Solo Ride Today - Trip Report

[tunefx]

Well, after having the flu kick my rear all week I was pretty happy to wake up and feel decent. So I immediately decided to take the Hyper out for a spin.

Took some back roads from Virginia into Maryland. Eventually made my way to a Duc shop and took a bit of time to be educated on my bike. I'm only 1 month old on a Duc so I have a lot to learn!

80 miles round trip. Longest ride for me on the Duc to date.

On my return a storm blew in a bit faster than I had expected. I was looking for a place to hide out for awhile. Eventually all I could find was a grocery store so I pulled up under their awning. I was at the far end so I would be out of everyone's way. I soon spotted a Chinese take-out place so I went and ordered some food and purchased a paperback book (Stephen Coonts novel if you must know) at the grocer. I then sat down on a bench by the bike and just kicked back. Based on the weather radar map I pulled up on my cell, I was going to be sitting for quite some time.

It's amazing how many Dads, Moms, and kids wanted to talk about riding motorcycles. Maybe gas prices had something to do with it. But they all wanted advice.

As I'm waiting for the rain to end an older gentlemen, approximately in his 70s, comes by with his groceries on his way to his car.

He stops and says "much better than being under a bridge." I said "yes sir, you ride?" He said "a long time ago" and continued on about Indians, Nortons, Ducatis, BSAs, and the Vincent he raced. He said he hadn't ridden a bike in 35-40 years.

What a great conversation!

What blew me away is he glanced over at my bike, with my jacket covering the brand name (no identifying marks), and asked "is that a Ducati?" I about fell off the bench I was sitting on. I asked him how he knew. He said "well, wasn't really sure, just something about that engine and layout."

We talked a few more minutes and he had to get home. As he is leaving he says, "don't be an idiot out there, I see too many idiots riding those race bikes. [he opens the door to his car] and look out for those idiots driving cars--there's a lot of them out there son, some young and some old, like me." [and he closes his door].

Five minutes later the rain stopped.

The wisdom of our Fathers is truly a treasure and a blessing. I just didn't expect to find it at a grocery store while waiting for the rain to stop.

Hope you didn't mind me sharing. Sounded like a good idea with Father's day tomorrow.

The best 2.5 hours I've ever spent at a grocery store.

Never had a chance to open the paperback.

Buy a Ducati HyperMotard--it will impact your life in wonderful ways.

[hyprduc]

Sounds like a great day!

[Patriots1]

I must say that was quite a nice little story, thx for sharing.

[STICKER]

Awesome short story, made my back tingle.

[scooter]

Nice. Good advice too. A parked Ducati does tend to attract interest. I was always surprised at the number of folks who approached my GT and the Hyper is no different.

It can turn a 5 minute bathroom stop into a 20 minute conversation.