Breakfast Ride Rained Out
The plan was to ride to breakfast. The weather report the night before indicated rain later in the morning. I had the Himalayan in the driveway and ready to go when it started to rain. Gently at first but then falling heavy enough that rain gear would be needed. I’m getting too old to intentionally head out in the rain, especially when I just want to get something to eat. So the bike went into the garage and the trip to the restaurant was made in my friend’s bright red Jeep Wrangler.
Drying Out
About an hour after returning from breakfast the rain stopped. Just an occasional sprinkle to wet the visor and remind me that a short ride in the rain would be fine.
Thirty minutes later the roads were beginning to dry and I found a reason to keep riding — pick up some Simpirica Trio flea and tick medicine for the dogs at the vet’s office. A simple, relaxed ride on a motorcycle that I grow more and more excited to ride the longer I have it.
I’m often asked that old question, “If you had to get rid of something in your garage what would it be?” There was a time I would have easily pointed to the Royal Enfield Himalayan.
No more. I love this bike.
Tea and Cookies
Is there a more masculine pursuit than riding to a cafe and ordering hot Earl Grey tea and a couple chocolate chip cookies?
Arriving at the Pump Station in a light rain provides just a touch of that adventurous feeling of man against nature that quickens my heart beat. And seated at the window, watching the world go by, gives a satisfying feeling that a ride on a motorcycle can deliver.
A simple ride with a big payoff. Requiring nothing more than deciding to go for a short ride in the rain.
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It’s funny how that works isn’t it? A simple even insignificant change in the weather, such as a drizzle or overcast sky can spark that feeling of adventure. Practically speaking, the road is the same and the challenge not much beyond normal. Yet, the mind and heart see it differently. I can remember many a ride to and from college classes that sparked this state just because some clouds rolled in with a spitting rain. It may have been all the same except for that but suddenly I would find myself in a mini adventure. Then again perhaps this sudden feeling is partially a consequence of being indoors for much of school and work. I’ll take it either way!
That’s true Sam. I think you’re right on all counts. Especially the consequence of spending so much time indoors. It’s easy to get pretty comfortable to the point that any intrusion of weather, however slight, is kind of shocking. Braving it on a motorcycle or scooter just makes everything feel different in a manner than ends up making me feel more alive.
Thanks for sharing your comments and observations. I appreciate them.
When I came back from Americade rain had just ended there but there was still some sprinkling going on. It persisted from Lake George to the outskirts of Albany on the Northway. Fortunately I had on rain pants and new, mostly plastic, riding boots. The 1980’s Plexifairing kept me mostly dry above the waist. In those moments I was wishing I had my Helix clone CF Moto 250 though. You sit in a bubble of air on that scooter and rain water coming off the front wheel splashes harmlessly on the plastic below. Since the drizzle wasn’t bad I wasn’t on total rain alert for most of the trip but kept an eye out for wetter spots in the road, which was mostly damp. I was also comforted by having my wife behind me in her Honda HR-V if I needed a place to dry off a little and rest. After Albany it was just another ride home. There was also the irony that my wife was in a Honda and I was on a Kawasaki to make me smile. Two very capable Japanese machines.
Sixty-miles in the rain, even when it’s light, takes some energy. Even in a light rain I swear my arm gets sore from wiping the visor so often. Sounds like you were well insulated from the water. Especially with mostly plastic riding boots. I’m almost always wearing leather boots and if it rains long enough or heavy enough my feet are sloshing in water even when wearing my Rev’It rainsuit. I don’t ride much in the rain anymore if I can help it so I’m not worried much about the boots.
It would be nice having the Honda HR-V behind for support. Glad you didn’t need it. And you are right — the Japanese make some fantastic machines. I have a Honda motorcycle and car in the driveway, a Kawasaki motorcycle, and a Toyota Van. I’m consumed the Kool-Aid!