The curtains were drawn back, a weak winter sun forced its way through into the bedroom, my wife sat up and stared out of the window. I just lay there, head a bit "fuzzy" from one too many Everards Tiger bitters the night before. The suggestion was made, took me somewhat by surprise - a final dash out on the bikes before they were put away for the Winter. I may have had a little hangover but the prospect of a couple of hours on the bonnie was more than appealing. I knew the cold Winter air would more than clear my head. We dressed, many layers, two muffs and inner gloves all with the aim of keeping the chill at bay. As we stood on the drive, bikes ticking over warming up, I felt the anticipation. Sure it was cold but the sun gleamed in a cloudless blue sky - a crisp beautiful Winter's morning.
Soon the familiar feel of the bonnie, purring away down the lanes had me smiling. The cold though made its way through to the base of my neck, chilling me. I adjusted the muff a little, blocked out the worst of the wind chill and squinted into the low sun. I followed Rachel steadily, I could tell she was enjoying herself, a couple of overtakes and little sprints when the country roads straightened out. It felt good to be out, we passed many other bikes, everyone seemed to be getting in their last ride of the year. I'm not a Winter rider - I get no pleasure from being cold and wet and even less pleasure from constantly cleaning a mass of chrome that is a T100 bonnie. I don't see any shame in being this way.
Our eventual destination was Rockingham Classics.I've visited this place a few times over the last couple of years - it just gets better and better. A Guzzi and Endfield Dealer with a selection of 'classic bikes' to tempt your wallet. The welcome is always friendly, encouraging you to browse, breathe it in and dream a little. On this particular morning there were a number of bikers 'milling around' studying the initmate detail of both the modern and classic bikes. I took the opportunity to take a few "arty" photies with my digital SLR. Nobody seemed to mind least of all the owner of Rockingham Classics.
The 'Pitstop Cafe' is inspired. By converting the upstairs of the building into a cafe, Rockingham Classics has created an extension of its welcoming atmosphere. The classic memorabilia lining the walls and bike magazines scatterred at each table encourage you to relax and enjoy a bite to eat. There are even a couple of tables downstairs so you can sit amongst the bikes if you so wish. The Chorizo sausage butty provided a sustaining brunch. A strong cuppa to wash it all down reviving the warmth in my fingers and chest.
Warmed through, Rachel and I wandered around the bikes once more. I've always admired the Guzzi Calafornia Tourer. If I didn't have a bonnie then I guess this would be my riding companion.............I couldn't part with the bonnie though..................she is too pretty and holds many fond memories.Soon we headed home, the Winter sun a little higher in the sky. I'd grown used to the cold wind chill, it no longer bothered me. The ride home was beautiful, sweeping corners and long straights back through Leicestershire. It was tinged with sadness however, we both knew this was the last ride before SuzyQ was hibernated for the Winter.
The sadness became complete as I closed the garage door, I wished her well until the Spring.
(Despite the Bike now being put away for a few months, I'll still be posting the odd ditty so keep checking in if you follow this blog).
