I got pulled into 4 conversations today. 1 this morning at the gas station and 3 at lunch. Everybody was really nice and super chatty. Was late getting back to work both times. Thankfully I've got a really flexible job and boss.

This morning I was playing a sort of game of "leap frog" on the highway with a little grey Nissan and we both happened to pull in for fuel at the same time. The passengers of the car were watching me as we took turns passing each other on the road. Just the typical ebb and flow of morning traffic. While we were filling up and paying, the driver mentioned how he missed riding and wanted to know what kind of bike I had. He was real friendly but I didn't really feel like asking why he wasn't riding anymore. I got the impression he was kinda down on his luck. I've been there! I told not was never too late to back in the saddle and we went on our way.

At lunch I had a big rig driver tell me to be careful out there and spent some time relaying stories of inattentive drivers and how they are a menace to trucks and bikes alike. Said he even sees LEOs texting and driving!

A sunburned older guy on a touring bike pulled up next to my bike and spent a few minutes really studying it. We ran into each other at the door and talked for probably 15 minutes. He was headed to an antique bike rally/show at Mid Ohio Raceway. Was gonna be camping there. Showed me a picture and told me all about his Night Train that he sold (and clearly misses) so that his wife would be more comfortable. He asked me all about mine and what I had planned for the future. We told each to be safe and he went in to cool off and get some lunch. Real nice fella.

Then, as I was getting my helmet on an older lady in a pickup hollered over about how it was a great day for a ride. And how the heat keepsbthe bigs away. She seemed like she wanted to talk, so I walked over and she told me how badly she misses riding ever since she had a severe stroke. Said she runs two good size businesses and really looked forward to her therapy in the wind. I expressedy condolences and we wished each other safe travels.

 

Where in NW ohio are you. I am right above Toledo. And yes I noticed the same thing but It has been all week. I am guessing the weather.

 

Van Wert. A couple hours due south of you.

I used to live in Toledo (and Perrysburg, & Maumee)

 

nice.

 

Sounds like the people were all missing their bikes and riding days. We need to not take OUR time in the saddle for granted.

Been to Van Wert years ago when I worked for Aeroquip in Jackson MI. Went down to visit the automotive group and view some equipment.

I'm actually visiting family in MI the next few days. Renting a Street Glide Special for the weekend to ride with my Brother-in-law and buddy.

Ride safe!

 

Sometimes people are so cool, instills faith in me that we're not all lunatics these days

 

Essentially, my whole family worked for Aeroquip. I used to. Eaton sold my division. Know any Prills? That's us. Had family at Jackson, Gainesboro, Maumee, Van Wert, New Haven, and a couple others.

 

I was the manufacturing manager at the Jackson plant before and during the transition from Aeroquip to Eaton Corp. I don't recall any Prills working there. I left there in 2001 and moved to CA.

 

No, that would have been a bit before your time, I think. My uncle worked there (sales or marketing, I think?) in the 80s. He had moved on to some place in Indy by the 90s.

 

I'm in Sandusky. Will be in Wauseon next Friday for the swap meet/races at the fairgrounds.

AMA Vintage Days is going on this weekend in the Mansfield/Ashland area. That's where the Goldwing rider was headed. I'll be down there tomorrow.