff, not a Starbucks by a mile.  Disinterested staff slung mediocre coffee with out so much as a glance.  What can you expect, it’s Sunday morning.  As we stood around the machines drinking coffee and discussing the day John verbalized his concerns over my decision making skills and volunteered to take the lead on destination number 2. 

Weather was good and we had no real agenda.  Ending up on highway 35 we made our way up to Minden, Ontario spotting many different motorcycles along the way. I hadn’t  seen this many Vstroms ever…anywhere.  This was where we would stop for lunch.  Decent spot, good food, friendly service and a buffet that drew John back at least six times. Upon every return to the table he’d point out how cool the two bikes looked parked out front.  I have to confess that for years I was always envious of those people on motorcycles who stopped for lunch in small Ontario towns on a Sunday afternoon. Now I was one of those people. It was kind of cool.

About ten minutes after deciding to continue up highway 35 to Dorset, the skies had other ideas. Very dark, quite clearly raining up ahead and the occasional bolt of lightening found us turning back.  The ride back down was equally as enjoyable except for the added factor of wind. The weather was changing.  To add to matters a road around Sanford that was paved last week was not paved today. Here it was, the first time on gravel on the Wee with excessive dust and wind.  The new Wee managed it well after I sorted out in my mind how I needed to work the bike.  It wasn’t ideal but it was better than I imagined. I’m still a fan of asphalt. 

Back in solid ground the skies decided to change colour on us and then came the rain.  Not a little shower… a downpour.  As if that wasn’t enough the winds were nearing tornado strength or at least pretty close to a new motorcyclists senses. Riding straight and leaning hard right. 

Once home and in the garage there was a great sense of accomplishment and sogginess all at once.  Boots full of water, jeans soaked, my visor still dripping and the brand new Wee no longer all shinny and clean. We earned it today and got closer to understanding each other…. the bike and I, not John and I.

It was two or three days in one as far as weather goes.  I was a great day with lots to see and experience. I’m ready to go again… well as soon as my boots dry out.