The sun promised to shovel the driveway today — the perfect rationale to ride without clearing it myself. To be honest, the hurried departure was, in part, driven by a promise of fog though a scan of the mountains in to the north and the south showed no evidence of the magical mist. Rationalization aside, a short ride would soothe the soul. In a few miles the focus riding demands would lay waste to the noisy concerns in my head. And the moment the mental conversation dies down is when exhilaration and euphoria reach out to say hello.
Winter, snow and sub-freezing temperatures are like ghosts praying on fear. Once the shades are raised and the lights turned on it’s far less frightening than riders are led to believe. The snow had already vanished from the road leaving a few wet places and occasional mountains of gravel and grit. While not ideal conditions for the road surface when riding a scooter or motorcycle it is easily managed by anyone willing to make some adjustments.
No fog found anywhere on my travels today, just a fading white landscape slowly surrendering to spring — a transition exquisitely experienced on two wheels.
A stop at Gemelli Bakers for a warm loaf of french country bread and two fresh pretzels can only exaggerate the chimerical myth I build around riding. Through every turn, at every stop, some magic might take place. I ride with that in my heart, like a kid waiting for Santa Claus. A damn lucky place to be when the calendar says you’re in your sixth decade on the planet.
One more stop at the Pump Station in Boalsburg for a late breakfast before riding home. Winter is in the rear view mirror. Different riding days ahead.
As I prepare to join friends for a beautiful, sunny (if chilly) Sunday morning ride along the lanes of Hampshire (UK) I couldn’t help but smile at your insightful words: “… the mental conversation dies down when exhilaration and euphoria reach out to say hello”. That sums it up nicely.
As always.
Safe roads!
Sunday morning with friends, riding or otherwise, is a great time. I’m almost ready to depart on the Vespa on a chilly morning myself. 29F here at the moment but the promise of conversation and hot tea at the end of the ride helps soften the edge of the cold. And I’m certain there will be a measure of exhilaration and euphoria as well.
Ride safe!
Steve, love how you put it, “Winter is in the rear view mirror.” Let’s hope so.
I have to believe that winter is behind us. Just have to.
Seventh decade, Steve, the number is seven, no need to be in denial. At least it’s not eight, be happy with that. Unless you meant the sixth decade in double digits…
Holy heck! You’re right!!! But just the beginning.
Stalking fog, taking soul-soothing rides, embracing euphoria, savoring French bread and pretzels, and keeping your eyes out for magic…
It seems to me that you’re succeeding at living in the moment–the objective for most, whatever their decade.
Well, there are times I live in the moment, but they are far too infrequent. I don’t expect to be a Zen monk but it would be nice to feel a bit less weighed down…
I like the phrase “Winter is in the rear view mirror”.
I keep telling myself winter is behind me but then this morning it was 29F when I rode into town. So it could still act like winter right?
While we were in Hershey and E-town, we kept getting accused of bringing the snow down with us. If that was the case, now that we returned, it should warm up again…
I’m not that superstitious but if it does get warmer I’m happy to credit you.
I saw on your blog you were in Harrisburg and Amish country. Are you trying to build a WiFi network for the Amish???
“Through every turn, at every stop, some magic might take place. I ride with that in my heart, like a kid waiting for Santa Claus.” Steve. I love this! Truer words have never been spoken and I definitely has found some spots & unexpected magical. moments happen, beautiful post.