The familiar pattern, an errand, a chore, any chance to be on two wheels, moving, traveling, riding in the world. The memory was almost dim until this evening the spell drifted like smoke on a calm night through mind and flesh.
Whispering.
Ride, ride, ride…
And suddenly the scooter is parked in the woods, the sun dying in the west, a simple pleasure of being pulsing through veins, heart beating with a swift lightness.
Riding again, a small scooter, a humble errand.
Remember how it feels, alone on the road, cares washed away revealing enchantment, a trance lined with bliss at just being alive? The magic of riding — forgotten somehow.
The last remnants of winter, dark, gray, dirty with the heavy feelings of a world too long cut off from the light yet I feel impervious to it’s power. I only want to ride, if only for a few minutes on a short, ordinary errand.
I remember the bewitchment, the alchemy of air and movement, sound and smell, images sweeping by like a fast stream in spring.
Almost home, a quick stop for a picture of the warm weather location of the Piston and Pints Moto Hang in warm weather. For those nearby, there will be a Piston and Pints get together tomorrow — March 30 at 6pm at Legends — a lounge at the Penn Stater Conference Hotel in State College, PA.
A few miles on the road rewired my brain, introduced a heaping dose of thrill cut with desire and electricity. Side effects: quickened heartbeat, easy smile, temporary reversal of the aging process.
Holy shit — I love to ride. I have to fix the Vespa…
Welcome back from the land of the dead.
You’re back!
Dear Sir:
How I envy you! My full recovery may take another year.
Fondest regards,
Jack Riepe
Twisted Roads
Thanks For this Steve, I’m hoping to be out for that first ride soon.
Steve, I have commented once or twice before, but just wanted to report that I sold my LX150 and bought a Piaggio BV 300 that I’ve only out about 100 mikes on so far – it rides like a dream. Anyway, I am moving this August from Seattle to take a teaching job in Scranton. Nervous as I am about relocating alone, your blog inspires me that I’ll have some good riding ahead!
I cannot wait to see pics of the Vespa in spring…
Yes, riding does rewire the brain and brings life to the soul.
We were at Legends. Where were you? BTW I rode the Burgman to Daytona Bike Week. Temps in the 30’s first two and last two days on the road. 32 degrees and heavy rain over the Blue Ridge Mtns, but I was warm and dry with heated jacket, hot grips and Hippo Hands.
Steve I’m stuck in my own mechanical limbo, transitioning from one bike to another I don’t yet have, with an unreliable battery in the bike I do have that is just enough to keep me out of the saddle. Hopefully it all gets resolved in the next week or so.
I really enjoyed you post. It expresses more poetically than I could hope to express myself the deep pleasure of riding.
All the best for the Easter weekend!