For the past decade I have found myself juggling between wants and needs. I want everything but need little and trying to distinguish between the two is often a bone of contention.

In wanting, I seem to think more is better or, as my art studio partner used to say, “too much is not enough”. I have entertained that theory for a number of years and made jokes about it, but I have finally come to the realization that I really NEED very little to be content, especially when riding.

When moto-touring, I try to carve down my needs to fit in two side bags and a top case if needed. I carry two sets of riding clothes, one for cold wet weather and one for warm. I am always amazed at how much space that extra set of clothes can take up. I know that I most likely could get by with only one set, however I feel I NEED to have an alternative. Call it exercising an option, like taking 5 swimsuits into the dressing room to try on, only to find that none looks remotely as you would have liked and then you realize that what you really want is body re-engineering. 🙂

The beauty of riding ATGATT is that it does as much for hiding the female figure as it does for protecting it. I have a friend who tells me she doesn’t like to wear any gear that indicates she’s female rider. My quizzical look brings her to explain the pleasure she takes when other riders discover her femaleness. Since she rides as briskly as most men, few riders suspect she is not one.

I can only assume there is never any question to other riders that I’m a female rider. Even though I shudder at the thought of wearing pink gear, I do look for styles that enhance the female form as much as they can, for no other reason than I feel “pretty” in them, as well as safe. But pretty is definitely relative when riding so my NEED to look pretty is notched down to a want.

So what brings on the contemplation, this search to reconcile wants vs. needs? Simply, the spring rain that’s been keeping our part of CA soggy and cold. I NEED a change in the weather and I WANT it now!