Seven riders departed Kmart Thursday at 6:00 p.m., led by yours truly, for what would turn out to be the last, nicest Indian Summer day of 2012 (sunny, temps in the upper 70’s). You couldn’t ask for a nicer day in late October!
The route to Royal Oak consisted mainly of Hines/7 Mile/Beck/Pontiac Trial/Long Lake/Woodward. Lots of vehicles on the road, but no extended delays or excessive traffic congestion, even at Beck and 8-mile.
With the perfect weather, LOTS of bikers came out for RO Bike Night, as we were all treated to a spectacular display of “show” bikes on Main street, as many rolled into town, exhausts thumping, shortly after we did. Yes, I did say “show” bikes. If you haven’t been to Royal Oak for Bike Night in a while, you haven’t been to Royal Oak Bike Night! The place is now hoppin’ with (easily) $50,000 “show” bikes of all types (baggers, cruisers, crotch rockets, etc.). Almost half the bikes parked in front of Mr. B’s (and across the street) were lit up with neon or LED, 24” front wheels, raked-out front ends, extended bags, $10,000 paint jobs… some of these bikes can easily grace the cover of custom motorcycle magazines! Some of the RO Bike Night first-timers were speechless as they ogled over the display. It was tough getting some of the group into Mr. B’s, but once in, we were promptly seated and served despite the north end of the dining room (our usual spot) being closed for renovations.
Thursday’s ride was one ridden in remembrance of past members who are no longer with us: Allen Hewitt, Jim Nail, and most recently, John Bicanich.
Allen Hewitt was our first treasurer of the club, dating back to the mid-90’s, and a significant contributor to the club. Everyone who knew him liked being around him with his easy-going, friendly personality (until the subject of politics is brought up 🙂 ).
Jim Nail, as close to a FoMoCo Vice President as is going to ride in the FMC, was as easy-going and happy all the time as anyone, also a past club officer and a significant contributor to the club.
John Bicanich, an active member for only a few years, brought to the club… his lovely spokes-model/wife Jeannie! 🙂 …also a rider, and a FMC ride leader/contributor. John was quiet, but we all still enjoyed his company. We always loved having John and Jeannie ride with us. Both remained on our club distribution list and were/are visited often by other long-time FMC members at their retirement home in Naples, Florida.
As always, all past FMC members, most of whom are living in their retirement homes in other states, are welcome to guest ride with us whenever they are in the area. There’s almost always someone in the club willing to offer up a spare bike to ride if they can’t find one themselves!
With daylight saving time hitting Sunday, this was the last weekday ride of the 2012 season. It’s been an especially fun riding season with the uptick in feature/weekend rides (a 2012 riding season highlight/recap e-mail forthcoming). Diehard rider Ollie keeps trying to sneak another one in, but with hurricane Sandy currently wreaking havoc all over the eastern U.S., it isn’t looking likely that the club will get another ride in (an impromptu ride on a warm weekend afternoon may be remotely possible). For those who don’t ride year-‘round, it’s time to get your bike winterized, accessorized, and ready to roll for 2013!