My first photo ride report

[bajakirch]

I know how much we all love photos around here, so I thought I'd add this -- even though the ride took place over a month ago. Due to some computer issues, I've just now been able to retrieve photos from my phone. And, since these were taken with my cell camera, picture quality isn't the greatest.

Also, I haven't gotten around to setting myself up on a photo-hosting site yet. So I have to do the one-pic-per-post to comment on each photo.

Now that I have a way to get photos from my phone, look for me to be a more active participant in the Photo Tag topic. I've been wanting to partake, but I rarely take my nice camera out on the road with me. But the cell's with me almost all the time.

These shots are of the bikes behind and in front of me in the staging area. This was only about 1/3 of the participating bikes. Since the ride was hosted by the local HD dealer, 99% of the bikes are Harleys. But at least I had one fellow Honda rider nearby.

[bajakirch]

And, of course, a shot of your intrepid reporter.

[bajakirch]

The ride began in Madison, WI, and -- in my inexperienced opinion -- was very well organized. Police escort the whole way, all intersections had volunteers posted to hold back traffic, and police traffic control at all stop signs so there was no stopping. After about an hour in the saddle, we arrived in Lake Mills, WI.

[bajakirch]

I knew many of the motor cops, so I had to get this shot of the police MCs all lined up like soldiers in a row.

[bajakirch]

After an hour in downtown Lake Mills, we headed out for the rest of the ride. Did a little over an hour before making it back to Madison. I peeled off as everyone turned into the dealership, as I had to go straight to work that afternoon.

It was a warm day for a ride, high 80s, but I still had a really enjoyable time.

Next ride, I hope to be able to join up with some fellow riders. For this one I got stuck in the pack by myself.

[tomb raider]

A group of bikes is always a good thing to see, nice report.. 

[hppants]

I've never ridden in a large group like that.  Did it make you nervous?

[bajakirch]

I've never ridden in a large group like that.  Did it make you nervous?

A little, at first. Then I got into the flow of it. The first leg was nice because one of the riders right in front of me had obviously done a lot of group rides -- lots of hand signals to warn those behind of upcoming turns, road hazards (gravel), slowing down, etc. On the second leg I got behind a guy smoking a cigar, which wasn't all that unpleasant. But I didn't like when he threw it to the ground to put it out, showering those behind us with sparks.

[JB1290]

Great report, baja. I don't get up to Madison much but, if I can come up before the snow starts flying, maybe we can get together for a ride sometime. 

[bajakirch]

I've got the Slimey Crud run penciled into my calendar -- October 3. Leaves from Morgan's Bar in Pine Bluff (about 10 miles west of Madison). Let me know if you're interested.

[JB1290]

I'll check with my wife and see if she has anything planned for me that day. I'll get back to you.

[SirSeanSean]

I always wanted to ride in a big rally like that. Looks like you had a good time. Thanks for the  .