It's a fact of life for anyone that owns a business, or is otherwise self employed, that work usually predominates over everything else. Such was the case on the third Saturday of May. I was stuck in my old rattle trap Chevy, working on the 260,000 mile mark, and wishing I wasn't. What had started out as a gloomy morning at Edmore had turned into a beautiful day as I arrived at Kent City enroute to Newaygo and White Cloud.

I'd seen an unusual amount of bikes on M-46 but didn't pay much attention, simply because this was the first really good weekend of the season and we all know nice days demand we go feet up and ride wherever possible. As I made the northbound turn onto M-37 I glanced in the mirror and nearly sprained my neck with a double take to the rearview. Dozens of Harleys were in formation at my rear bumper. Damn! Surrounded by bikes and I'm driving this piece of crap....humiliation crept into the car with me. I'd forgotten this was the Blessing of The Bikes weekend.

My emotions were a sine wave, up and down across the flat line of practicality. Should I be upset with myself over the need to work, or should I put the disappointment aside and enjoy the view of hundreds of riders enjoying a fine weekend? I decided being happy was a lot more fun than brooding over something I could not alter.

With that small sliver of joy in my heart I continued down the road to visit with some fellow innkeepers, attempting to drum up business for Inn Michigan and maybe snag some support for Roads And Riders. Passing just north of the intersection of M-82 and M-37 I spotted a new biker apparel and accessories shop called 'Riders Run.' The sign said this was the grand opening weekend and I pulled in to meet the new owner, Rose Oldenkamp.

Rose is a veteran businesswoman, but this is her first walk through the forest of retail trade. It can be a scary thing to negotiate dealer agreements and put your hard earned on the line to buy stock, but she has faith in herself and her shared passion with other bikers.

She started riding when she was just 17 and, like many of us, only set the thrill aside to raise a few kids before returning to the road. When I reminded her that business owners rarely get enough time to enjoy their bikes she quickly responded, "Hey, my Sportster is in the back of the shop and I plan to ride for a couple of hours as soon as the shop is closed this afternoon." Lucky girl, and one that we hope sees success in the new venture.

After a hot dog and can of pop I continued on my days task to visit with area motel managers. All along the way there were small and large groups of friends checking into their overnight accomodations and scoping out the passing Harleys, Wings, and assorted other touring and sport bikes. The one thing that I began to notice was the lack of younger kids with loud crotch rockets. My mind went back to a recent news item about the percentage of riders over 50 involved in motorcycle accidents. Logic is telling me the reason why. We baby boomers are not giving up the sport, and in fact are continuing to grow in numbers as owners and active riders. The number crunchers probably are not taking that into account when the accident stats are compiled.

Suddenly the day was put into perspective. It's never too late to buy another motor and climb back into the saddle. My passion for a two wheel track down the highway doesn't have to stop just because my old Silver Wing has died! It was a machine that served me well and there are others out there that can still haul my semi-retired, and generally overweight, butt around the state. Watching you congregate and recreate continues to give me a reason to look forward to another day. Thanks, guys!

Remember, "Ride today - Tommorow you may not be able!"

-LW