Weather or Not

Last season we rode over to a local Bike Night up here in northwest New Jersey - The Chatterbox Drive-In.

The previous day the Weather Channel called for possibility of clouds and rain, especially later in the day. But, as this Thursday came around, the region was more like a hot, sunny August day, than the late September date it was.

This particular night was one of last "Official" Bike Nights at the Chatterbox - a very cool and distinctive Drive-In; one of the better places we know of to ride for a good meal.

Being it was one of the last Bike Nights at the Chatterbox we saddled up and headed out for the short ride over to the Drive-In.

At this point the sun was still shining and the promised rain was nowhere to be seen.

Still, pulling into the lot we were surprised at the small number of machines that we found there. On a night like this the place would normally be filled with 500 or so machines; coming and going as the night wore on.

This day, maybe 50.

Where was everybody? Well, we knew.

While having dinner Don, the owner, pulled up a chair.  When asked about the crowd he simply said it would be a light night - "The weather people called for rain yesterday and many of these bikers just won't come out for a ride - even a short one."

I could see the disappointment on his face. In addition to him having a mediocre night at the Chatterbox, there was a bunch of staff, mostly young kids, who weren't needed that night. Don knew it would be an easy evening so he told them to stay home; losing out on what is normally a great night for all involved.

Flash forward to this year and our Fall Fiesta Rally in McHenry, Maryland.

This time the "Weather People" said there was a storm on its way - no doubt, for sure.

I could see it too.

So many riders chose to stay home.

Here it was a great weekend rally in the fall, and let me remind you that these weekends were fading quickly, and rather than do a little riding in the wet - they stayed home to watch golf and the Weather Channel.

Yikes!

Well here's a 'News Flash' for those fair-weather riders. You missed out on a great weekend.

Did it rain? You betcha, but for maybe 30% of the rally, the rest, although cloudy, was dry and fun.

It's not just this particular event.  So many all across the United States that get creamed because of what the weather people say. Some riders are like cats who simply hate the idea of getting wet and worse, some are almost lemming-like in believing what somebody looking at a computer print-out in Atlanta is telling you about the weather outside your window. The same window bathed in late afternoon sunshine.  How many superb riding days have been pushed aside because the Weather Channel, with their terabytes of green swath, have painted an entire region emerald with mythical rains, only to have the best of riding days pop up? Too many, I think.

Thinking back to that Bike Night a year back...

Sure, weather can turn in a few minutes, but not that Autumn night. It was gorgeous!

We stayed until way after dark and then had an easy (watch the deer) ride back home. I rarely ride at night and miss it dearly, but that night I could have kept going. Looking above I could see stars where I was told I would have rain hitting my face.

Rain doesn't bother me. It's not my favorite, but like shit - rain happens.

Next time they call for the wet, consider your options. You might find that even if you ride in a little moisture you will still have a great time - weather or not!