Spring Warm-Up Ride
Stafford, Virginia
28 March 1999

Our Spring Warm-Up Ride was originally scheduled for 21 Mar 99, but Mother Nature insisted on lots of rain despite our pleas for warm, sunny weather.  Even this ride was suspect until early Sunday morning.  In fact, rain late Saturday night threatened to postpone the ride once again.  However, the rain passed and the roads dried quickly allowing us to proceed as scheduled.  Despite temperatures in the 40s with cloudy skies looming and a steady wind, nine NVC members and three guest braved the weather to start the 1999 riding season.  The route, covering about 70 miles, began at the Hampton Inn in Stafford, Virginia, traveled west to Eustaces Corner, Virginia and returned to the Hampton Inn via Route 619 through the Prince William Forest Park.  All in all, everyone seemed to enjoy the ride.  Afterwards, we gathered for lunch at Carlos O'Kelly's for a taste of Mexican before heading home.  Below are a few photos from this ride.

Click on any image to see full size picture!

	Everyone socializing before the ride.
	Mary Ann and Nina discussing the upcoming ride.
	The group photo before the ride.  From left to right:  Tom, Clarence, Bill, Rich, Michael, Chris, Mary Ann, Rich, Ric, Nina and Larry.  Not pictured is Jeff...he was behind the camera.
	Taking a break at Mayhugh's Citgo in Eustaces Corner, VA.
	Nina strikes a pose during the break.  I'm not sure, but I think she wishes she had stayed in her nice, warm bed this morning.
	Michael and Ric discussing the "Principles of Motorcycling" with Mary Ann as she prepares herself to take the Motorcycle Safety Course this summer.  Larry is close by in the background and ready to provide additional input if required.
	I'm not sure what has everybody's attention, but it certainly isn't the camera.  By the way, there's Rich enjoying a cup of chocolate macadamia nut mocha cream mint coffee...or is it just black (no cream/no sugar)???
	OK Chris...great riding posture.   Now just throw your leg over the seat, face forward and grab the handlebars so we can get going again.  Too much coffee I think!
	Bill, Rich and Michael taking a break at the first stop.  Michael (a.k.a Bronco Billy) impressed all of us with his ability to ride with his cowboy hat under his full-face helmet without crushing it.  YEEEEEE HAAAAAA !!!!!
	Here's Tom shortly after arriving at Mayhugh's Citgo.  Later, we gathered up Tom and explained that it was OK to remove your helmet when not riding.
	Jeff finally gets into a picture thanks to Chris.  He is standing proudly next to his 1999 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom.  In case your wondering, the model number is FX$$$.

That's all we have for the moment.  We will post a few more pictures in future updates.  Please keep checking back!