Droplets of liquid sunshine taunted me as Pearl thundered along the highway to meet our HOG group. No. Rain. No. Enough for one week! Free from the garage at last, Pearl’s enthusiasm left surprised drivers contemplating the streak of white now a blur in the distance. Tropical Storm Bonnie may have canceled our dinner ride Friday night, but we were going out today. Oh Yeah. Destination: the Gold Coast Railroad Museum.
Today was one of those days where riding in a pack was just more fun that riding alone. Really. I spend so much solo time in the saddle it was nice to be out with friends. I remember back when my dream of riding was a far-off fairy tale. There I was in the car singing “The Wheels on the Bus” with the fam for the umpteenth time and a group of bikers would pass us and I would always sigh and dream of “one day…” Well; my day is now and other haggard moms with their own dreams see me and wish for their “one day…” I smile hugely at them and hope with all my heart that they grab it, ‘cause it’s AWESOME!
With our trusty head road captain Pete in the lead, we thunder south on the Florida turnpike into southern Miami. Rounding a curve (yes, we have a few of those here) we all sucked in a collective pensive sigh as the wall of rain we were headed into became visible. One thing about Florida rain, though. Most of the time you ride right through it and today was no exception. Good thing none of us are sugar because we sure got soaked. At least the rain is cooling and most of us were dry by the time we reached our destination. Pete’s directions; well they got just a bit storm tossed…
After arriving safe and sound, we realized that the museum didn’t officially open for another hour. May as well get the group shot now. This old caboose was the perfect prop.
Adjacent to the Miami Zoo, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum is a place I could spend many hours imagining exotic travels only accessible by train so many years ago. But these spinning signs to indicate whether a train car was for coloreds or whites reminded me of how far we’ve come in just few years. I still can’t believe the atrocities we’ve committed against our own human neighbors. I think that if everyone just rode motorcycles there wouldn’t be any time or occasion to hate.
I was especially intrigued with the Presidential train and the history and emotion it evoked. Standing on the platform where former Presidents stood and waved and spoke was a bit humbling. John and Sandy, Marc and Ela show us how it’s done.
I was so wrapped up in the trains and shooting that I missed the group train ride in the caboose. Guess I’ll have to go back another day.
(see all the day’s pics here – the best way to view is to click the slideshow button in the upper right corner)
With all the grumbling tummies in the crowd, we headed out in search of sustenance. Ah. Ruby Tuesday’s was right down the street. And as soon as we got settled, the rain started again. Serendipity! A full belly and a hot cup o’ joe and we’re ready to head home. Sunshine all the way. Well. Almost. About the time I crossed from Dade into Broward County, the rain whispered in my ear…
And then drenched me. Such a small price to pay for a lovely day riding, exploring, and feasting with friends.
