The cuckoo clock high on the wall just sputtered two A.M.. The embers of the evenings fire glow weakly in the hearth. A couple of mostly empty coffee cups and many more beer cans decorate the table and lampstands. The background sound is a steady but low rumble of several men snoring. More from upstairs, probably everyone is asleep. I stand off center in the main room, a dim light from the kitchen providing enough illumination for a living person to see about, after a little time for adjustment. I need no such time, nor sleep. Looking through a window I sense the dropping temperatures are preparing to deposit a thin layer of white frost on the thirty year old motorcycles parked about at odd angles, flattened cans supporting their tired kickstands on the soft ground. The more southerly boys will be surprised by the white topcoat, the New Englanders will just laugh. The engines have surrendered the last of their warmth from the late afternoon rides and evening arrivals. Everyone is here by choice, even through the challenge of many miles and the threat of a cold rain. They will enjoy comraderie, meals and riding for only a couple of days, then return to their lifes routines, with fond memories of their last great ride of the season. I am not alone gazing at their sleeping souls, but largely unknow to any of the still breathing, we cannot see or communicate with eachother. I know there are others here though, because they would have made the same choice as I have, to be here in spirit, with old friends. Tomorrow they will eat and ride and drink some more, but most importantly, enjoy each other's company. They will each harbor a small fear that someday it will be over, but they should be reassured by me and my fellow memories, it never need end. We were there in Georgia earlier this summer, then Canada (eh?), followed by Pennsylvania. You did not see us, we were not mentioned in the "headcount", but we were there just the same. Thanks for having us. We are you and you are us, just not yet. Enjoy your ride, and see you at the next Rally.