For the past 10-15 years I've wanted to load the bicycles and tour Amish country or wine country, camp then repeat. Lack of funds, family obligations, etc, have gotten in the way. On top of that my wife wouldnt ride with me. We used to do some stupid riding back in the 80s. We both loved it but it's a wonder we are still here.
We've both matured and I no longer feel the need for speed nor does she. Problem is she is afraid someone might plow into us. It's a fear that I respect and understand. I've had bikes on and off over the years but she's never been interested and I've respected that.
Anyhow, last year I picked up a 77 GL 1000 for cheap that needed some love. Since then I've made a few long distant trips but with friends or solo. However, I really missed my riding partner.
Last fall she did manage to take a short ride with me across town. Didn't do much for her.
Fast forward to a couple months ago. I decided to move forward and let happen what was going to happen. I was ok with any outcome.
I built a trailer hitch from scratch for the wing then started on a small trailer. I finished the trailer today and I'm quite pleased. It weighs in at 140#s and is quite tiny (32"wx48"L) however, it can carry everything I could ever need on a long trip including a kitchen sink. The trailer's aluminum deck holds a large Thule bag my son gave me a few years ago. He picked it up for $5 at a discount store. I utilized a set of Thule bike racks that was stored away as well. The trailer was built around the bag and bike racks, however, they can be removed in less than 5 minutes which increase the trailer's versatility. That's a story for another day.
Anyhow, over the years I've hardly said anything to her about riding, but today, it was mentioned to take a trip to eat dinner at a favorite restaurant located in the mountians. And low and behold...
Sirianni's restaurant http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/323/1324469/restaurant/West-Virginia/Siriannis-Pizza-Cafe-Davis
is some 40 miles away, located in Thomas, Wv, and the route there contains some very twisty roads . Think Deals gap only no traffic to contend with. So we packed some gear and headed off. On the way we saw only 3 cars. I think that in itself allowed her to relax a bit. What fun.
Dinner was fantastic and the ride home just as sweet. Again we faced no traffic and the 35 year old bike carved the mountain roads as she would have the day she was born. No, not an adrenalin inducing ride like in years past but more of a slow and smooth rhythmic dance, turn after turn. The newly mounted driving lights cut the brisk mountain air and lit the pathway safely home.
In the drive as soon as the motor was silent she asked if the trailer would be up to the task of joining us for our next adventure. Tomorrow will be a day trip into the mountains, carrying with us road bikes. And so it begins...
Wife zipping the liner in her armoured jacket for a chilly ride home...Priceless
We've both matured and I no longer feel the need for speed nor does she. Problem is she is afraid someone might plow into us. It's a fear that I respect and understand. I've had bikes on and off over the years but she's never been interested and I've respected that.
Anyhow, last year I picked up a 77 GL 1000 for cheap that needed some love. Since then I've made a few long distant trips but with friends or solo. However, I really missed my riding partner.
Last fall she did manage to take a short ride with me across town. Didn't do much for her.
Fast forward to a couple months ago. I decided to move forward and let happen what was going to happen. I was ok with any outcome.
I built a trailer hitch from scratch for the wing then started on a small trailer. I finished the trailer today and I'm quite pleased. It weighs in at 140#s and is quite tiny (32"wx48"L) however, it can carry everything I could ever need on a long trip including a kitchen sink. The trailer's aluminum deck holds a large Thule bag my son gave me a few years ago. He picked it up for $5 at a discount store. I utilized a set of Thule bike racks that was stored away as well. The trailer was built around the bag and bike racks, however, they can be removed in less than 5 minutes which increase the trailer's versatility. That's a story for another day.
Anyhow, over the years I've hardly said anything to her about riding, but today, it was mentioned to take a trip to eat dinner at a favorite restaurant located in the mountians. And low and behold...
Sirianni's restaurant http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/323/1324469/restaurant/West-Virginia/Siriannis-Pizza-Cafe-Davis
is some 40 miles away, located in Thomas, Wv, and the route there contains some very twisty roads . Think Deals gap only no traffic to contend with. So we packed some gear and headed off. On the way we saw only 3 cars. I think that in itself allowed her to relax a bit. What fun.
Dinner was fantastic and the ride home just as sweet. Again we faced no traffic and the 35 year old bike carved the mountain roads as she would have the day she was born. No, not an adrenalin inducing ride like in years past but more of a slow and smooth rhythmic dance, turn after turn. The newly mounted driving lights cut the brisk mountain air and lit the pathway safely home.
In the drive as soon as the motor was silent she asked if the trailer would be up to the task of joining us for our next adventure. Tomorrow will be a day trip into the mountains, carrying with us road bikes. And so it begins...
Wife zipping the liner in her armoured jacket for a chilly ride home...Priceless
. Huge day for both our families. Yes brother sounds like this sums up both of our days well,
