David1013
03-18-2007, 01:12 PM
I went on my first large scale motorcycle ride with over 100 bikes in convoy on Saturday, an amazing experience.
The run was organised by a local motorcycle club called the Vikings. I had little idea of what to expect, an acquaintance who knew I had recently bought a new bike suggested it, as any one could go. So I turned up with my BMW F800 ST only to find Harley Davidson's were de rigeur. There were also some interesting gentlemen from the Hell's Angels, Satan's Soldiers, the Immortals and the Tramps. Fortunately there were a few others riding Hondas, Yamahas, Suzukis, a couple of Triumphs 2 other BMWs. one Cagiva and a Hyosung. At least I knew my F800ST would able to stick with the best of them.
So off we all departed , shattering the peace with a diabolically thunderous roar that made any noise emanating from the F800 impercetable.
The trip was uninterupted by traffic, as members of the host club stopped traffic from side roads, main roads, anyone who could impede the flow, until we all made our way through, with locals gobsmacked as they were passed by this long line of noisy bikes. Now I am not the outlaw type , but there was some viceral pleasue in being caught up in this Ride of the Valkyries.
After half an hour of mostly legal speeds ,and trying not to overtake anyone in "colours", there was a stop for lunch and a time to look at the other bikes. I have to say that none of the Harley riders asked about the F800 ST, though the guy riding a BMW F650 was impressed.
The ride continued with 2 more stops before heading back to the club rooms, something I did not partake in.I just enjoyed the whole experience in being part of a large pack, where everyone was out for a good time, minimal inconvenience to others and the open road was owned by bikes.
I am not sure I will go on another such ride as I was a little out of my comfort zone, though there was a certain freedom which does not come often in my middle-aged years, and doing something rather than dreaming it was liberating.
The run was organised by a local motorcycle club called the Vikings. I had little idea of what to expect, an acquaintance who knew I had recently bought a new bike suggested it, as any one could go. So I turned up with my BMW F800 ST only to find Harley Davidson's were de rigeur. There were also some interesting gentlemen from the Hell's Angels, Satan's Soldiers, the Immortals and the Tramps. Fortunately there were a few others riding Hondas, Yamahas, Suzukis, a couple of Triumphs 2 other BMWs. one Cagiva and a Hyosung. At least I knew my F800ST would able to stick with the best of them.
So off we all departed , shattering the peace with a diabolically thunderous roar that made any noise emanating from the F800 impercetable.
The trip was uninterupted by traffic, as members of the host club stopped traffic from side roads, main roads, anyone who could impede the flow, until we all made our way through, with locals gobsmacked as they were passed by this long line of noisy bikes. Now I am not the outlaw type , but there was some viceral pleasue in being caught up in this Ride of the Valkyries.
After half an hour of mostly legal speeds ,and trying not to overtake anyone in "colours", there was a stop for lunch and a time to look at the other bikes. I have to say that none of the Harley riders asked about the F800 ST, though the guy riding a BMW F650 was impressed.
The ride continued with 2 more stops before heading back to the club rooms, something I did not partake in.I just enjoyed the whole experience in being part of a large pack, where everyone was out for a good time, minimal inconvenience to others and the open road was owned by bikes.
I am not sure I will go on another such ride as I was a little out of my comfort zone, though there was a certain freedom which does not come often in my middle-aged years, and doing something rather than dreaming it was liberating.