I had to travel light. Everything I needed for the next eight days had to pack on the bike. And there was a pile of very heavy leather, a helmet, boots, rain gear, etc. And the most efficient way to transport the boots and the leather was to wear it. All I had as luggage was a Harley bag that was made to strap on the bike behind the back rest. I carried a disposable bag that had miscellaneous stuff, the rain gear etc. that I would dump when I transferred everything to the saddle bags.
I arrived at the airport, on time, the morning of, dressed like Arnold Shwarzenegger in The Terminator. Including the wrap arounds, with my helmet tucked under one arm. Security was a little aghast. Especially in the aftermath of the events of two days ago. Needless to say I was scrutinized rather extensively. Fortunately I had arrived early cause in the end, we departed right on schedule. The first plane out of Toronto following 9/11. And the best part was as the plane started to back away from the terminal I reached down picked up my helmet and put it on my head. That got a few people laughing and we struck up a conversation during the flight where I shared what was really going on with the costume.
Fortunately the helmet was not required. We landed as planned in Vancouver. I took a cab directly to Deeleys. My bike was waiting for me front and center in the parking lot upon arrival. I spied 'er immediately. I went in and introduced myself to Gigi.
You know how you talk to someone on the phone, never having met, and you kinda formulate an image in your mind as to what the caller may look like? This isn't something that just I do right? Well having talked to Gigi a number of times getting the deal done I admit, I contemplated, just once, maybe twice, what she would be like.
The fact that she was in the finance department left me with the impression, likely a middle age accountant type, whatever that is. Wrong. Guess I should have known better cause it is a cycle shop first and foremost. Yikes! I'm a wee bit tongue tied at first greeting cause this gal is a drop dead gorgeous brunette that is every inch a very classy biker babe through and through. I try and stick with the business at hand rather than saying something completely stupid while trying to be cute. Always the better policy when you're not all that suave and debonaire to begin with.
She escorts me outside to make formal introductions between me and my pig. Love at first sight. It takes no more than twenty minutes where by the plates are installed, the standard, newbie overview of facts and features of the bike was concluded and the 1449cc, V-Twin with fuel injection..........fuel injection......... is fired to life. There is not a prettier sound on all of God's green earth. I try and contain my excitement as I began loading my gear while my baby hummed and got to warming up.
As I was ready to mount up, Mr Deeley and a number of the sales and maintenance folks came out to greet, shake hands and congratulate me on my putting it all together. A very kind conclusion to such and epic journey. Harley owners really are a family, or a brotherhood if you will, and they do live that image. So with a promise to return in three days time for the service before heading east to Toronto, I bid a fond fare well. No wheelies. No burnout off the lot. Just a controlled exit with no popping the clutch or stalling. Smooth. We were made for each other.
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