As 2018 ends, I’d like to give thanks for an incredible year! I’ve been blessed with a beautiful daughter and wife who understand my love of motorcycling. The great state of South Carolina has supplied me so many incredible trips. From the Blue Ridge mountains to the shining coast, I have met new friends and seen new places. Along the way, I’ve also had the pleasure of riding with a couple of groups whose joy of riding has created new friendships and memorable rides! Many thanks to all for allowing me to be a part of their lives. I’d also like to thank you, the reader, for supporting my Facebook blog and Ezine. Also, a big shout out to Carolina Cycles for allowing me to be a part of their ‘incredible family.’
Most likely we’ve all heard Night Before Christmas Poem. As a kid, my mother would read it to me every Christmas. Have you ever wondered who wrote this poem and when? Well, I did and decided to look it up.
It seems the original ‘Night Before Christmas,’ published in 1823 in a Troy, NY newspaper, was actually titled ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’. Its author was not credited when it appeared 2 days before Christmas, but as its popularity increased over the years, more and more writers claimed to be the author. The most memorable author claimant was Clement Clarke Moore, whose version was inspired by an 1844 Christmas shopping trip. But as it goes, someone always finds new evidence that the actual author was Henry Livingston Jr, a friend of Moore. This evidence would be based analysis of each man’s writing but has been deemed controversial. As for me, it doesn’t matter. It’s a great Christmas poem!
So, for my closing article for 2018, I thought I would right my own version. Unfortunately, my creative ‘juices’ couldn’t come up with a better version (I could print…lol) than the one belo
The Bikers Night Before Christmas
Not a motorcycle was rumbling, except for Santa Claus’.
The leather was hung in the closet with care
In hopes that nice weather, soon would be there.
Our bikes were all nestled snug in their covers,
With visions of blacktop and burning up rubber.
With momma in her bandana and I in my skull cap
We had just settled down for a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn, arose such a rumble,
I sprang from the bed as I started to grumble.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But, a pack of motorcycles, with riders and gear.
With one old driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be Biker Nick.
He was dressed all in Leather, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with bugs and road soot.
A bundle of chrome he had flung on his back,
Down the chimney he came, carrying a big red sack.
He spoke not a word but went straight to his work
As he filled all the riding boots, then turned with a jerk.
And laying a finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his motorcycle, to his team gave a sign,
As they all cracked their throttles and got into a line.
Now Honda, Now Harley, Now Triumph and Indian, On Kawi, On Suzuki, On
Yamaha and Victory
But I heard him exclaim as he roared out of sight, “Keep the rubber
side down and have a good ride.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
By Richard Gouin
Thank you all for reading my stories! I’m trying to set up a few long trips for 2019. As usual, I’m going to shoot for riding to Sturgis and a trip down to Key West. We’ll see how that goes. I hope 2019 will be a happy and prosperous year for everyone and I look forward to sharing more of my ‘Stories from the Road’.
Happy Holidays!
Rick
