Ride Report- November 20, 2011 - That’s right, November, who would have thought it.

When most people are prepping their bikes for winter storage, The Citibeemers MC is out in force. Was it the promise of a warm, spring like day in November or was it Marcelo’s request for a 9am gathering time? Whatever the reason, the result was an unprecedented 17 bikes showing up at The StateLine Lookout this morning. 

CJ came with his new Ducati Diavel Carbon.

Gil came with his new BMW R1000RS. 

Rev Ray showed up with his new VFR

Craig, just back from his trip around the world and probably still suffering from jet lag, showed up on his Harley. 

I showed up for my first Sunday ride since my accident. 

New members and guests, MikeL, KevinB, and Hector joined us. 

Then there was Alan and JoJo, Cagler, Howie (fellow Tiger rider), Joel (the crazy chef), Marcelo and Lucia, Marcello, Milo, Rob, and just as we were getting ready to pull away, our very own fashionista, Paul Kelly made his entrance to the party. 

We had to split the group into 2 groups, which wound up being 3 groups because someone was over anxious to get going on his VFR. (Just Saying) 

Destination: Georges in Carmel.  The only place that could accommodate a group this size. 

The day was sunny, but it was that low November sun, the trees were bare of leaves, but the temps were already warm enough at 9am to forgo turning on the heated gear.  

The nice thing about riding in the winter is the hope of uncrowded roads.  The ride north on the Palisades seemed to go quickly- was it that traffic moved at a good clip or was the aid of Rob’s police siren?  Once in the park we encountered packs of hiker in the woods, fishermen by the lakes, bicyclists on the road, but very few cars. The roads were clear and clean. Can I say, it was a perfect day for a ride, and since I am no Jesse Harris, that's all I can say. 

I’m not sure what routes everyone else took, but MJ, Rob, Marcelo and Lucia suddenly come up on Rev Ray, CJ, Cagler, and Craig at one of the roundabouts in Harriman State Park. Then the groups all suddenly merged with Alan's group on route 301.  (Alan, did you really go to Port Jervis?)  We must have caused quite a stir because the town sent 2 cop cars out to check out the parade of bikes. I can only surmise that since they did not witness any wheelies, they left us alone. I didn’t notice any helicopters in the air, thankfully.

Just as we pulled into the busy town of Carmel and worked through the parking challenges, Leslie showed up and joined us at the exact right time. 

20 people for breakfast.  The staff at Georges opened the back room for us and once again did an amazing job serving our crowd. 

After breakfast Leslie invited us all to her house (What were you thinking).  Knowing that Leslie lives in a remote area of CT translated into: let’s ride some more awesome roads and meet again to hang out. Marcelo, Lucia, CJ, Craig, Alan, JoJo, Gil, and I accept the invitation.   A thank you to Alan for the fantastic backroads route: 6 to 121 to 116, to “I have no idea, but they were narrow and steep”.  At the house is Peter who is fighting a cold and lack of sleep and is a little bummed about not riding.  After some discussion and a little tasting of fresh milk he offers to lead the group to a local farm for some fresh milk and yogurt and an escort to route 7 where we can pick up the Merritt Parkway back to the city.  The milk and yogurt are delicious!

I hope everyone made it home o.k.  It was an amazing November day. 

I hope you enjoy Thanksgiving this week; I am very thankful for the privilege of such fine friends and riding buddies. 

MJ