550K and Ralph

You know how sometimes when you're in a pinch financially, and forces beyond your control bear down on the solid back fat you already carry around causing you to make choices you wish you didn't have to? Like when the economy falls into a recession and your lackadaisical collecting junk & stuff hobby is the first to suffer? Meet Ralph. "I like your shoelaces!" was the first thing he said to me, still a couple houses away. A good church-goer for sure and a boyscout troop leader to boot. His predicament-the '78 Honda 550K-my curiosity, (and one of the many things his garage spewed out.) You could tell he was having a hard time giving it up but seemed ok with selling it to someone like me, a girl.

The bike was in great condition, save for the broken horn and a lazy, if working, rpm needle. I was a little intimidated by it's size but he wheeled it down the driveway for me and offered a spin. I didn't bring any cash, but I packed my gloves and helmet anyway...and it started right up, both electric and kick, (though he did mention he took it out earlier that day to drive to his physical therapy appointment...) Only took it to 50 in fourth but it shifted easily and I felt fine. Been sitting since 1982-2008 covered in a garage, followed by the 30+miles added to date by his appreciation-less wife. Boo. THEN, his 10 & 14 year old sons pulled out their lil' bikes--two 70cc's and a 100XR--and let us drag race around the neighoborhood for a while. Woah, they was wiley! THEN, he revealed his Goldwing and all it's glorious little gadgets, (like the heater, stereo, helmet intercom system and holy cow, reverse.) It is like a car on two wheels. AND THEN, we started shooting the shit about roller derby, Joan Weston, Ann Cavello and how we all should go on a day ride on the 1 sometime. It was starting to get dark and the chilly west winds began to blow. I didn't bring up price because I knew there was still more homework to do...Jarred & Jason headed off to bed and that was our cue. Maybe Ralph was trying to impress us, or maybe he was showing off for his neighbors. But truthfully, I think he just wanted some friends in the company of bike dorks.