Easter Weekend Motorcycle Ride

It is Easter weekend, and Mary and I decided to take our first long ride of the season in what we thought to be beautiful weather.  We decided to take a route that took us through beautiful mountain roads through Upperville and Harpers Ferry.  The country side was beautiful this time of year with the trees just blooming, and everything becoming green after a harsh winter.
The ride was breathtaking, but a bit too windy to enjoy it the way this ride is meant to be enjoyed.  It was 70 outside, but the wind made it seem a bit colder, and our bikes were being pushed down 340  at odd angles.  Part of the reason for us to start taking these 100+ mile road trips is to ready ourselves for the 3 day 1200 mile charity ride for Fragile-X.  Not only do you have to condition your butt, become a master at leaning your heavy cruiser, but you also need to exercise your "motorcycle muscles".  Mary and I quickly learned that we are out of motorcycle shape despite both of us being regulars at our gym.  With butts numb, lower back pains, and upper shoulder pains, we learned that our bodies need much more conditioning before we take to the Blue Ridge this July.  Last season we would have attacked this ride easily without stop.  This ride however required 2 much needed breaks- one in Upperville which is a breathtakingly beautiful horse polo town for a quick smoke and rub of the shoulders, and the other in Harpers Ferry for a bathroom break and second rub down.  Overall the day was beautiful and the ride was a great beginning to what will hopefully be a great riding season!