This may be one of the few posts you ever see me from me that involves motorcycles.
This weekend is one of the big events in my area–the annual Bikes, Blues, and BBQ festival. It’s anticipated that more than 200,000 motorcyclists will converge on the area, and many of them will settle in at the Harley-Davidson store a mere block from my apartment complex. While the main events supposedly take place just outside of the downtown area–several miles from me–this is a major gathering spot.
I’m hunkering down in my apartment until it’s over. I have enough food and Diet Coke to get me through the ordeal. Don’t get me wrong. These are not bad people, simply a huge group looking for a fun weekend doing something they love. It just happens to be something I don’t love.
Now, I could handle the BBQ part of it, if it weren’t for the crowds. But I’m not a fan of motorcycles. Driving home from work today, which takes me right past the downtown area, I encountered a few bikers having a jolly good time. Most of them were decent enough not to weave in and out of traffic, but some did just that, forcing me to slam on my brakes on multiple occasions. There’s heavy traffic on this route at this time on a regular day, and the plethora of bikers just added to it.
I wish I could have worked from home today, but a festival is not considered good enough reason to miss the office experience. Last year I swore I’d take this Friday off, but I forgot to budget my PTO time for it.
Thankfully, I have my cats to keep me company. They’re confused by the continual roar, and the bands will start up soon, so it won’t be our usual early bedtime. I realize this event brings in a great deal of money to the community (an estimated 15 million to the greater area), and the organizers do a good job taking care of business. That includes the folks at the Harley-Davidson store, who are pros at putting on a good show.
So let the bikers bike. I’ll stay home, watch some football, and catch up on my knitting. It’ll be a good weekend for all.
Image Credit: Row of Motorcycles Ā© Matas Maciulskis–stock.adobe.com; Barbeque Ā© fahrwasser–stock.adobe.com
My World With Words 
How funny that we were just talking about tattoos and biker babes, what, yesterday? haha! Get inked and get out there, Belinda! š
But poor kitties. I feel for them. Mine just hear the sound of rain on the roof and Piper and White Paws run under the bed to hide.
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They’re upset. We’re all snuggled up together, so hopefully that helps. As for getting inked, not my style, although I don’t think poorly of those who have done it.
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You are very patient and understanding while you and your cats are being hugely (and in the context of motorcycles weaving in and out of traffic ā dangerously) inconvenienced.
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Thank you. The cats are nervous but they seem to be calming down some, even as the noise gets louder.
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My sister has a similar challenge with her sheep being spooked by firework displays ā which unfortunately a new neighbor likes to have on regular occasions…
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Oh, good grief. What a thoughtless neighbor.
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Yes. It is an ongoing frustration. They also built their house closer to the property boundary than they were supposed to. Deep breath in. Deep breath out.
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What a great first line for a post, Belinda! And that you have enough food and Diet Coke for the weekend ā perfect! I hope everyone inside and out has a great and safe weekend!
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I hope so, too! I can hear the motorcycles now. Just glad I’m inside.
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My issue with the bikers is the noise. I believe my tolerance level for noise diminishes as I get older. I lived in Reno and the biker event there seemed to cause a minor level of chaos. I think the weaving in and out of traffic is the most annoying though. It is disrespectful of the other drivers. That barbecue looks good though! I will take that.
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I’m with you about the noise and especially the weaving in and out of traffic. It’s scary. Those in cars have to wonder what would happen if the worst happened.
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I agree that the very loud noise of many motorcycles as well as their occasionally dangerous driving choices are both very disrespectful of other beings ā human, feline and otherwise. I wince when a loud motocyclist rides by…
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I enjoy the bikers but must admit, Iām glad BBB only happens once a year.
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More than enough for me.
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Oh so much appreciation for a quiet night at home with kitties. š I am glad the chaos doesnāt last long and you made it safely home. You inspire me to get out my knitting project and finish it before it gets cold. I have only been working on it for 3 years. š¤Ŗ
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I find it’s easy to lose steam for a project about halfway through. I think you’ll be glad if you finish your project–the sense of accomplishment will feel great!
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