The next morning greeted us with firm
handshakes and nervous riders. We col- lected at a table, marveling over the choices for breakfast. “Aye! So much food,” one said as plates of eggs, bacon and hash browns arrived. I suppressed a witty comment, opt- ing to avoid the risk of miscommunication. Instead I smiled and pointed, calling atten- tion to the platter of pancakes, biscuits and gravy heading our way. Lance and I set to work on our mounds of food, our guests following suit. One joked in French with another, the words lost to my ears but the message clear nonetheless: There would be diets in their future. We collected by the motorcycles and pre-
pared to head out. I entered simple words into my translator and walked to each rider, pausing to share the message: Ride behind me, stay close, be safe, have fun! I received collective nods, and we headed out, leaving the city via remote, twisty backroads along the Santa Cruz Mountains. I cruised easily, keeping it slow and getting a feel for rider skill. These Europeans knew their way around motorcycles, it was clear. Everyone
showed excellent ride etiquette and skill. We weaved through the local redwoods, stopping at the largest for rest and some photos. “Wow Wow WOW!” Rémi said, marvel-
ing at the massive trees. At 29, he was by far the youngest rider in our group. His wife, Camille, had contacted me months before and shared her desire to send him on a U.S. adventure. “He has watched your YouTube videos and loves you,” she had said. “I very much want him to experience the United States with you.” I smiled as Rémi collected the group around his selfie- stick for a photo, the enthusiasm palpable. “One happy customer, hopefully the first of many,” I said to Lance. We spent
lunch at a local hamburger
joint, enjoying some old fashion American food. Lance and I marveled at how little the language barrier seemed to matter. Already the group was picking up bits of English and had begun mimicking the “awesome” and “rock on” comments they heard Lance and I say. In less than 24 hours the group was acting more like old friends than
Impressive scenery and the right camera angle produce spectacular images.
strangers on a tour. “That’s motorcycle rid- ing,” Lance marveled. “Brings people together.” We ended our day in Monterey near Peb-
ble Beach. Beer and wine were hastily pur- chased, with all manner of European and American toasts shared humorously to clinks of glasses. “This is badass,” Rémi told
Amelie plays in the water.
January 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS
45
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