Opportunity is the pirate’s best friend and today the weather Gods must have had some time off so the sun could break through the clouds. The Panda has again ended up in mechanical trouble and even though the engine starts – it sounds like an old man with pneumonia just coughing away, so no chance of moving that piece of lead until I can get a real mechanic to have a go at her.
So my attention could focus 110% on to the bikes and I knew the Black Pearl would not let me down so I got my gear on and decided to brave the wind and arctic cold breeze and take to the roads for as long as the battery would last (alternator still broke). My leather jacket is unfortunately too cool and has been through too much for me to even consider getting another leather from the Harley house so I still have the old thing and love every inch of it however it seems like the leather has dried up a bit because the jacket is MUCH tighter (around the chest – ish) than last season… wonder what’s with that…
Dressed for the occasion Black Pearl was out of the garage and I fired up the engine and left port. The ride went via the back roads to Båstad and then proudly I sailed all along Köpmangatan where I could notice some heads turned in fear and awe. Just as they do when pirates enter the realm of mortals. Exiting Båstad one has to pass through a roundabout that provides ample opportunity to scrape the foot rests on either side of the ship however today I was not really confident with the grip so the mighty CHICKEN got the better of me and the plates left the roundabout without any battle damage.
Rivierabacken is a place of splendid curves and spectacular views. Black Pearl gave a mighty roar and went through the gears as we cut the corners going up hill. On the top there is Boarp with shops for all and everything. Today there were not many visitors but I am sure all of them saw and heard us roaring past. What a bliss.
Over the hills and meadows overlooking Kattegatt with Väderön in front it was time for me to turn the helm at Hov and head on home. The battery was showing less than confident numbers and I knew I had to make port before the warning lights came on. Home run is always easy and although my spirit wanted to stay out there my (un-) common sense prevailed and took us home.
Once back at port the weather was still good and I released the yellow Sportster although that was more of a challenge as it would only run on one cylinder to start with. Slowly and with the grit of a teen on a Friday night with daddy’s liquor cabinet in sight the yellow bird took to the air and with the choke and throttle as motivator awoke and headed for the streets.
Riding Duang’s Sportster I feel like a circus bear on a push bike. I have to admit there is something honest and down to earth about it. Motorbiking at it’s most basic and finest form – that is a thing of beauty – but with me in the saddle the beauty is some how lost. So I thrashed around the district until I heard that the Sportster was breathing as it should and all the muck and dust from the winter had been blown clean out !
Back at port Black Pearl was there nicely tied up with a battery charger at max and since the rain had not made first contact I could not resist the opportunity to take her for a second lap. What a difference – so nice to be back in the saddle and WOW how comfortable and mighty she takes on the rough seas of Bjärehalvön. No fear – just respect and mindfulness that I have been chosen to be at the helm of Black Pearl. I will not let her down ! The season of 2014, here we come !!!!
