I almost felt sorry...

[Hook#3287]

..for him, but, naw.

After work last Wednesday, which was a beautiful day in New England, I decided to take the long way home through northern Connecticut.   Super nice local roads, bobbing and weaving through small towns full of old dairy farms, mixed in with older and newer homes.

Just after leaving the office, I noticed I'd better get gas, as the stations are sparsh where I was heading.

I pulled into the typical convenience store/gas station with 3 or 4 pump stations and filling spots on each side.

As I pulled up another bike was coming from between the store and the pumps and pulled into the same spot but at the other station.  So we were next to each other.

I looked over at the bike.  Beautiful late model matte black bagger HD with 1/2 ape bars.  I don't know the different models and the only marking was a "107" on the air filter cover.

I looked up at the rider and gave him a slight wave.  Not overly done , just a "hey" type wave.

He ignored it.

Oh well, wasn't the first, won't be the last.

As I'm gassing up, I look over to see a dude looking over from the other side of the station the HD guy is at, put his pump on auto and walk past the HD guy, over towards me.

Hey glances at HD guys bike, looks back at my bike and says to me "What kind of bike is that?"

"Honda Valkyrie" I say.

"Oh yeah, the Valkyrie.  What year is it?'

I have to look at the badge on the neck, cause I can't keep it straight if it's a 98 or 99.  I'm on my 99 Tourer one up that I had painted OEM burgundy and added brown leather like vinyl covers on the tank, seat and bags.

"It's a 99" I say.

The dude says "99?  That bike is 20 years old?  He looks at the HD again, looks back at my bike and says  "That thing is beautiful."

"Thanks" I say.

"What motor is that?"  he asks. "it's a 6, right?'

"It's the Goldwing motor Honda used for a bunch of years.  It's a boxer style, like the old VW motors"

"Oh yeah, right, my buddy had one of those, ran great" he says.

"Yeah, pretty much bullet proof." I said.

He looks back at the HD guys bike again, looks back at mine again and says "that's nice" turns to walk  back to his truck past the HD guy and says "20 years old!"

Over his shoulder he yells "Have a great ride.   20 years old!"

I said I would, and I did.

[NewValker]

Nice Bill!  I took my last ride before surgery today, needed to empty the tank and park it with fresh gas.
I gassed up at the station with McDonald’s we have met at before in Charlton. Went in to pay and the lady at the register(HD shirt & tats) looked out the window and asked what I was riding. I told her and she followed me outside to admire her.
These bikes do get respect.

I’ll see ya in 7-8 weeks for a ride!

Craig

[Hook#3287]

Hey Craig, good luck with the surgery.

I'll look forward to seeing you swing your leg over your bike pain free.

Chase a few trains.

[Oss]

Nice story Bill
Good luck with your surgery Craig

[Jess from VA]

I've had a (small) variation of your story happen to me, several times.

Been ignored, and also been greeted by Hog riders.

But when the citizens pass by theirs to ask about and compliment yours, it's kind of.... priceless. 

Including the..... no kidding, 20 years old?.

I dunno, 20 doesn't seem that old to me, considering.   

[NewValker]

Thanks guys!
I’m first in the O.R. Tomorrow 
Last time I was last of the day, that’s too much time to go  without coffee!

Craig