Harley Rides

Fathers' Day

The weather in Melbourne has been perfect over the last week and the demand for Harley Rides on Father's Day for this year, 3rd September 2006, as a consequence was high. But, then as Sunday dawned the weather deteriorated and it looked like it was going to be a wet day.

Our first customers took it all in their stride as we kitted them out in "head to toe" protective gear that included the obligatory windproof/waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers. We did strike a couple of showers along the way, but at the end of the hour they were dry and had hardly noticed the rain.

The next booking saw Melbourne's weather change for the better - the sun came out! Good old Melbourne - four seasons in one day. It stayed like this for much of the rest of the day. Quite enjoyable really.

But, as fate would have it Melbourne's weather had a sting in its tail. The last booking fort the day, pick up at 5.15pm - weather still looking OK. As we headed towards the Westgate Bridge I could see a band of dark clouds off to the southwest. Then as we rode up onto the bridge, the rain set in. Thankfully, I had remembered to fit a screen to my bike as I left home at 8am, as now it was providing excellent protection from the rain - which is something like having someone throw gravel at you as you ride into it.

I turned to mention the weather to my passenger, and to my surprise he exclaimed that he couldn't care less and was enjoying the experience. Anyway, I was dropping him back home and he could change clothes there.... Hmm, I think to myself, before the ride they panic about the rain, but when we get hit by the rain in the middle of the ride it just doesn't bother them.

Rain can cost a lost booking when it threatens, but strangely when it hits without warning the customer doesn't notice it. People - its why I love what I do....