Motorcycles were never intended to sit idle for lengths at a time, nor to be ridden around town to run errands.
At least not a sport tourer like the Honda ST.
It waits patiently in the garage, thinking of the next long ride. I open the door and look at it, and it looks back. Its spirit awakens, like a resting dog lifting its head up off the floor, analyzing my every move.
Some people prefer to dig their roots down deep, build a home and settle into their community. Others are just transitory, looking and waiting for the right moment to start their lives. And then some of us just keep moving on.
We build a dam to hold back the water to create something that will sustain ourselves for a lifetime. It's a continuous job of checking for cracks, patching holes, upgrading equipment, and managing people. And even when you've done your best, the water level rises and you just can't hold it back any longer.
And then, I just want to ride away.
I don my jacket, pick up my helmet, and I can feel that motorcycle connecting with me already. The engine fires up with a sense of resolution that I'll solve these problems once more.
Ah! A freeway never felt so good.
Weaving in and out of traffic, as fast as I can, with no particular direction other than to get out, I can feel the pressure lifting.
Phoenix? Too hot.
Las Vegas? Too much trouble.
Santa Barbara? Too expensive.
Big cities are good for blending into the background. Small towns seem pretty, but everyone knows you. I'm not sure where, just listen to my heart and see what the road brings.
I never intended to cause trouble or pain for anyone. I only wanted to live, love, and laugh. But each of us have dirty laundry, sharing our lives with others always seems to end up hurting someone.
I've heard it said that, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions", yet I can always jump on my motorcycle and find another road.
Motorcycles were never intended to sit idle for lengths at a time, nor to be ridden around town to run errands.
A vagabond who hauls a motorcycle around the country in a toy hauler, earning a living as a website developer. Can often be found where there's free Wi-Fi, craft beer, and/or public nudity. 
Steve, something is bothering you, just let it out on the blog, it's the best way to clear the conscience.
ReplyDeleteSteve,
ReplyDeleteIt's the best place to think. When you've got the open road, scenery and time, you can figure your way through most of life's problems. Or forget them. Getting on the bike is cleansing, sometimes almost so much that it's hard to go back to life when you wind up back at your door.
Brady
Behind Bars - Motorcycles and Life
http://www.behindbarsmotorcycle.com/
Hi Steve, I am with George on this, you are kind of tellin only half the story, good story so far though.
ReplyDelete"I never intended to cause trouble or pain for anyone. I only wanted to live, love, and laugh. But each of us have dirty laundry, sharing our lives with others always seems to end up hurting someone."
ReplyDeleteSteve, the agony in your words I know well. I've been riding a parallel path for far too long, and hear the echo of my own life in your words.
Too often The "Hurting someone" is ourselves, because we live to meet the expectations for our lives of those "Someones" who claim injury if we don't... and so we butcher our own dreams and aspirations, trying to do the impossible; Trying to be someone else, and NOT who we are.
Steve my friend, weigh the burdens placed on you by "Others" and see if they are legitimate, or if they truly, are the attempts of "others" to claim ownership, of your life.
It doesn't lessen the pain, but understanding the source can help to endure it.
Take Care My Friend.
Does anyone know if Steve is OK? He's not commented anywhere for too long
ReplyDeleteYea, I'm kind of waiting for the next report, I hope everything turned out good.
ReplyDeleteJust joined this blog and emailed Steve. He's here in San Diego and sounds like he's OK, just busy.
ReplyDeleteI guess we've all been there, right?
I do like to see the concern of the other MC enthusiasts here.
Let's see if we can get him out from behind a desk and back behind bars. Handlebars.
Dan