It was something important.

      First no chrome ride of the year. It was actually Thursday the 12th of March, I had taken a few rides already this year but this was the first day that we got together for a ride. Mark showed up on his Drifter, which doesn't officially qualify as a no chrome ride. Chet rode his 1990 Harley, which also isn't exactly a no chrome candidate. Brian usually rides his 84 Goldwing but it is under repair but should be back soon. He rode a CB360T that is actually a great bike but was found in a junk yard about 6 years ago, so it automatically qualifies despite having good chrome. I rode my 1969 SL350 one of my all time favorites that we found in a garage a few years ago.

       Earlier that day I cleaned the carbs on the SL and gave it a good washing, checked the tire pressures and oil, lubed the chain and gave it a good going over. I planned to start riding it from the house to the shop daily since the weather is warming. It ran great on the way down and on the return about 5 miles from the shop it went bad. I felt a drop in power and thought I needed to switch to reserve, but just as I reached down and turned the petcock valve, I noticed some smoke. I rolled out of the throttle and looked in the mirror and then the engine let go. I rolled to the side of the road and the guys pulled over too. I think it was Mark that asked ,"What do you think it is? To which I replied, I don't know but I am pretty sure it was something important. When I get a chance I will definitely rebuild the engine. The SL350 is without a doubt my favorite barn find of all time.

      It's funny but the rides we remember the most are the rides like this one. The weather was great, the ride was better and it ended with something to remember. I'll take a ride like that .over not riding, any day.