How I met Joe.

How I met my friend Joe




In the younger days of my youth I would ride to the BMW rallies when they were within a days ride or 10 hours. At this point of my life I was a owner of a metric bike and that was fine because I could afford it. Sometimes the Family would go and other just myself.



This machine was easy on the pocket book and therefore since I was raising up a Family of teenagers, my budget was controlled by this fact. So, I had to save just like everyone else and buy a used machine. So, it came down to “how much”?.



I bought a 1983 Honda 750 c.c. black and no extras on it. It was a good bike and I enjoyed many miles on it. I would ride to these rallies with my buddies whom had moved to Beemer’s now and that was their interest and I was invited to go.



So, our first rally was only a 8 hours away and that was perfect. Only problem was these guys now rode at 120 klicks and I was left behind. And because the bike I rode was not fuel efficient at higher speeds, I had poor gas mileage so I stopped more. So, I decided to ride at my own level of comfort, aka “see you when I get there”.



As luck would have it there was a small pack of riders that were riding at the legal limit and I fell in behind them. When we pulled in for gas, guess what,they were women. I asked if they minded if I rode with them and I was ok with being the tail gunner,(last rider). No problem and that was the best ride ever, no hurries, no worries.



The only problem I had was keeping my mind on the ride, I was thinking its time for a Beemer as all these gals were riding them expect one. Anyway we made it and the guys were waiting and they were not laughing when, I pulled up with a posse of gals.



Sure I got ribbed that was ok because it was a the spirit of the ride and now there was a story to told and retold. The women were camped close by, so I asked to help them set up only if that was ok. Then I smelled gas, somebody was leaking.



It turns out it was my bike, and it was a seam separation in the front, small but still not tolerable. So, I had to go look for a shop to fix it. Saturday is a rough day to find a garage to help. I was given directions to Joe’s Shop because he was always open and he says come back on Monday.??



I had to explain that was “not from here” and I needed to have repairs done soon, because this was all the wheels I had. Well, ok, but you have to get the tank off yourself and then I will repair it. So, I parked the bike in the shade and it was already 90 in the shade and humid. It was off in a hurry and then we boiled the tank in hot water and it scratched my tank, Joe said this could happen.



So, while we were doing this I had to help him with a Dodge camper and remove the rad on it and then reinstall it. It was a hot and dirty job and I was not expecting this to happen. Then the gals came over to see if they could help and Joe says, No, thank you, but come over for lunch.



Soon all repairs are done and its 4 in the afternoon and we finally had lunch. The gals didn’t stay because of shopping but wanted to be sure the bike was ok. So, we had a nice chat Joe and I and he was going to get a bike too. He needed a new hobby. He was working too much. I mentioned my Family, he didn’t say anything about his.



When it came to pay he didn’t want anything. I said we should a cold beer and I went to get some, his friends came over and they had beer too. They never really closed the shop that day, The fact that he could help and I was appreciative was enough for them. I said I needed a calendar so I could send me a thank you card for his help and he wanted to know I got home ok.



Joe is now 80 yrs younger and has decided to put on sidecar on the Harley, his legs are getting weak. Well, the boys at the Hog shop aren't making any light bikes so you have to adapt.

I have a spare tire to fit a Mack truck!!

Hi Joe:
Just for the record please read the following before you go any further.

Summer officially kicks off today, with the summer solstice marking the longest day of the year on June 20, at least in the Northern Hemisphere. Yes, its July 16th. So what, write your own story.

This year's summer solstice takes place a day earlier than it's been for the past three years, due to the fact that leap year-day-February-29-calendar-cultures-science, 2012 is a leap year.

That will explain why my spring training has gone all to hell. I am trying to rejuvenate my self to the former glory I once was. Not that it matters but I need to explain it some how. Besides my age I am also fighting a friend called gravity. Its responsible for a lot of sagging parts, which I need to firm up.

Not a pretty picture is it. Don’t think anything other than loose fitting boxer shorts or else if you try to see a person in a swimmers Speedo, you will hurl your lunch. We now pause for that thought to work thru your system and wait to see if your food stays put. (30 seconds should be enough).

I have wanted to ride my “Beemer” for some time now and I need to get in shape to enjoy it more. This bike is meant for a younger body which will take the harsh ride and narrow seat. When I ride I am sure people must wonder why I have 2 sets of saddle bags on the bike. Serious rider with a lot of clothes?.

Walking and playing with the kids is low impact and not too bad, so I need to step it up a notch. I am using my son’s mountain bike with 18 gears in any fashion you want, from real slow to hard core. The seat is harder than the Beemer and it tests all my athletic parts, it needs a fatter seat, softer and wider-wider.

I went for a short ride and I was done, all body parts went on strike and I had to push the bike home for a block. I didn’t know so many parts could hurt at the same time. Going downhill is easy, up hill,.. not!!. To say I had an after glow after the pain went away would describe it right on the button.

Maybe a stationary bike and vibrating recliner would suit my purpose until I got up to speed. Too much hockey, malted beverages and those darn pepperettes. Man, tell you what I have a spare tire to fit a Mack truck. Time to lose that puppy.

All this exercise has made me tired, so bye for now Joe, its 9:30 am, in the cave and I hear my chair calling me. A short nap will help I am sure, unless the misses catches me and its over. Life is grand, ain’t it ?? .!!

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This is why you all, IS FAT!!



I have to sell the Beemer.

Back in the saddle again.

Dear Joe;


I got to tell you all some bad news, I sure I have to sell the Beemer. Yep, I decided that I am not able to muscle the bike around like I used to. As a matter of fact the bike damn near fell on me.

I was moving it out of the shed and that’s when all the excitement began to happen. I took it off the center stand and then it wanted to lean one way and I over compensated and pulled it back and almost got pinned parallel to the wall.

Holy moly I prayed to myself, well the words were stronger than that. I, thought for sure I was going to be the new unlucky objet d'art in the shed. Well, I did my best summing of strength and some deep breathing, (huffing’ n puffin’) and I was able to get the bike back on its center. The tires need more air, so it did what it wanted.

And to make matters worst, I still needed this bike outside the shed on the grass. Another struggle and I had to stop for a pint of malted beverage to restore my dignity and strength.

Well, after I struggled with it I got it out and then I stopped for a moment and fulfilled my next move, while I was working on the project at hand.

So, to-day I went to the shop and made the arrangements and I am going to get not think about it or I am going end up crying in my drink, I don’t like salty rye and ginger, much, but you know you could have a least a couple to see if ….. ,.idiot.!!!!!!!.

So, any way I will continue this later, because it ain’t over yet and the “fat lady” has yet to sing. Man, tell you what, this pint, (I mix my drinks out to be a pint, generous pint, sure tastes “gooooood-”, I wonder what the neighbors are doing to-day?. Does your grass need cutting,…??.,hey, are you busy right now??.

Is there any justice left in the world?, am I so bad that I have to start losing my toys?, shit.!!. don’t answer that, I already know. No, one gives a flying shit, but me.!! Amen.

p.s. and no, Joe, you can’t buy it.!!. ‘cause I want a million dollars.!!

p.s. again: I, have thought this over and my son said I should get the bike on the road and he would help to ride it for me, now ain’t that a sweet kind of guy.!!. So, forget the letter I am riding again, as in “throw the saddle on the stove, we are riding the range tonight”.


 Later,Joe !!


reconnecting with the spirit in the sky



Devils Lullaby - Best biker song ever written