Well, as the new couple of the Fargo Chapter, we were asked to write why we decided to join the Goldwings. To be honest, the greatest element that led to this decision was stress. Some people handle stress with depression, some resort to anger, and some get down on their knees and pray. Well, we did all of those things, then I looked at my husband and said "Let's get a bike". I stood there and listened to several predicted reasons as to why that would not be possible.  I took it one step further and said, "OK, I will either advertise for a bike and you can go with me---or I will advertise for a bike and a BIKER!" That seemed to get me to the next level anyway. So, my sister and her husband (Jan and Ben Scheuring) put the word out to their group and the hunt began. In two short weeks, we had bought a beautiful 2003 Honda Goldwing. My husband, however, still needed some reassurance as to what we just purchased. I knew the moment he would take his first ride, the memories of his youth and his motorcycle would get the adrenalin pumping. What I didn't plan for was how much adrenalin there was stored up! The cycle has become as precious to him as the Holy Grail.

 So now we have the cycle and we are ready for the world. I thought that was basically all we really needed since Jan & Ben loaned us some helmets to get us started and the tank was full and ready to purr. This naïve thought didn't last much longer than our first ride. We had taken the bike for a few spins on nice sunny days, but the day we left for the Davis Rally was not the perfect forecast. Steve, my husband, had gotten us some leather coats made for the "slide not the ride" as they say, so we kind of blended in with the group (or so we thought). Now is when the story takes on another twist.

 We are following the bikes in the appropriate position and really are taking on the beauty and the fresh air all around us. That lasted a couple hours in fact. Then the rain came down! Hogen couldn't see. We didn't have that special spray stuff that prevents the windshield from fogging over. But this is only the beginning. We made it through the first shower, but there was more to come. Ben anticipated the next black cloud. We were all following in line like little goslings when the head goose decided it was time to pull off the highway. Unfortunately, we were the only ones that didn't have one of those CB radio thingys. We thought we were pulling over to eat yet once again. Heck, we weren't even hungry but it is always fun to eat. So, we get off our bike and not paying any attention to the leather herd around us, we were chatting how we would just share something for lunch etc. When we looked up, the whole denomination of Wingers were putting on rain gear like it was a race. I saw Ben approaching us with some of their rain gear, so we followed suit. We aren't good with getting dressed in plastic while the rain was drenching our dry clothes. This was worse than dressing any Barbie doll I ever owned. But the character of bikers is phenomenal-----their patience with us was exceptional (at least that was what I was hoping). This observation leads me to the next concern.

 Since everyone else had a CB and we didn't, we never did know the whole story of anything that went on. I am sure there were plenty of "puns" poked at the slow wet riders, but we were in it for the duration. My husband, however, doesn't like not knowing where we are going----how are we going to get there----when do we stop----etc. But I stood firm in reminding him that he is not going to get all the bells and whistles in one spree of shopping. However, the boy biker buddies were salivating over our naked bike. They wanted to take Hogen (that's what I call my husband), shopping for his virgin bike. Well this logic didn't take me long to incorporate to my own advantage. So I added that the women should take me shopping since I am a virgin rider! It was a clever move, but it didn't really work. We did, however, purchase helmets and chaps for the ride back home. Thinking of the trip to Iowa and comparing it to the other bikers was motivation enough for us to spend the money. You see, they had the chaps and the leather and the heated vests etc, so were essentially slow cooked during those eight hours. We, on the other hand, had to be defrosted before getting off our bike. So the vendors at the rally had a pretty easy sale when we arrived. But then Hogen got a vision and a taste of CHROME! This in itself is yet another story. Standing in one of the vendor's trailers filled with purchasable chrome, I noticed an uncontrollable lustful look in his eyes. I hadn't seen that glare for over thirty some years when we were on our first date. So immediately I knew I would just have to say "No"! Yah right! 

 Well, that is basically our story of our first long trip with the Goldwings. In all honesty, we are so enthused and excited for the adventures that lie ahead. This group has proven in such a short time to be so considerate, generous, protective and most of all fun. We look forward to the rides ahead and the memories they will create. 

                                                                                               Thanks for the great time,

                                                                                                Steve & Marla Hogen