I'm sure the Title gives away the plot but what can I tell you? It was Americade time and the troops were ready to rock. After the extensive packing for the five day extravaganza I had the Kawasaki loaded up and ready to go. With a new front tire and new brake pads all around it was ready for some serious riding. After kissing Linda good bye, getting the bike rolling and traveling to New Paltz to meet up with the Long Island contingent everything stopped. What should have been a two hour ride from the Golden Isle turned into a three hour highway stroll through New York City traffic. I sat for an hour waiting for their arrival. Fortunately there was a gentleman there who worked in the gas station and we yakked for the hour in the shade while I waited. 
The guys were pretty frazzled from their trip and stretched their legs before the one hundred and thirty miles to go the rest of the way to Lake George. Fortunately the rest of the trip was traffic free and we cruised the Thruway and Northway without drama. The best of the trip was still to come.
When you get to Lake George the streets are alive with the sound of motorcycles of every shape and size. Some on the road and some parked along the side in neat order while the owners walk the streets checking out the stores and restaurants. After we settled into the hotel we ventured out to check out the scene and attend opening ceremonies at the Fort William Hotel's Carriage House. When that was completed Marc, my longtime buddy, and I found a Pizza joint and settled onto a bench to eat and observe the parade of bikes. 
The next day the serious business of viewing new motorcycles and products at the Expo and Demo Ride area began. This year I finally stirred up the courage to try a demo bike and I actually rode five altogether. The first was a 450cc Cruiser with foot pegs way out in front and not especially to my liking. What I did like was the more than adequate power it produced and a surprisingly nice ride. Later I tried its Crotch Rocket brother with the same engine but with more horsepower. It was intoxicating and I laughed every minute I was on it. Linda said, when I got home, "It's a good thing I wasn't there. I wouldn't have let you do it." In addition to them I rode a pair of Triumphs along with a 310cc Vespa scooter. In all due respect to their faithful who think it was designed in Heaven it's not for me. It would be a great scoot to get milk and bread but not much more. Especially after riding the other four bikes.
In addition to the riding bikes and looking at new products we did a pair of trips around the area. Both of them in the area of one hundred and thirty miles. Buzzing around the endless twist and turns in the company of four young guys had me and the Kawasaki moving right along. Except for losing somebody at one point it was all good fun. 
When Thursday came around the discussion turned to weather. We were scheduled to go home on Saturday morning but the weather report for then was bleak. Heavy rain was in the forecast the entire way home with thunder at times. With heavy hearts we visited the riding area one last time Friday morning, did a couple of demo rides and packed up to leave that afternoon. For me it was no problem with brilliant sunshine and warm temps. For poor Marc, heading to Long Island, it was an endless slog into Metro New York traffic that was even longer than the ride up. 
I arrived home smiling with a lightness of being and stories to tell. The Kawasaki had performed well and gave me 50 mpg out of most tanks. I wasn't holding anybody up and I was pretty comfortable most of the time. 
I'm the one on the end looking like I was in pain, which I wasn't. Marc is to my right, a longtime friend.