Yesterday was an awesome day here in the northwest. Absolutely a marvel for motorcycle riding in early April with the temperature reaching 70+. And yes there were motorcyclists everywhere!
As many of you know it’s been a long and rain-filled winter with the last 8 weeks being wet every weekend. For a data point, during the month of March the ski slopes on Timberline received 103 inches of snow! So, while the day could have been filled with yard projects and other obligations they would just have to slip out as the rumble of bikes were calling and before the weather changed I would roll on the throttle.
I pulled off the motorcycle cover, rolled up the storage gear and smiled in anticipation of great day. A quick wipe down of some winter dust that slipped under the cover and the shine returned with eagerness. I threw a leg over the bike and rolled it out of the garage. A quick check-down of mechanic specifics then the start button was pressed. The engine roared to life after a long winter hibernation.
The bike lurched forward and mile after mile rolled under my feet. The warm sun pierced the leather as I headed north for a “destination burger” at Helvetia Tavern. You’ll recognize the place as the rustic building with a baseball cap collection ceiling and friendly staff. The “two cows and make them cry” lunch is a bit of trek north, but this was more about enjoying the weather with fellow riders than an intellectual debate over the ground round. In my opinion, the Helvetia burger is the closest thing to an In-and-Out burger in northwest.
We departed for quiet towns in Washington County where the two lane roads had very little traffic. The beauty of the northwest on a sunny day is captivating as our route took us through the wine and fertile fields of the farm valley. Motorcycle riding can be rejuvenating for the soul as you get lost in the moment. Fellow bikers know this and how difficult it can be to express with words.
This first multi-hour trip of the year is a promise of great riding for an entire year.
Wish I woulda went, sounds like fun. Helvatia Burgers are probably better than In & Out. The guy never came to pick up the TV. I did through on a Wife Beater and rode a bit. Had sunburned arms on Monday morning…