Dave Williams reflects on his short time with the Club

Reading through the February’s issue, I decided to contribute to Good Vibrations and share a little story.

I have become a member at last, having been riding with the Club randomly for a little over 18 months now. The first time I showed up was on a ride that started in Berwick in 2008 and finished somewhere in Victoria. I imagined what kind of ride this would be. Early as usual, I filled up my bike, trying my best to be ready and not to disharmonise the club riders. I made sure I was ready to go when the time came. As more motorcycles turned up, I was amazed to see I was the youngest person by about 15 years, give or take. I thought, “Here we go, just another Sunday ride.” Later I found out how wrong I was!

Okay, so here comes the first person to ask for my name, bike, and then emergency contact number, which I provided. But two things crossed my mind: I was on a 600cc bike and everyone else, except one woman, was on a 1000cc bike or bigger. The second thought that quickly over took the first was the concept of providing an emergency contact. "Shit, if you have to ring my girlfriend and tell her some bad news, then my bike riding days are over". I gave my girlfriend’s number and thought to hell with it.

I was greeted with the usual "Hi! Where are you from? What bike do you ride?” This same woman, who had a calm and inquisitive nature, seemed to want to make me welcome and feel at ease. As it turns out, Pina is here name and she rode the other 600. I instantly thought, “Did I buy a girls’ bike?”

This was my first real ride on my CBR600RR 07. I was a little worried, excited, ready to see what the Honda would handle like. Wahoo! And we were off. Five minutes down the freeway, I thought, “I hope this isn't it.” Then we turned off. The road got a little narrower and a tad bumpier. The corners started and my excitement grew. My heart was racing, my bike was ready. Then out of nowhere this noise screamed past me and made me jump out of my seat. For a split second I thought, “What the? Who the?” All I saw was the tail lights and exhaust of another bike. Then it was gone. I believe it was a 1200 Bandit. It was magic. Now you see it, now you don’t. WELCOME TO THE CLUB! I'd been buzzed.

In later rides I heard a phrase like "Don't buzz them too hard" and "Don't zoom too close" when talking about first time riders. Well, this happened to me on a number of occasions on my first ride. I look back and think this first ride was one of my most treasured rides. New people, new bike, new roads and these days anew... well, no girlfriend. Life is looking better every day! :)

I have since been on many rides over the 18 months, finally becoming a member. I enjoy getting out with the Club, as do we all, but not as often as I would like. I think the thing I like the most is going on a road I have never been on before (pucker factor 50c-5c 50c...). Using the advised signage on the side of the road as a gauge, I do my best not to hold up the guy/gal behind me. More often than not, the leg goes out and my little brain says "Please go around me, you are much crazier than I am!” Or should I say, "Your testicles are bigger than mine!”

All in all, I have a great time whenever I ride with the club and enjoy the company and banter that goes on every time we stop for a break. I love my 600, spikes and all and try to push it as much as possible. It does me just fine and look forward to hearing it scream down the road as many of you may hear.

Keep riding and many thanks to you all for my great Sunday rides. Otherwise, I would be lost in the hills of Victoria and end up like Bourke and Wills: in the middle of nowhere with no supplies!

Dave Williams