Look who we met today:
A and AB; click for a larger picture
Recently, I heard about BMW Motorrad‘s latest creation: the 2005 R 1200 RT. After reading the review in Rider, and seeing several great pictures, I decided to see what the BMW web site had to say. For their splash page, they were advertising an April open house to get folks with bucks to blow (and people like me who might have them one day) to come in a test ride the new bikes. I was all for it, so Autumn and I headed up to Atlanta this morning to ride some Bimmers.
Not only were we able to ride, but meeting Alton Brown was a real treat. I didn’t want to bother him, but A decided we had nothing to lose and approached him for a picture. I’m glad she’s not as whimpy as I am. Not only was he accommodating and friendly, but he chatted with use for a while. We probably would have talked longer, but we had to go on our ride. He rides an R 1150 GS, was born in L.A., and was a genuinely nice guy. He admonished A for wearing inappropriate shoes for riding; he told me to buy her some. He’s right. I felt I was too effusive, but I knew our ride was coming up, and it was cool to talk to him. Maybe we’ll see him on the road one day, just as soon as we get our BMW. Here’s a picture of me the first time I met AB in 2001 (I was a bit chunkier):
I also saw Ken and Joanna from Atlanta Motorcycle Schools, the great folks that trained me — twice. I introduced them to A, and Ken told her there was a motorcycle there for her. She assured him that one day she’d take their course, but for now she enjoyed being on the saddle with me. It was good to see them doing well.
After that great experience, we met Tiny E and the Ts for some dinner. Tim got a new teevee; it was big and cool. I’d say, all-in-all it was a pretty fantastic day: beautiful weather, BMW motorcycles, free Bocca burgers, meeting AB, seeing some family, and (last, but best) spending time with my honey. What a great day. Here’s a shot of me on a 2004 R 1150 R, the only bike we got to ride today:
Tehehe…Spencer thought AB was your brother! And, when I gave the picture of you guys another look, he’s right…you two really do favor. Too funny. Oh, honey — you look so good on that BMW. I think it’s meant to be
What a fun day. Great post.
I love the whole story, but I especially like the fact that Al-ton scolded you for not having the appropriate equipment. Isn’t that just like him?
However, I must ask if appropriate shoes for riding can also be “multi-taskers”?
Darn it: I didn’t think to ask. I wish we had had more time to talk, then the fact that we were talking with AB would have worn off, and we could really have talked.
He told me that he’s going to shoot this show for Food Network this fall that has him riding across the country on his motorcycle. I was going to suggest that he take us and leave Bobby Flay at home.
Damn – you and AB are frickin clones … except for your lesbian hair of course. Very cool that you got to meet him, one of my personal favorite chefs too!! Looks like a great time and the picture with Sweet A is great … but then again, every picture with her seems to be great, even the ones with Jerry in them …
You two really do look alike. And I knew I recognized him from somewhere but didn’t get it until you said Food Network. I love his show. HOW COOL for ya’ll!!!
Oh, yes…leave it to me to wear my cute blue and yellow tennis shoes on the one day that we run in to AB, in his full riding regalia. I do have boots…but they aren’t as cool as his.