Great Weather for Oyster Run '08

Oyster Run '08

If you like to ride on two wheels more than four, and you live within riding distance of Northwest Washington, this was your weekend. The weather was outstanding and Sunday September 28th had been set aside for the 27th Annual Oyster Run.

Worms eye view in LaConner

The Oyster Run is a No Fee, No Time Schedule, No Required Route, ride open to all riders of all ages on all rides.

Although there was no time limit, the events in Anacortes started at about 1PM. We ride from the north down Chuckanut Drive. This time of year with the leaves just starting to change it scenery was breath taking. Once you get even close to the outskirts of Anacortes, your clutch hand gets a workout as parking begins to fill the streets of the picturesque little berg.

The reason Indians don't outnumber Harleys

Literally every back street parking lot, side street and main street itself was filled with all types of bikes. I felt sorry for any of the residents that needed to drive their cars. Nobody was going anywhere in a hurry. But I never saw any impatience.

If you look hard enough you can see the centerline of Main Street, Anacortes

This event has sort of grown out of hand over the years, far beyond what the original riders ever envisioned. Even so, it has been well planned. There were roadside signs alerting motorists that there would be more riders on the road than normal.

Keeping 'em moving into Anacortes

We saw plenty of vintage bikes and classic rides, not to mention classic riders. Some very expensive custom paint jobs, stretched forks, chopped fenders, no fenders and even full skirted fenders.

Vintage Indian

Some of these bikes looked like they belonged in a museum. Some looked like they came from the circus.

Motorcycles can be low riders too

The attitude was strictly family friendly, strolling through the packed streets as people took pictures of their favorites and talked with other riders.

Not all great art is hanging in Museums

Riders from Oregon, Idaho and Canada joined the locals in a beautiful day of great riding and festival atmosphere. If you do ride, plan on making it next year. I saw crotch rockets, trikes, bikes with trailers. Cruisers riding two up, and big boys on Fatboys. Old riders and bold riders and all well behaved. There were plenty of vendors. You could get the spontaneous tattoo to commemorate the day or just a patch to sew on somewhere. T-shirts, of course as well as the clothing lines from most of the area Harley Shops. But from what I saw on the road and walking the streets, Harley had a pretty good representation even if those folks had stayed home.

It's a Guy Thing.

This is the first year my wife, the perfect woman joined me. In the past I had gone with my guy friends. What makes her perfect? Well, while I had one Harley, I had been wanting a particular model. One day we found one on the showroom floor. I was just standing there admiring it and she said, "Let's get this one." Having ridden a perfectly good Sportster to the store, it was not something I expected. But then when she heard it run for the first time she said, "It's not loud enough." So before I took delivery we had to have the performance kit and custom pipes added. Naturally I spent a good amount making sure her perch on that bike was as comfortable as possible. God Bless Her.

What to do with your old Crown Royal bottle covers- Make a Motorcycle Cover

Personally, I would like to offer a tip of the DOT approved helm to the Law Enforcement Officers and EMTs. I have seen my share of accidents. These men and women go to work knowing that chances are good that before their shift is over they'll be scooping up somebody. Yes, the tickets are spendy and it does put a dent in your day. However, having your pocket reminded to slow down is better than accidentally hitting someone. You can disagree with me, that's your right. I was behind the gentleman that died on Chuckanut during last years Oyster Run. I overheard as their friends informed his wife of the accident. I don't ever want my family to get that call.

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If you want to be a part of the next Oyster Run check out www.oysterrun.org.