Last Ride Of The Year

[Chrisj CMA]

Well, it probably won’t be my last ride unless it rains tomorrow. But I just got back from Stockton AL. The Stagecoach Cafe and a meet with a couple hundred bikers from all over the country.  All my riding buddies cancelled so I went solo and I only saw one other Valkyrie there and one just getting there as I was leaving. It was as perfect riding weather you could ask for and it was a real nice time. I did feel sorry for the guy that owned the Indian next to me. It was a beautiful bike but everyone bypassed it and wanted to know all about this shiny old Valkyrie. She made a great showing. Even did the nickle trick and then was asked to repeat it for a guy that had missed it. He was a HD rider so this seemed impossible to him. Lol.



Funny thing happened. On the way back I stopped at Firehouse subs for dinner for me and Judy. I may live to regret it but normally here in town in daylight I leave the key in the bike when I go in stores. Well today when I came back to the bike there was a guy in a pick up truck right next to my bike.  As soon as I touched the saddle bag he says “OK” real loud. I look over like what is this about. He said he’d been sitting there for a while guarding my bike because the key was in it and he wasn’t going to let anyone touch it if they didn’t look right. I thanked him and he drove off.

[Avanti]

This is just one of the things that makes these bikes so special.

Still a good friend and looking good! 

[Valkorado]

Warms the cockles of my heart to see you out riding!   

[Jess from VA]

Unless you have one of those hidden type door-knob keys, why leave it in the bike?  Even the 1 in 500 chances of something bad happening could still happen.  Some wise guy could take the key with him just to be ornery.  I hope you always have a spare with you.  

I don't leave the key in my front door (either), even though I probably would never have a problem.

We had an unbelievable 65 degree day (with pouring rain).  

[Chrisj CMA]

Warms the cockles of my heart to see you out riding!   

Ya I talked to my brother yesterday. He lives in Evergreen CO. Yep he had to shovel his driveway. Hate it y’all have such cold cockles.

[Bighead]

That ride was a day early this year huh? Isnt it normally on the 31st?

[Chrisj CMA]

That ride was a day early this year huh? Isnt it normally on the 31st?

It used to be the last Saturday of the year. 3or4 years ago they changed it to the 30th regardless of which day it falls on

[msb]

Yup, our Valkyries sure do stand out in a crowd, don't they? Sounds like a good time was had. Thx for posting... love to see others getting out now that I've just taken my bike off the road for the next couple months of our Winter.

Nice story about the guy standing guard on your bike I used to forget my key in the trunk lock on occasion when we would stop for lunch, etc... what an invitation!!! Broke that habit, and found a nice chrome metal cabinet knob that fit perfectly to fashion this key knob... now I just leave it in the ignition during these shorter stops.

[Bighead]

That ride was a day early this year huh? Isnt it normally on the 31st?

It used to be the last Saturday of the year. 3or4 years ago they changed it to the 30th regardless of which day it falls on

Hmmmm I went some ten years ago 2 yrs in A row and could have sworn it was on the 31st  both years.
 

[scooperhsd]

My last ride was Christmas Eve day. My first ride in 2020 will likely be Jan 1st.

[Farside]

That ride was a day early this year huh? Isnt it normally on the 31st?

It used to be the last Saturday of the year. 3or4 years ago they changed it to the 30th regardless of which day it falls on

Yep the date was changed so unfortunately   I had to be in Birmingham today as well as tomorrow. Yes, I was one of those that had to miss the great day.    It is a fun ride over and back so I know how much you enjoyed it. I'll have that day open next year. Glad you made it! 

[cookiedough]

I really think my mom's altzheimers is catching up on me since nearly every single time this year coming home from riding Valk I have left the keys in the ignition sitting in my garage for weeks or so until I go looking for them next time to ride looking on the key hook hanger and NONE to be found.  I go outside look in ignition and there they be...   

If I do stop somewhere I also have forgetten to take the key out of the ignition switch but not as often as at home for some reason, very odd.    I think if the key was right in front of me as some other cycles,  I would not forget as much?   

Nowadays in Madison WI is a HUGE epidemic of 13 to 15 year old kids stealing parked cars by idiots who keep their cars running even for 20 seconds in their driveway warming up in the winter cold months.  Now they getting smarter and have a backup car at stop signs bump into the car in front,  owner gets  outta car to look at damage on rear bumper area, and the other 13 year old sneaks up while owner behind car and drives off with car.  Then they both go out for joy rides and crash the cars usually or leave abandoned later that night and all they get is a slap on the wrist if caught.  Would LOVE to see one of those little _astards attempt that on me and if I caught them,  they would not live to see their next B-day.    Same way with pumping gas someone sneaks up on other side of vehicle opens front door and tries to steal purse or other objects.  A good dousing of gasoline on them with a match lit would end that in a big hurry.  Would not blink an eye on doing either to anyone that deserves it.  I beat up my best friend in high school to a pulp bloody nose/black eye after I warned him if he hit me with a tennis racket he would not walk away.  Imagine what I would do to a stranger even if I got jail time, oh well.

[..]

 Well today when I came back to the bike there was a guy in a pick up truck right next to my bike.  As soon as I touched the saddle bag he says “OK” real loud. I look over like what is this about. He said he’d been sitting there for a while guarding my bike because the key was in it and he wasn’t going to let anyone touch it if they didn’t look right. I thanked him and he drove off.

Good guy 

[Chrisj CMA]

I didn’t mean to start any controversy but maybe it is worth talking about.

Leaving keys in the bike.

I guess I have forgot to remove the key a couple times. Not talking about those times.

I would say 80% of the time I take the key with me. The other times. Yes, it would be more prudent to take the key. I suppose location is the biggest determinant for me. If I have to leave my bike somewhere where there is low visibility or it will get dark. I not only make sure I have the key but I lock the steering head and bags.  Also take the helmet with me.

The times I leave the key in are basically three situations:
1. When I’m with other bikes especially a bike event and we’re stopping in a “bike place” I trust the collective unwritten biker code and safety in numbers. Like yesterday at the Stagecoach. Key in all day

2. When it’s a quick stop and not a suspicious location  (daytime)

3. When I can see my bike. Like a couple days ago I took Judy to Cracker Barrel. I know where to park so I can see my bike when we’re seated.

It’s worked for forty something years. I know times are changing. But as of now our area of the planet still has a higher percentage of good folks than most areas. For that I am thankful. YMMV

[Chrisj CMA]

That ride was a day early this year huh? Isnt it normally on the 31st?

It used to be the last Saturday of the year. 3or4 years ago they changed it to the 30th regardless of which day it falls on

Hmmmm I went some ten years ago 2 yrs in A row and could have sworn it was on the 31st  both years.
 

Well maybe. Ten years ago cudda been on the 31st. Then it moved to the last Saturday and now it’s the 30th. Has been the 30th for a few years now. I’m sure it will change again. I liked the last Saturday of the year plan myself.

[msb]

I didn’t mean to start any controversy but maybe it is worth talking about.

Leaving keys in the bike.

I guess I have forgot to remove the key a couple times. Not talking about those times.

I would say 80% of the time I take the key with me. The other times. Yes, it would be more prudent to take the key. I suppose location is the biggest determinant for me. If I have to leave my bike somewhere where there is low visibility or it will get dark. I not only make sure I have the key but I lock the steering head and bags.  Also take the helmet with me.

The times I leave the key in are basically three situations:
1. When I’m with other bikes especially a bike event and we’re stopping in a “bike place” I trust the collective unwritten biker code and safety in numbers. Like yesterday at the Stagecoach. Key in all day

2. When it’s a quick stop and not a suspicious location  (daytime)

3. When I can see my bike. Like a couple days ago I took Judy to Cracker Barrel. I know where to park so I can see my bike when we’re seated.

It’s worked for forty something years. I know times are changing. But as of now our area of the planet still has a higher percentage of good folks than most areas. For that I am thankful. YMMV

With the ignition being where it is rather than up top in front of you, it has always been easier to forget about taking the key with me on certain occasions. I've never liked having a chain or fob dangling from the key while in the ignition either, so that has made it even easier to forget over the years... especially in the trunk lock.
One good thing about up here, Valkyries have always been pretty scarce so most folks aren't familiar with them and wouldn't notice where the ignition is just passing by....which is why the custom key knob works so well. Unless I'm leaving the bike in a parking lot overnight or for an extended period of time when out on the road, I mostly just leave the key in the ignition when at rest stops, restaurants, etc. I also carry a spare on a small retractible spool attached to my belt so I can easily lock the trunk or forks without forgetting to remove it.

[Willow]

My key almost always comes out as it is part of my procedure for shutting off the bike.

As to leaving it in my thought is that those who don't know the Valk will more likely steal a different brand (or model) while those who do know the Valk don't steal them.  I would be concerned about someone impishly just walking away with the key.  It's most likely an unreasonable concern. 

[Chrisj CMA]

My key almost always comes out as it is part of my procedure for shutting off the bike.

As to leaving it in my thought is that those who don't know the Valk will more likely steal a different brand (or model) while those who do know the Valk don't steal them.  I would be concerned about someone impishly just walking away with the key.  It's most likely an unreasonable concern. 

Thanks for that Carl. I’ll remember to take the key if you are anywhere around, I can image you could be a bit impish at times   

[0leman]

After a rather hectic two days, was able to slip out and go for Last Day of Year ride.

It wasn't a long one, but did get in 90 miles in an enjoyable two hour ride.  Nice and slow, enjoying the country side.  Temps were in the mid 40's, yeah they were a little higher than normal for us.  BUT it was a good ride.   Watched the storm coming in and made it home before it hit.  Though them temps did drop about 5 degrees before the Old Fat Lady and got to the garage.  That should make her happy for a week or two.

[Avanti]

Well for a very long time if the ignition switch on an HD was not locked, you just hop on, turn the switch and go.