This past Saturday the Hudson Valley Biker Network (HVBN) held a ride in support of a rider named Sal Carbone who was hit riding his motorcycle by a drunk driver. Eddie Ramirez, head of HVBN, heard about it and went to the Facebook page to announce the ride which started in Hyde Park, a few miles from my house. The ride also found space on the local newspaper's website so even non HVBN members showed up. No less than our State Senator, Sue Serino appeared and made a donation in support of the event. It was nice to be a part of the day for me.
The first place we went after starting the ride was to Sal's house where he sat in his wheelchair as we pulled up. He was touched by the number of people riding in his name. After a brief stop we proceeded further north to the infamous Hollow Road, one of the area's twistiest and best motorcycle roads. I had chosen the big black scooter for this ride and found my self sandwiched between a Harley trike and a Can Am Ryker which also has three wheels. In that spot I was able to keep pace as they aren't the best for roads that curve and my scooter's lack of horsepower didn't impede anyone. To say the ride was adventurous for me would be an understatement as I was putting the scooter through its paces the whole time. It's not exactly a Sport Bike but does pretty well for its size.
The ride then made its was into Poughkeepsie to a local bar named Juan Murphy's. Live music was waiting and everyone relaxed and chatted about far ranging topics typical to motorcyclists. The gathering and food was just icing on the cake to a fine day for a good cause.