What is the Perfect Ride?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that there are no bad rides. Doesn’t matter if it is too hot or too cold, too far or too short, or if the scenery or roads are just boring. When I learned that all rides are good rides and that the idea of the perfect ride just doesn’t exist my riding world opened and I put more time in the saddle.
Cafe Lemont was my second choice for breakfast after Barnes and Noble had to toss all their food because of a storm-caused power outage trashed their refrigeration. Like this ride and so many others, the circumstances don’t matter. Just being able to ride is enough.
Eyes Wide Open
Good riders will stress the importance of road skills and paying close attention to the road ahead. That habit extends beyond the ride for me. Once my eyes are open I can continue to see things a little better if I so choose. If I don’t instantly pull out my phone and loose myself in digital oblivion.
Standing in the parking lot before going into the cafe I looked at the old barn and wondered how old it was. Who built it. And what was Lemont like back then. A perfect ride may just be a ride that opens my eyes.
And mind.
Double Dipping with Cafes and Coffee Shops.
Cafe Lemont served breakfast but they don’t offer the dessert courses I prefer. Not a problem when you have a motorcycle. The solution is only a perfect ride away.
So I visited a second place for dessert. Everyone has dessert with breakfast right?
I’m a Simple Man
Of a hundred visits to cafes, I’m sure 90 percent of my sugar consumption has been chocolate chip cookies washed down by hot Earl Grey tea. Sometimes, occasionally, rarely, I’ll substitute with a cinnamon bun, brownie, or slice of chocolate cake. I do have to watch my boyish figure so cookies are the least concerning to consume.
I am convinced through the collection of overwhelming first hand data and experience that there is a direct correlation between chocolate chip cookies and the quality of a non-perfect ride of any sort.
Perfect rides don’t exist and because I know that I ride more, smile more, and feel the astounding effects of wind therapy much more often than I would if I was sitting around dreaming of adventure.
But that’s just me. I am a simple man…
Just a casual ride can do a lot for you mentally and emotionally. Thanks for sharing your experiences and have a nice weekend.
You’re right Karl. Riding has definitely had a positive effect for me. If nothing else, it gets me thinking.
Wind therapy. I like that!
I can’t take credit for coining that phrase. Someone shared that in a comment and it stuck in my head.
Chocolate chip cookies in the morning….you have triggered the fond memory of my friend Joe Katz. Joe was a BMW guru who spent all season touring/ camping /observing and absorbing. He too was a shunpiker, finding the pleasure in the moment. Thank you for my morning smile.
I had to look up the definition of “shunpiker”. A new word for my vocabulary. Thank you.
I had to look it up too.
Glad to help you recall some pleasant memories. And thanks for sharing the term “shunpiker.” I had never heard that before. Fits me perfectly.
Years ago I was a member of a bicycle club. Being in the most casual group (Level C Riders) our aims for riding were much less ambitious than the intense A & B group. We rode to laugh, talk, check out the scenery and eat with a little light exercise thrown in. I totally get the need for a good pastry with breakfast.
I am definitely in a Level C group. Maybe even D!
It’s nearing midnight as I type this comment and I’m already thinking about breakfast!
Thanks for posting more blogs again! Though I enjoy your videos, I really find the combination of thoughtful words and still photography to be very meditative and thought provoking. And for me, it’s the iced lemon loaf at Starbucks and a cup of English Breakfast. Definitely my Kryptonite.
As you know, I have been slow to post any videos. There’s a roadblock that I have been struggling to get around. Until then I will post on the blog. Seems easier to write and shoot still pictures.
English Breakfast tea. That’s my wife’s go to in the morning.
For the past four years my riding has been just a memory since I promised my wife that I’d give up riding once I reached 85 years, and I did give it up on the last day of my 85th year…but, man, do I ever miss all the years spent riding…there is NO feeling like riding I think, chocolate chip cookies included.
I can only hope I’m still riding something at 85. You set a high bar.
Time will tell what will happen. I’ll probably share whatever happens until I can’t type anymore…