Falling in Love With an Empty Road

A Benign Beginning

There’s nothing special or unusual about riding to my friend Paul’s house to join him for a ride to breakfast. They’re generally destination oriented by some route chosen for it’s scenic views of the landscape and as lightly traveled as possible. And with the Kawasaki W650 and Harley 48 gravel roads are off the ride menu.

Two breakfast destinations were in my head but the “best” choice remained elusive. Strange how much space a dining choice can occupy in a brain. To quiet my mind I’ll often repeat these two rules — RULE 1: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. RULE 2: It’s all small stuff.”

Difficult rules to follow or even believe. Embracing them calls into question the importance I attach to so many things. And my attachments often just make me miserable. While many things may require my attention, few rise to the level of the importance I create in my head. Like where we should have breakfast.

Alone on the Road

I would like to say I follow the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s SEE System approach to riding safely — Search, Evaluate, Execute. This approach informs how I ride but sadly my embrace isn’t perfect. And caused this stop. Not for photos but to reset my brain over stimulated by the handsome road and landscape.

I suppose I was already falling in love with an empty road. Smitten by the scenery, enthralled by the lack of traffic. So lost in it that I ran through a stop sign only catching a glimpse of the red octagon as I passed. The emptiness of the road made the reality of this breach of traffic law one without consequence. It’s startling how the brain looses focus when you’re in love.

Machines Machines

The need for fuel always breaks the spell of a good ride. It certainly interrupts falling in love with an empty road. But Paul’s savvy management of the 2.1 gallon peanut tank on his Harley means he takes advantage of a gas station when the miles are piling up. He’s run the tank dry to know exactly how many miles he can ride and carries an extra liter of fuel on the bike for emergencies. I have double the range on my W650 with between 150 and 200 miles depending on how and where I’m riding. Plenty for Pennsylvania.

Stark, Twisting Beauty

The route on this morning was stunning from start to finish. Miles and miles of roads without other vehicles. And seemingly endless road signs warning of twisting roads ahead. Even though I am a slow rider there’s still a thrill of leaning the bike back and forth on these winding roads

Heading down the mountain through Bald Eagle State Forest the twisting road culminated in this 180 degree turn. They never stop eliciting a smile. And while on the bike ready to roll again two KTM Adventure bikes roared through the curve faster than I thought possible. Nice to see but not for me.

It’s easy to see why I’m falling in love with an empty road.

Breakfast Destination

We finally made it to the place I had scoped out on Google Maps that I discovered served breakfast. Ever pre-judging things I am slowly learning that bars, grilles, and taverns do more than serve beer and cheeseburgers. Some are actually open for breakfast. And judging from their Facebook page they are popular with everyone including snowmmobilers.

Photographers

Paul and I first connected through photography. Scooters and motorcycles came later. It all mixes well together and we’ve had many adventures together. I dare say Paul has owned a hundred cameras since we met. Maybe more. But he’s not a camera collector. He uses them. And then sends them away to make room for the next. The old Leica on the table made a portrait in a mirror of the two of us a couple months ago. By far my favorite portrait. Paul gave me a print and I dropped it off yesterday at a frame shop.

That Well-Ridden Look

Both the bike and me are old. Well worn from use. I look at the photograph of me with the W650 and detect a sense of pride. Pride of ownership. It is an amazing machine and the more I ride it the more I’m convinced I could go anywhere with it. I’ve watched videos of riders obsessing over the perfect machine. The features required from cruise control to heated grips. WhenI ride the W650 I’m reminded of how simple life can be. And how often I’m the one making it chaotic and complicated.

This is the perfect machine. For me.

Separate Ways

After breakfast Paul was continuing east towards Lewisburg, Pennsylvania to visit some flea markets and antique shops. I was going to other direction to take care of the dogs and have a nap.

Riding home I couldn’t help but replay some of the ride. The whole time falling in love with an empty road. I want to go back soon. Already making plans for another trip.

Life really is good.