Morning Glow
I’m pretty sure of the five senses, sight exerts the most power in my life. It accounts for the lifelong fascination with photography and catalogs the bulk of my memories. When I grow antsy at home, the phrase most likely to pass my lips is, “I need to get out and see something.”
Stopped along a road that wound past a local farm I wished I knew how to paint. The light was at once soft yet bright, and the color of grass, soil and sky glowed. When I ride, I enjoy seeing things.
Touched by Wind
Air rushes through the slight rise in the shield on the helmet, it touches the chest, flows up open sleeves of the riding jacket, the sense of being wrapped in the touch of the wind.
One advantage of the lightly traveled roads in central Pennsylvania is the ease of constant motion which guarantees air. Even stopped along the road I feel the breeze on my face. The five senses alive and screaming “you’re alive.”
Good Country Air
Agriculture is everywhere here. And with it comes a wide range of fragrances, aromas and smells. Evaluating nasal sensations is subjective to a point and what one finds aromatic another will consider a nuisance.
Standing in the road admiring the large oak tree I’m aware of cut hay drying in a field, a hint of hydrogen sulfide from manure spread in a field, and the faint scent of wildflowers along a creek. In a car I’m seldom aware of any but the most potent smells — a dead skunk, liquid manure spread heavily near the road, or fumes from a diesel tractor I may be following behind.
But while riding, everything is accessible. For me, it’s part of the joy of being on two-wheels.
Bird Song
I wish I could identify the birds I hear. Crows, hawks and Cardinals are familiar. And I know the call of Carolina Wrens. But beyond that it’s unfathomable conversion. As the road passes through the heavier vegetation of woods the sound of birds, insects and other critters increases. I can’t hear them while I ride, especially while using foam earplugs, but I love the sudden explosion of sound when I stop, remove the helmet and pull the plugs.
There’s a symphony around me. I merely need take time to listen.
A Taste at the IngleBean Coffee House
Almost every ride involves the sense of taste. Usually at a stop for food and not the unfortunate ingestion of an insect. My wandering brought me to another respite at the IngleBean Coffee House where I enjoyed orange juice and a breakfast sandwich.
Embracing the Five Senses
Wandering home brought me across a gravel road where the aging suspension of the Vespa scooter reminded me of the arthritis in my body. Dust from a passing truck added the smell and taste of limestone dust from the road. Angus cattle snorted behind a fence at my unexpected arrival
Standing in the farm lane, gazing out past the scooter, I was struck by how good it all was, to be alive and walking on the earth, riding a Vespa and for a few moments not having a care in the world.
Riding is like that sometimes.
You seem to capture what riding is all about. The sights, sounds, and smells. I could probably use less of the tasty items while stopped and I’m afraid that the Ibuprofen probably comes out after more than a few hours of riding. Nice post and pictures!
Any day on the bike is a good day Steve and for all the reasons you so eloquently state . I had the pleasure of passing through your part of the world yesterday and with roads wet and storm refuse covered on occasion it was still a delightful ride. Thanks for a wonderful post and helping with the focus.
We had a lot of storms and rain lately. Our woodland garden/property has become a jungle of green growth. Hard to keep up with it.
Regarding wet roads on a rainy day — those shimmering silver strands of pavement seem to call out to me to travel — by car, scooter or motorcycle. I’m drawn to the adventure of seeing what’s around the next turn. Seldom concerned with an ultimate destination. Just fascinated by the world in front of me moment by moment. That’s where the experience is.
I’ve not gotten to the point of needing ibuprofen before a ride though a few times afterwards I’ve downed some Tylenol. Planning a ride next week and sadly the goal is a far flung place to eat. Seems wrong…
That is exactly how I felt when I lived in rural Iowa for 4 years. Wonderful experience!!!
Rural areas are just so relaxing. Unless you’re in a horror or science fiction movie!
+1 on what RichardM said, especially the part about having to use Vitamin I….I tend to pre-medicate with it before a ride!
Pre-medicated Rides. Could be an interesting topic for a blog post!
The sights on any ride are always splendid. On a two wheeled conveyance you are a part of the world and not an isolated observer as in a car. Even the feeling of the wind on your body makes you a part of the oxygen we live in every day but don’t notice.
I completely agree.
These rural pictures are so similar to the East Lothian countryside here in Scotland where I stay. And old age and running out of time makes you appreciate greatly being able to ride and enjoy the countryside in the summer weather.
Scotland is high on my list of a place I would like to visit (and ride). In my imagination it takes on a mystical character. I’ve probably watched Brigadoon too many times…
Perhaps the finest blog you’ve written! As always, I’m envious of the rural roads that exist nowhere near me in Florida. Your words always resonate in some fashion. Yes indeed, if only for a while one has nary a care in the world when on 2 wheels. Bravo!
Thank you for the kind words about the post. I appreciate them.
While riding the material cares of my life evaporate but I do admit that mentally I’ll often wrestle with things. Some big like “why am I here?” to the smaller things like how will I craft an Advanced Medical Directive or how I’ll redo one of the paths in the garden. Riding is good for thinking.