Today my husband asked if I wanted to go for a ride up into the Sierra foothills traveling over some of the most fun of our local roads and my knee-jerk reaction was why not? But the more I pondered the route, the roads, the ride, the less interested I became and before I knew it, he was gone and I was at home. What dulled my mind and why was riding with someone whose riding skills I not only trust but respect, less than compelling?

At the risk of becoming the queen curmudgeon of all riders, I will try to verbalize my dedication to the sport of solo riding.

In revisiting my change of heart this morning, I also have a chance to ponder why each and every time, I am invited to ride with others, I generally bailout. Am I still that little kid that didn’t play well with others? Am I still writing long forgotten poetry in the dark confines of my bedroom? Well maybe, but mostly I am just not stoked enough at the thought of compromising my time on a motorcycle with anything other than my thoughts, my schedule, my speed, my stops, me, me, me.

Now that may sound like complete self-indulgent drivel but there is really more to it. Each time I go out alone, I become more self-aware, to the sounds around me, the the sights, the smell, the connection I have to my bike and the taste of excitement. Sound familiar?

I suppose there is no reason to not experience these same five senses when riding with others, but then I seem to be concentrating more on being part of something, some bigger plan. Suddenly, keeping up with the group matters, slowing down matters, stopping matters, it becomes another reality and one that I no longer own.

In thinking back, I have enjoyed several rides with others, however many other times I have only endured them, thinking more about the destination than the journey. When I ride alone, I am thinking only about the journey, where might the best view of the dazzling waterfall be, or where can I pull off and take a quick hike to dip my feet in the sparkling blue-green creek water. Where might the best place be to see some wildlife and how about re-riding those renown twisties I found so alluring! Experiencing my eccentric sense of moto-travel could be found infinitesimally dull to another. So, I continue my sojourn riding the world solo all because it pleases me to do so!

However, I must admit to harboring a latent thought of missed opportunity, by not joining my husband, today.

My freedom rides seem to ultimately lead to my own social prison… or is that just too much thinking?? ; )