What the HELL

I went for my usual 272K ride last Sat. and had a unique experience.  There’s a small town about 40 minutes from the end of this ride where I typically stop for a (one) beer.  The old Falkland Bar is literally on the shoulder of the Hwy and usually has a number of bikes parked in front of and around the building.  As I slowed and approached, I noticed an unusual amount of H.D.’s.  There was also a good number of riders milling around out front and I immediately noticed the “Patches”.   
“Angels” ! 
I unabashedly pulled into a large opening and couldn’t help notice the stares!  Within seconds I had 4 of these “riders” gather ‘round me and as I shut-off my bike and removed my helmet I started to get some questions and comments! 
 “What year?”  “Amazing condition!”  “How long have you had it?”  “Awesome!” “Nicely done!”
A few more came over and the comments were similar. 
I went into the bar and grabbed a coffee (cuz it was a cold ride that day) and sat down on the outside balcony which was parallel to the Hwy and overlooked the line of “HD's” and noticed another 4-5 “riders looking at my bike.  Only a few feet away I easily overheard one say to another,” It’s 44 years old”, which immediately got a response from another; “That fuckin' front tire looks like it’s original!”   
A satirical yet fair comment because my front tire is bald.
 I  figured, "What the hell" (no pun intended), and with coffee in hand went to my bike.
“I couldn’t help but hear the tire comment and by coincidence I ordered a new one this morning!” (TRUE) 
I answered a couple more questions and by now it was obvious the group was getting ready to hit the road because they were all gathering on the Bar steps for a group picture.There was one fella that apparently didn’t want to be in the photo so he stood next to me. Whether naïve, stupid or ignorant, I again thought "What the Hell" and asked this fella if I could get a picture of “Some of you guys around my bike?" 
(Let’s be realistic:  Does anyone of us have a picture of some “Angels” looking at their 1300 ?  ......  NOT ! )
He looked at me with somewhat of a strange gaze…..hesitated, and then said “You’ll have to ask Him”  …..pointing to the Captain.   “WAIT ..I’ll call him over”.
When the picture-taking was done he did just that and this Large guy came over and was informed that I had a question. 
“What’s the question?”
So, I asked.  He thought for a second or two and said,” I don’t think that would be a good idea”.  
“OK.  No harm in asking.  Thought it would make a cool picture”.
“What’s your name?”  I told him; he extended his hand which I accepted and he said, “I’m XXXXXX.  Where you from”. 
I told him and then he said, ”If you’re ever in XXXXXX, come and see me”.  Appreciably this surprised me and I’m a bit vague about this but I’m certain as he was turning away, he said something to the affect that it was nice to meet me; I like your bike. A minute later about 20 H.D.’s fired up and it was the epitome of “Rollin Thunder” !!!  And they were gone !  
WELL…..THAT was “different”.  
Now……I wonder;  What would XXXXXX think IF I actually showed-up at his Club House?
Would it be appropriate for me to bring Beer? 

 

Cool story

Yea know it takes someone with a really big set of brass floats to park a Kawasaki amongst a group of Harley's flying colors AND THEN to ask for pictures.