A Velocette, A Harley, later a Suzuki on 33

[Thruxton71]

Two weekends ago I rode my MAC, still filthy from my adventure to Morro Bay, back up Highway 33 behind Ojai. I chose the MAC for three reasons. First, I knew it would start and run without fuss, next, it was the closest motorcycle to the garage door, and lastly, I was told by another rider that he was bringing his 1962 Duo Glide (https://fichasmotor.com/en/harley-david ... lide-1962/) which I thought was a proper match to the MAC.

Our little shrinking group of classic motorcycle riders has recently been enhanced by the addition of the Duo Glide owner, who also rides a late model T120v, a very nice Norton Dominator 650ss, a couple of old Vespas, and a TR6 up on the rack getting restored. He also just bought a used Buell.

When he first rode with us he was on his Triumph or his Norton, and reasonably so, seemed to ride very conservatively, even in our old man group.

I figured, on the Duo Glide, up 33, I would be waiting for him after getting up to the turn around point, just past Lynn's leap. (Named after a now deceased rider who went wide on a corner.. that isn't what ended his life however).

Now, I will admit that uphill on a 1952 MAC there is no chance of getting a speeding ticket. I ride smoothly, using engine braking and knowledge of the road to achieve a satisfactory pace which allows me to enjoy the texture and undulations of the wonderful road. However, I never thought I would see Harley lights in my mirror most of the way up the road, and yet, there it was, the Duo Glide matching my pace! What???

Okay.. we shall see on the descent to Don Lalos. And, to my extreme surprise, the Duo Glide remained very close to me on the descent, although I did manage a larger gap, but nothing to write home about.

At breakfast I noted that the rider was faster on the big low Harley, than on his Norton, and his reply was that he had been riding it longer. I get it. I have been riding my MAC since I was 16 and am nearly 70, but still...a Harley??

I think this is a sign.

Today I brought the Suzuki. The Harley rider is in Italy, so I was safe, but not taking any chances. This Sunday I was dogged up and down 33 by a Norton 850 and a large BMW, both riders are very conservative. So, .. another sign?? Don Lalos was even better this week than last.

At breakfast today we talked about JP, who is dying in the hospital.. and not from motorcycle riding..cancer. He had arguably, the fasted and most durable Royal Enfield Continental GT on the face of the earth, and rode the begeezus out of it. He now faces a tougher opponent, and is losing the race.

Looking for answers in Ojai.