|
|
Garage doors stand open so I know someone's up and about. Rumble up the driveway. Mac the German shepherd snarls at me till I kill the V-twin and he recognizes who I am. Stepping into the old frame structure garage. I see Ace, grease to the elbows, deep into one of the bro's engines. Three other bikes sit in various stages of rebuild. The walls are lined with side covers, old shot gun pipes, and other miscellaneous Harley parts rejected for the most part in place of new chrome. Ace gives me a cheery good morning, asking me what I'm after. I say, "Nothing." "Well if it's nothing you're after, it's in the fridge where the beer used to be." Ace is at his best when he's wrenching. It's his whole life, give him an engine or a tranny that is not working properly. Ace will tear it down, set it up and put you back on the road. We B.S. for awhile, sometimes we agree, sometimes we don't, but we always enjoy our talks. Like today, I'd been feeling a little down when I wheeled in, now I feel better. Has something to do with the atmosphere of the garage. Later Poon rolls in grinning from ear to ear. He's got his frame back, today he's going to start putting his ride back into a thing that resembles a bike. Poon claims he ain't going to break down this year. We hope not! Jim's here, he's got his Centennial Special stripped of all the bags, fairings and other non-essential extras. The engine is pushing 88 cubic inches, looks and sounds good. Nice Jim, you know that was supposed to be mine, don't you? Someone's old lady brings out a case of brew, things are looking up. Dog's gone for the weekend, I'm still waiting to see that XL on the road Dog. That way I won't be the only one taking shit for riding half a Harley. Dogs old lady shows up with her kids, there are two of the cutest rugrats I've ever had the pleasure of encountering. Being a loner myself, I'm always surprised by the rapport I feel with this crew that hangs out at Ace's garage. I'd like to say thanks for your friendship. I'd like to consider you bros and your old ladies friends. Thanks for the parties. I know there is an Ace's garage in every bikers life, if not - you're missing something. Well it's late, I have to cut out, catch you all later, one kick on my Ironhead, adjust the idle on my Mikuni, and I'm back in the wind feeling great. |