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?