I’ve been riding a few years now. I’ve fallen into a sort of rhythm with the seasons. The spring – full of hope and dreams do what rides for the season. The summer – meeting with old friends, gaining new ones and all the adventures along the way. The fall – crisp morning with hot afternoons, kaleidoscope colours and the bittersweet realization that riding days are numbered. The winter – the time of PMS ( parked motorcycle syndrome ).
I’ve ridden in groups for many years. Formal groups that had set rules and expectations of what position I will be in and how I should ride. And in informal groups where I’ve walked away shaking my head and muttering “What a cluster@$#&!”
Along the way I’ve gained some pretty good friends and lost others. I’ve survived all the hype of the “Wild hogs” fad where riders were labelled real bikers or posers based on the personal beliefs of those doing the labelling. And, at the time, certain beliefs of the role of women in the motorcycle community.
All in all I find it amazing as to how few of those people I started riding with, still ride. Those riders who I wanted to impress and those I could walk away from without a second thought.
These days I find myself more of a solo or a smaller, choice group of 3-4 that I enjoy and trust.
I can never picture myself not riding. Or at least not until I’m in my 80s or 90s.
All in all, the road has been kind. It’s helped me distress, been my therapist, weeded out those who really weren’t friends and taught me a whole series of lessons on life.
Here’s looking forward to another year of roads, smiles, lessons and meeting up with new friends and those from riding seasons past.
See you on the road!
Travel safe ~ ride well
Two Wheeled Life 