Frustration and Gratitude

The Mental Merry-Go-Round

Over and over I’m reminded that there’s little profit in holding too tightly to my plans. It was demonstrated again as I prepared for a long ride with my friend Paul and proceeded to rip the tire valve from a rear tire of my W650 before even leaving the driveway. Hugely frustrating because I had planned so carefully, visualized the map, and imagined how it would feel to be on the road with a friend on a leisurely ride to breakfast.

The frustration was strong and dominating my thoughts which in turn robs me of some of the riding experience as I replay events in my head, continually kicking myself for the stupid mistakes I made leading up to having to replace the W650 with my Himalayan. Gratitude was nowhere to be found despite the gift of having an alternative machine to ride.

Frustration was ruling the moment and blinding me to anything good or positive. A sad way to leave on a ride.

The Wrong Motorcycle

It’s embarrassing to admit how strongly I was clinging to the notion that I needed to ride the Kawasaki W650 with its vintage form to better match Paul’s Harley Forty-Eight. I can’t help but shake my head at how stubborn I can be and how it just makes things worse. Until this stop to stretch and make a picture I had spent 40 miles grinding my brain on what had happened stripping any chance to enjoy the ride. Standing along the road looking at the two bikes I realized what I was riding didn’t matter. It could have been the Vespa sitting there next to the Harley.

Frustration led me to believe the lie that there is a right motorcycle for this ride.

Breakfast Destination

After an hour and a half on the road we arrived at our destination for breakfast. The previous evening I was exploring roads and cafes with Google Maps. Lately I’ve been venturing further and the Walz Creamery and Farm House Cafe looked like an interesting place to try out. The 60-mile ride would generate both an appetite and the need to stretch an aging back.

Rested and Ready for the Himalayan

Waiting to pay for breakfast I noticed the Himalayan waiting outside in the sunshine. I was finally feeling some gratitude to have it, to have enjoyed a meal, and have a friend to share the experience.

No Memories

Fifty years ago I routinely drove a 1970 VW Beetle through Salladasburg on the way to visit a girlfriend who lived another 60 miles north. I remember the name Salladasburg but nothing else. And I certainly don’t remember Cohick’s Trading Post, the kind of place that would have attracted my young, ice cream hungry body. Sadly, Cohick’s closed back in 2015 to become the Walz Creamery. Central Pennsylvania is full of ghosts and history.

Riding reminds me of the past and creates new memories for the future.

The Harley Peanut Tank

Paul’s Harley Forty-Eight with its little peanut tank requires frequent feeding. And in the more remote areas where gas stations are rare it requires some careful planning. So when there’s a chance for fuel you take it.

Home Again

A long ride has a way of shedding whatever annoying weight I might be carrying. Frustration and gratitude are polar opposites yet they often exist in the same moment. Turns out everything I believed about the perfect motorcycle, myself, and the course of the ride would be false. When I learn to accept whatever has happened, let go of my plans, and just move ahead I feel lighter and am able to express gratitude for all the beautiful things around me.

Life is good.