An Ordinary, Mundane Ride

I’ve Been Here Many Times Before

Expectations can trip me up if I cling to them too strongly. Thinking a ride has to be some sort of exceptional adventure is the sort of thinking that can rob me of opportunities that are anything but an adventure. Those days when I only have an hour to ride can seem not worth the effort to gear and and go. Especially if I am just going to retrace roads that I’ve literally ridden a hundred times before.

Recently I forced myself out of the house and onto the road on the Royal Enfield Himalayan for an, ordinary, mundane ride.

Unexpected Discoveries

Just seven miles from my front door I found a road I had never been on with either a car or motorcycle. I knew it was there, a dead end road which for some reason meant it held no interest. Every rider knows to avoid roads with a sign that says “No Outlet.” Call it boredom resulting from an ordinary, mundane ride but I decided to see what was down that road. And just like that my spirit began to soar from the excitement of not knowing what I might find. It didn’t matter that it wouldn’t take me anywhere or that it was close to home. I was suddenly on an adventure.

It was remarkable in its quiet beauty wandering along the base of Mount Nittany. I saw a few deer, some hidden homes bordering on small estates, and a new world rolling before me.

A Riding Realization

I’ve been here before but somehow if feels like the first time. I can’t help think of the lyrics to Foreigner’s song “It Feels Like the First Time.” All I need do is substitute the world for the woman. It’s amazing how a ride can just twist my brain around into a much better state. And as a result I end up feeling lighter, more grateful, and with a smile on my face.

An Appropriate Conclusion

Believe me when I say I don’t ride just to have an excuse to eat. It just seems like that. It’s always a welcome aspect of riding but not a requirement. It falls somewhere between a coincidence and a plan. Recently someone asked if I spend a lot of money on food when I ride. Yes I do. I tell myself riding and eating is still far less expensive than if I were a bass fisherman.

Rationalization is a useful tool.

Seriously though, these quiet moments at the end of a ride provide the space to process what just happened and store them somewhere in my messy brain where I won’t so quickly forget. And at this moment, I try not to forget that even an ordinary, mundane ride can hold gifts and thrills far beyond what I would ever expect.