Tioga Pass

I don’t know, maybe it’s where the moon sits in the sky or where the stars are all located or maybe it’s just because I have another impending birthday that leads me to my 62nd year of dulling patina. I can’t pinpoint any singular cause, but I feel like I’ve been spinning circles and now I am waiting for the world to rebalance.

This past week I felt the loss of another rider, though we had never met, we were correspondents and it struck me like a lead pipe. We all know the rude facts, that it doesn’t matter how vigilant we ride, or how well, or how long we have ridden. It’s all about chance. It’s like gambling. We spend hours upon hours winning, seeing the beautiful sights, feeling the awesome power, riding the lightning, but all it takes is one second and the winning streak is over and you have lost. I feel the chill, but still have the yearning.

So, best gear up in my warmer gear, grab my GPS, check my tire pressure, my oil level, my lights and blinkers and get my reluctant bottom upon my motorcycle and spend a moment without hesitation or fear remembering what a grand sport this is and just how much joy I take away from each and every ride.

I need to memorize the fondness, stay alert, and look ahead to the future whatever comes, smiling all the way.