Relativity new to the forum, I have learned from and enjoyed a wide range of postings but rarely posted. Many post provide comfort and safety information and some offer suggestions on clothing, route selection, documentation methods and interesting stories from riders. I’m reluctant to make this post as it does not fit into the general use of this site but after a lot of consideration I just can’t resist offering my feelings. I enjoy riding short one day rides or weeks long cross country experiences and do thrive on the challenges the IBA rides provide.
HOWEVER….
Being a novice among the many great riders in IBA I really enjoy the gatherings like Jacksonville or Denison where I get to simply be around the individuals I so look up to. Really this has alway been the highlight of my membership in the IBA…….. That is until a few weeks ago when it grew even deeper.
THE POINT OF THIS POST
I completed a fall Equinox in 2021 and in mid December I decided I wanted to do the Winter Solstice and developed a route and plan. As the date drew close the weather prediction was for lots of rain all along the route I planned and my wife and family expressed concern with me riding alone in these conditions and asked me to not attempt this ride with so much dark and raining conditions expected. My heart took a “thud” as I refuse to worry them but wanted so bad to do the ride.
I had no one to turn to so I took a huge leap and made a post on this forum asking if anyone was willing to do this ride with me. I received a couple of caring comments from individuals that were not able to help but I was close to forgetting it at this time.
One last peek at the site and out of nowhere a member in Tennessee posted he was planning a ride for the day before the Solstice that would end about 90 miles from me and he offered to do the ride with me. This meant almost immediate back to back SS1000 rides for him and the expectation of poor weather. I was amazed and contacted him and arrangements were made.
Our first meeting was in the rain in a parking lot, then we were on our way with him leading every mile. Often during the ride I wondered how I got so lucky.
My membership in the IBA has taken an even deeper feeling of appreciation. There are so many others here that have done the same for others, but this individual was Doug Vance a real IBA all star, and I’m eternally grateful.
Chuck Gatecliff
HOWEVER….
Being a novice among the many great riders in IBA I really enjoy the gatherings like Jacksonville or Denison where I get to simply be around the individuals I so look up to. Really this has alway been the highlight of my membership in the IBA…….. That is until a few weeks ago when it grew even deeper.
THE POINT OF THIS POST
I completed a fall Equinox in 2021 and in mid December I decided I wanted to do the Winter Solstice and developed a route and plan. As the date drew close the weather prediction was for lots of rain all along the route I planned and my wife and family expressed concern with me riding alone in these conditions and asked me to not attempt this ride with so much dark and raining conditions expected. My heart took a “thud” as I refuse to worry them but wanted so bad to do the ride.
I had no one to turn to so I took a huge leap and made a post on this forum asking if anyone was willing to do this ride with me. I received a couple of caring comments from individuals that were not able to help but I was close to forgetting it at this time.
One last peek at the site and out of nowhere a member in Tennessee posted he was planning a ride for the day before the Solstice that would end about 90 miles from me and he offered to do the ride with me. This meant almost immediate back to back SS1000 rides for him and the expectation of poor weather. I was amazed and contacted him and arrangements were made.
Our first meeting was in the rain in a parking lot, then we were on our way with him leading every mile. Often during the ride I wondered how I got so lucky.
My membership in the IBA has taken an even deeper feeling of appreciation. There are so many others here that have done the same for others, but this individual was Doug Vance a real IBA all star, and I’m eternally grateful.
Chuck Gatecliff
