Last Hurrah for Motorcycling?

As autumn moves convincingly toward winter, I view the prospects for further formal PROBUS motorcycle excursions as increasingly remote. But both informally and formally, group members have been on more motorcycle outings this year than in any previous year that I know of. It was a good thing. With fewer PROBUS activities due to the pandemic, being able to ride together was good for the soul.

The rides this summer and autumn have not been lengthy but they did afford us an opportunity to get out together and do some safe socializing. We have been to Ralph River and Myra Falls on Buttle Lake, Port Alberni, a couple of more local rides and the last one to Parksville for a patio lunch in a popular downtown spot called Pacific Brimm Cafe. The last ride had six participants, and took place on a warm and sunny fall day. We decided to take some different photos, a few of which appear below. Unlike our usual shots, posed and off the bikes, these were action shots – riding down the old highway south of Union Bay. 

I am looking forward to sneaking in a few more rides, weather permitting, and to the more fully functional group rides once spring rolls around. Although an effective vaccine may be just around the corner, I suspect we will still have to be fairly careful for a while. After all, many of us get flu shots each fall, but corona based flu still knocks some of us out for a few days each winter. I hope that once we have been immunized, if we do contract the COVID-19 virus, it will be a milder version – something our bodies are able to cope with more effectively.

Although I will be organizing the downhill ski group once Mount Washington opens, I look forward to spring and the possibility of some nice relaxed motorcycling with PROBUS Riders.