For those of us that have been riding bikes for awhile, we know that there is an inexplicable bond between those that choose to ride on two (maybe three) wheels, instead of four. However, as time passes it becomes possible to lose appreciation for this bond. For those of you that don't know, I had an experience last night that revitalized my bond with fellow bikers, and more specifically my Zen Rider family.

Last night after leaving coffee on my fine piece of Italian machinery I discovered that after about 10 mins of traveling I could no longer shift gears. I suspect this is from some bolts not being tightened after my new pipes were fitted on Saturday. Anyhow it was comforting to know that I could just pick up my cell phone and have some fellow riders that would come to my aid. I was really touched by the sheer number of people that came to help — it meant a great deal to me and spoke volumes.

5 minutes and some monkey work by an experienced HD owner (I guess they are used to tightening bolts) I was back under way — not riding hard out mind you but at least I had more than one gear. (Thanks to RoseyToes)

After riding for a bit I was with two other Zen Riders (Peter and Dan) working our way through the Bayview Extension onto the DVP to go home. Well, as Dan and I pull onto the DVP we look back and wonder where Peter is (we waited a bit as he was riding a Yamaha *grins* — sorry Stickboy, I couldn't resist). Anyhow Dan and I slowly pull off and Dan does a U-turn back to get him. Ducati's aren't known for their turning radius so I took off, got off at the next exit and then looped back around and eventually tracked down Peter and Dan.

Peter had run out of gas, and Dan with his solo Sportster couldn't do too much with a passenger. So after securing Peter's bike at the side of the road, the three of us headed off to get gas and get everything all sorted out. 30 minutes later Peter was back on my bike and Dan had a backpack with a gas can in it and everything was good to go. We got Peter back to his bike and everything was, as Gonzo would say, SWEET!

What can I say, it is things like this that make me feel good to be a Zen Rider!

Article: Duke, Zen #60