Motorcycle Nation Podcast

I finally, after a multi year lapse, got to take a joy ride. Sure, Ang has jumped on the back and we hit a local restaurant to have dinner with friends, but every other ride I have taken was tied in with either teaching or work. The past two days were a true joy for me as I was able to stare down the white lines and drop mile after mile for pleasure. My only regret is that Angie and Kim did not ride with us.

Originally there were four of us going to go. By time to leave there were two, me and Kim’s husband Dennis. We set our departure point at a gas station in SE Indy. When I rolled up to the gas pump Dennis was by the building talking to someone. I pulled my helmet off and he called me over. He was talking to a young man that was traveling to DC to visit his brother. Not an ordinary young man, but a priest. Dennis had asked him to bless our trip and he did so right in the gas station parking lot. Pretty awesome! After gassing up we hit the road and started putting home behind. Our first stop wound up being in South Bend, IN, home of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. We pulled into a gas station only to find that every pump was out of mid grade and premium fuel. So we pumped a gallon in each bike and went searching for better fuel. We found it at the next exit and topped off the bikes before heading to Pizza Hut for a quick lunch. Well, it would have been quick but they kept filling the buffet with a different kind of pizza each time that Dennis had to have. Needless to say he was sick by the time we left.

We had excellent weather the entire trip and we arrived in Grand Rapids dry and happy. After a couple of wrong turns and a phone call we arrived at our destination to meet up with Jason, another motorcyclist that I have come to know via the net. Jason had been posting about his problems getting his motorcycle in good riding condition and, since he had helped me with some computer related issues in the past, I decided to go up and see what help I could provide. That was pretty much the purpose of the trip other than to ride. So, we arrived at the house and was able to fix the bike in about 20 minutes which allowed us to have an evening free. That meant more riding which allowed Jason to lead us around on his bike. We headed back towards Grand Rapids and met up with his wife, Kate, at a school where she was teaching Zumba. Zumba is a Latin / International dance and exercise class. Dennis looked pretty funny on the side trying out the moves!

From there Dennis, Jason, and I went to find some food and a place for us to stay that evening. The rules were no fast food and something different than we could have at home. Jason nailed it with his choice of Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille. Nice local place with some really good food. Steaks and stuffed shrimp were consumed and the prices were extremely reasonable. Check it out if you find yourself in the area. The best part was that we walked through the parking lot to the next one and found our lodging for the night. Dennis is a smooth talker and a deal maker and he got us $20 off the room by asking for the manager’s special. Sweet. We agreed to meet Jason and his wife Kate for breakfast the next morning and he left for home. A quick ride to the Meijer department store across the street for swimming trunks for Dennis and we were back at the hotel. I headed straight for the sack while he went to swim and try out the hot tub. Probably should have done that as well just to loosen the legs up after the ride.

Breakfast found us at Anna’s House Restaurant with Jason and Kate. This place has more variations on omelets than I have ever seen anywhere. Food and service were both great and there was good conversation with Jason and Kate. We all had a great time and soon it was time to head for Indy. The weather was not looking as promising for the trip so we wanted to get on the road. Goodbyes were said and we went down the street and paid a visit to the Honda dealer so Dennis could find a warmer pair of gloves. We did not have any luck so we jumped on the highway and headed back east in search of 196 and 31 South. On the way up we passed Grand Rapids Harley Davidson and we talked about stopping on the way home. I saw the sign up ahead and slowed and pointed and held my hand up asking, “Wanna stop?” A quick shrug of the shoulders and a nod took us onto the exit and into the dealership. What was going to be a quick t-shirt stop turned into a marathon purchase of a 2009 Black Pearl Electra Glide Ultra Classic. No not me, but I wish it was. Dennis’ trusty sidekick, the 1999 Road King was being traded in on the new bike.
This picture shows a glimpse of the Road King behind the new one.

Now, I rode up there on my ‘99 Softail Custom. He had the comfort advantage on the Road King already and now he was going to take it ten steps further and really ride in comfort. That is ok though, I am happy for him. Due to the five hour purchase we were way behind schedule and had allowed some severe storms to cross our route south of where we were. It did not take long out of Grand Rapids to start in and for the next two hours we rode in the rain and wind. Don’t forget, we had to run 50 to 55 mph for the first 50 miles and vary speeds from 55-70 for the rest of the trip. The maiden voyage for the new Ultra was a soggy one but she came through with flying colors.

So, my first joy ride in some time involved 706 miles of some crazy drivers, some torn up roads in Michigan, and bad weather. I would not trade even one mile back for anything. I had a great time with great friends and that is what this is all about. Everybody ride safe!