The last week in September is always one of my favorites. It's Oyster Run weekend here in the Northwest. Everyone from Oregon, to Idaho, to British Columbia converges on the small port town of Anacortes, Washington to enjoy what seems to be the last real weekend of summer before the bitter cold moves into the Pacific region for the next 6 months.

For me, it was the first real long ride since I'd taken since the events of September 11. I truly believe that I and everyone else at the run was just looking for a return to something normal and enjoyable. It proved to be just that. As with most major events lately, patriotism and good will was in the air. Flags were flying everywhere, and even some of the local clubs who are known to get into a bit of trouble on occasion showed restraint. Many of them were faced with the proposition of being held back from getting onto the local ferries to take them to the venue because preferential treatment was given to 4-wheeled vehicles due to the mass of motorcycles moving toward Anacortes.

My wife and I usually make this a weekend long trip to visit family in the area the day before the run. This time, it was a bit shorter. We made it for the day rather than the weekend. None the less, we visited family, ate some shellfish, and simply took in all the individuals who make this rather eclectic event what it is.

Ridin' In

Commercial Avenue At High Noon

Trikes Were Everywhere

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