This is a real surprise because I don't own a motorcycle, and she has never ridden one. Last month I secretly studied and passed my motorcycle license test on a borrowed bike.

When she gets home tonite she will discover a 2001 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail in the drive. I have rented it http://www.patriothd.com/for the weekend to tour the skyline drive to observe and photograph the foliage.

She will protest of course, but will go for a ride none the less. What she does not know, is that I have also secretly booked a weekend at a Bed and Breakfast (www.Blackhorseinn.com)in the shanandoahs.

It's full of all the frilly stuff (First time Bikerchicks) women like. You can also take a balloon ride or go horseback riding. (not this time)

This all came together at 4 pm today. I got the last Bike available and called 20 places to stay before lucking out again. I should buy a lottery ticket!

Have a great weekend everyone. I've worked hard for the break.

..and now to search the web for the newbie biker saftey prayer.

[ October 12, 2001: Message edited by: Mikes Mischeif ]

[ October 12, 2001: Message edited by: Mikes Mischeif ]

May the Lord Jesus bless your weekend with your wife. May His protection cover the two of you as well as the others that you will be sharing the road with. May His love bless you both.

In His name we pray.

Amen!

I will never forget MY first ride on the back of a bike, one of my memories from this summer.

I was terrified and almost said no, but I did it anyway........it was one of the most thrilling and fun experiences I've ever had....

Have a great time you guys!!
A

[ October 13, 2001: Message edited by: AdrienneMorgan ]

We drove 2 hours on the twisty 2 lane at a posted speed of 35 mph. My wife (and new rider) was thrilled to experience the fall sun,wind and power and had become confortable with the whole experience.

45 miles later, we came upon the last hairpin curve that exits in the National Park to head home. The turn was a sharp decending 180. A small batch of thick wet leaves from the nite before had still not dried underneath and had not blown off the road.

When the front tire hit the leaves I felt the bike slip and start an uncontrollable wobble. The lack of traction carried us to the curb where a granite wall was fast approaching and ready for our impact. I chose rather to lay the bike down and risk road rash than have the collision with the wall.

With both of us now underneath the bike I felt shaken, but OK. My wife took the full layover on her left knee.

I saw no blood or protuding bones, but she was in severe pain. An ambulance soon arrived to assist the Park Ranger and several people who had stopped to help.

To make a long story short, X-rays revealed no damage. She'll need crutches for a day or 2. The bike was towed back to the rental office, and I'm happy we escaped with little injury.

The last picture we took on the roll of the weekend was of her in the hostital bed, covered head to toe with dirt and torn clothing. We laughed through our tears for 5 minutes after the picture was taken.

She now has a new pair of scissor cut jean shorts, and A beatiful leather jacket, minus the left sleeve (they cut it to put in an IV).

It will be a while before we do that again. What she doesn't know, is that I have reserved a snowmobile in Yellowstone park in December.

I should be forgiven by then.

[ October 15, 2001: Message edited by: Mikes Mischeif ]