Inaugural Meet & Greet

Last night was our first (of hopefully many to come) Meet and Greet.  At our last chapter meeting a few weeks ago, we agreed it would be great PR for us to do rides now and then to other Posts, to meet and chat with other ALR members, as well as other Posts wishing to form their own ALR chapters.  When we were discussing where our first destination should be, we agreed that our neighbors over in Wrentham, at Post 225, was the perfect choice, as they were indeed one of the Posts that were possibly looking to create their own ALR chapter.

The weather broke for us - kinda.  While it was not as clear or warm as had been predicted, all things considered (for the Winter we've had so far), we weren't complaining.

We rallied at the Post for some last minute preparations (IE: brews and bullshittin') and then saddled up.  Not a bad turnout; 6 bikes/riders, + 2 in a vehicle, + 1 that met us there.

Advance notice had been given to the Wrentham Post and when we arrived, they had a nice contingent of riders waiting for us.  We pushed some tables together, did some quick process and procedures preamble, and then jumped into a great round-table discussion, answering questions, offering advice, and letting them know we'd be there to help them through the process if they did decide to form their own chapter or not.  At the end of the night, they weren't sure they had enough members to start their own chapter.  They're going to get together and discuss it more on their end, and if they don't have enough, then they are going to join our chapter over in Sharon.  (The nice thing about the ALR is they wouldn't have to change their membership from Wrentham, to Sharon.  They can still belong to the Wrentham Post, and also be a member of the Sharon ALR.)

We had a lot of laughs and made some great new friends!!

As the night got long in the tooth, the riders said their farewells and headed for the door.  I stuck around  with Flex (the "+1" that had met us there, as he lives around the corner from this Post), and we continued the brew/bullshittin' thing with the Wrentham members for a bit longer.  All too soon, however, it was time we hit the road as well.  Hugs & handshakes, then head for the highway.

The chill that was waiting for me out in the parking lot was quite a bit deeper than it had been when we all pulled in.  Sure wish I'd brought that electric vest...  Oh well, just crank the music a little louder and duck a bit lower below the low-profile windshield.  Before long, I was rolling back into my driveway and backing her into the garage, safe and sound.

It was an awesome night!  Our next chapter meeting is in two weeks and I'm sure we'll all be in agreement that we need to do this again.  Maybe even once a month, but time will tell as the busy summer schedules start falling into place.  At the very least; this won't be the last time we do this!

Ride Hard, Press The Flesh