Monthly Archive for November, 2007

An unusual start to Veteran’s Day: I helped one

Published
by
Sojourn Chronicles
on November 11, 2007
in Ride-Eat-Ride and Scribblings
. 2 Comments

by D. Brent Miller

Family is going to arrive later this morning. And, perhaps I’ll get the bike out for a little cruise around the block later, but this morning’s breakfast ride is a no-go. There was, however, time to meet the guys for coffee.

Seven riders showed up with temperatures about 40 degrees. Rain was pouring down to the north and heading east, so any riding had to be to the south. We usually chat over coffees for 30-45 minutes, waiting for any last minute stragglers. So, while we were chatting, Veteran’s Day surfaced in an unexpected way.

Something caught my attention from outside–one of those moments when you see something in the extreme edge of your peripheral vision–and I turned to look. An older gentleman, was laying on the ground between two cars next to his walker, and his car door was wide open. I jumped up, and ran outside to give assistance. One of the others, Scott, ran out behind me. By the time we arrived at his side, he was on his feet, but wobbling. The car door was between him and the walker, so I lent him an arm, while trying to get the walker to him.

After making sure he was okay, he asked us to put the walker in the back of his van and get his cane. Scott figured out how to fold it. I figured it might be something we may need to know some day. Ha! That’s when the gentleman opened up.

“It’s a heck of a way to start Veteran’s Day,” he said. “I am one.”

“I am too,” I said, and then stuck out my hand to shake his, and said, “Thanks.”

He shook my hand and started to tell Scott and me that he was on his way to church and the special Veteran’s service. When he made his way to the driver’s seat, he held us up for a moment to show us a photo of him–a small framed black and white print of a young man in uniform. He said, “This is me in 1943.” He chatted some more. We listened. Then he was ready to move on. We wished him a safe drive and a good day. We were satisfied that he was not hurt.

On this day–Veteran’s Day–it is important to remember all those who have served. As time passes, the life cycle catches up to more and more people of the greatest generation. Scott and I had the opportunity to assist a hero, a veteran of WWII.

Yes, it’s a heck of a way to start Veteran’s Day. I’m glad Scott and I were there to help.–DBrent

Breakfast ride to Germantown, Ohio

Published
by
Sojourn Chronicles
on November 6, 2007
in Ride-Eat-Ride
. 1 Comment

by D. Brent Miller

Sunday morning was cold. Colder than I usually ride, but I am learning to how to dress appropriately and keep warm. The temperatures at our start time were in the high 30s … YES … 30s! The best indication of it warming was the hour-to-hour forecast to be 50 degrees by 11 a.m.

Everyone else, probably far more experienced than I at cold weather riding, was bundled up too. The cost of unleaded regular is approaching $3 per gallon, which makes motorcycling a very cost-effective mode of transportation. Cold weather makes my mpg drop a little, but I still get a consistent 50 mpg–not bad for an 1100 cc v-twin!

smbr_11-04-07_001

My apparel consisted of Cortech Caliber pants over long johns, mock turtle neck, fleece jacket under my Tour Master 3/4 Advanced jacket, winter gloves with a fleece lining and moisture barrier, and a full-face helmet. Actually, It’s pretty toasty. With everything zipped up around my neck, the only exposed skin is my chin. Dressed like this, I managed to stay quite warm zipping around the country side with a manufactured 60 mph breeze.

The roads were all new to me. We headed west, winding through country roads and then north, and finally back east slightly to Germantown, which is southwest of the Dayton area. All along the way, I see places I want to revisit with the camera–unique architecture, a covered bridge, landscapes with intriguing texture. I make a mental note for each of the locations.

We arrived just as a couple exited our destination restaurant, Kathy’s Kitchen.

Kathy's Kitchen

They were parked next to where we were parking the bikes. They didn’t get into their car right away, they just stood on the sidewalk watching nine people get off motorcycles. I think they were amused and amazed that anyone was riding in this cold weather.

After a hot breakfast and several cups of coffee, it was time to head back, but not before a couple of photos. If you’re looking for a breakfast destination, check out Kathy’s Kitchen in Germantown. It’s not on the main street, but if you go around the block a couple of times, you can find it easy enough.

Two doors down from the restaurant is an old Carnegie Library building. Perhaps the greatest thing ever done by the Carnegie Foundation was to build libraries in small towns all over the United States. Germantown, like all of those other small towns, is blessed to have one.

Riders suiting up. Carnegie Library on the corner.

We departed from Germantown about 11 a.m. to warmer temperatures. The ride home took a couple of extra turns. In other words, it wasn’t the shortest route home! Good ride. Good friends. Good food.–DBrent

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