It was hard for me to believe, but it had been FOUR weeks since I’d been on the bike! While travel, weekend conflicts, and sub-freezing temps kept getting in the way, Saturday promised a break in the schedule and from the 20 degree temps. It was time to ride!
Friends who own an independent bike shop called The Shop, were hosting a party to celebrate the end of another great riding season. Many of us will continue to ride through the winter as weather permits, but that didn’t keep the owners from throwing a “thanks for supporting our business” party anyway.
Despite temps in the 40s, it felt so great to be riding! The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and I was smiling the whole time. When we got to The Shop, we heard the music, and saw adults and children alike enjoying the food, drink, and sunshine.
The party was a time for enthusiastic conversation,
festive bike decoration,
smiling face masks,
colorful clothing,
and the shedding of leather coats.
And me? After shooting a few pics, I put up my feet and set to relaxin’ before heading back down the road for home.
Happiness!
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
Green…
Someday … 🙂
Keep dreamin’
Omigosh, great, great photos! You captured the guy upright on that teeny bike, which couldn’t have lasted for long! Love the little girl in the hoodie 7 times too big for her, and what you did with the first photo-so artsy. The photo with the sleeve, and the stuff off the belt loop and the ring and the cigarette: love that one! And of course, your boots. 🙂
Hi Crystal! so glad you liked these … I came home thinking that I really hadn’t gotten many good shots, but with a bit of fun with some and a second look at others, they turned out okay.
Thanks!!
Sunshine goes a long way for these get togethers.
Yes indeed! That cool, crisp air and the warm sun created the perfect combination!
All just like I remember it at the ‘Shop.” Cept these friends look a bit less knarley than my X’s buddies. Those bros were into air brushed tanks, fringed leather jackets, way too much beer, sh… talking, and hand guns in the dark woods. Which is why he became my XXX! I don’t believe I ever told you that I was a biker’s old lady in a past life… Have I shared too much? 😉
Loved the wheel shot! I don’t believe anyone had those back in ’74.
I LOVED reading this comment, Lynda! A biker’s old lady 🙂
We all have such interesting stories to tell and this just adds to yours. Big smiles!
(Bob is the best, biker or not)
Looks like a day in heaven for you!
It was a treat! Hope you’re hanging in there with the candy making!
Gosh you make me smile – you know how to bridge the great divide between life experiences and I just know you can set yourself down and have a conversation with anybody – and they would all be charmed! Great photos! The child in the too big hoodie and the man on the too small bike make a classic pair! ❤ xoxo
You know I posted those two pics together because of adult and child but didn’t even pick up on the too big hoodie and the too small bike! So glad you pointed that out, Pauline!
Looks like a fun time was had by all Laurie. Here’s to Indian summer 😊. Lovely photography too–you are really becoming quite adept with a lens!!
Tina! you made my night! It’s so nice to hear that from a photographer whose work I admire. I do see that I have made progress … and am ready to make more! too bad that I can’t practice full time 🙂
Sounds like the perfect day! 🙂
It really was. I do need to get the bike winterized … after only 4 weeks sitting idle, we had to jump start it to get it going! I can’t believe I let that happen.
Just what you needed!
You know it, Jeff!
You and I both have had a short stay from riding from the sounds of it. I rode yesterday and it brought me back to life!
I love your candid “people” shots, Laurie! Like Lynda, my ex had two HD’s while we were married. The first one was really nice and beautiful. But he traded it for a bigger one, and I think more than he could handle. He dumped us over in the middle of an intersection the first time out – miscalculated the turning radius. I got burned, and lost trust in his driving capabilities and just never felt comfortable on the bike after that. In fact, I never could get my courage back riding with anyone after that. I so admire you for getting back on your bike after your accident. It takes courage!
Oh that is scary!! Yikes!
Trust on a bike is something not easily given. I’d have trouble and am glad I’m in control of my destiny on the bike (well, as much as I can be anyway).
Our very short season ended extremely early….. I do hope next year will give us many more days!!!!! Love your recap……………..
I so hope that for you, Doreen. You really didn’t get much time on the bike … or in the sun, for that matter!
Yes……especially that last part!!!!!!
You outdid yourself with these photos, LB. Just dropped in on a friend a few weekends ago who has a pristine Indian. I nearly fell in love. Thanks for sharing.
I’d love to see one of those! Everyone speaks of them in legendary terms!
Thanks – glad you liked the shots!
What sounds better than the ride is meeting up and relaxing with like minded friends! Sounds like a great day.
It really was a fun one, Emilio!
Wow ~ these are fabulous! The smiling face mask was a surprise…
I loved that face mask! My friend pointed it out and am so glad … I would have missed it otherwise!
Hey! (sing it like Nancy) loved the post-editing on your first couple of photos. It’s fun to trick up photo’s and I really love to see how others do it too. There’s so many choices. Looks like the sunshine was rockin’ your world that day. What a great long fall season you have.
Those boots were made for liven’ and that’s just what they’ll do, everyone of these days those boot’s of yours are kickin’ life’s butt for you….are you ready boots? Start walking ! LOL. Those boots are too cool for school. Your boots could probably write a memoir 😀 Do you find them heavy to walk in? We’re having to wear winter boots these days, so the cool factor takes a back seat to not freezing your toes. As a grown up, I’m all about practicality these days. Have you ever seen this video? Crack me up. So much for being ‘in style’. I’d say, “wake up girlfriend before you break an ankle”. Prepare to crack up.
OMG!! I would have had those boots off and in the trash at the first ankle twist. Well actually, I would never have even put them on but you get my point. Geez!!!
I’m glad you like the post-processing of the first few photos. I came home thinking that none of the photos were going to turn out and so I started playing with them a bit. Kinda fun! I felt a little Boomdee in me 🙂
❤ What a combo!
Fun photos! This looks like a good time.
Time on the bike, in the sun, and with friends! Fun indeed!
Awesome photos! I love your dedication and happiness – riding when temps are in the 40’s. That would be too cold for me! 🙂
I was a bit worried about the temps, but the sun made all the difference (thankfully!)
great fun I’m sure!!! isn’t it great how sometimes we get the most interesting photos when we least expect it?
Exactly right, Heather! I was pleasantly surprised 🙂
Oh you do know how to celebrate my friend. One of the things I Love about you.
Your comment warms my heart! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, Laurie!
Great ost Laurie 🙂 It was a little cold Saturday but it seemed like it would have been great for a ride. I love the images but what really would impress the hell out of me is if you could ride that tiny bicycle 🙂 Have a great evening.
I should have tried it that little bike … that would have been quite the site to see I’m sure!
OOPS – Post
I enjoyed the pictures. What a fun day!
Glad you enjoyed them. You think Grandma would have tried riding a motorcycle? 🙂
Them there boots need a little oil Bucky!!
True that, Michael!
Great photos … Emilio said it so well … the real pleasure is being in the companion of like-minded friends 🙂
Exactly!! Thank you, Johanne!