Southern California is an idyllic setting for motorcycle riding. The weather is temperate and seldom wet. There are many windy, twisty roads -- paved
and unpaved -- for added excitement and skill-honing. The vistas are pleasing and plentiful. Microclimates ensure that even a short jaunt
will take you through diverse terrain.
It made sense, then, that after we moved to Southern California, my husband Jean-Guy
took up motorcycle riding. When in Rome.
Recently, he purchased a new bike, suitable for both on-road and off-road
adventures. This particular bike has
already seen some adventures, having been ridden through Mexico, Guatemala, Belize
& Honduras by an intrepid young woman, now heading into the Peace Corps.
She showed us the extra panniers and holders she’d crafted for her
adventures.
“This holds extra gas,” she
said pointing at different canisters. “Gas,
gas, gas, wine.”
It was with a certain pride that we took over the stewardship of this
special bike. Upon taking it home, Jean-Guy
immediately treated it to a fresh oil change and filter. We photographed the bejesus out of it.
It made my heart sing to witness the joy on Jean-Guy’s face, every time he
rode it.
This Saturday, he surprised me. He invited
me to join him on a jaunt.
We suited up in various layers of protective garments -- padded leggings and
specialty jackets, boots, gloves and the all-important helmets.
“Dress for the fall, not
the ride,” he intoned.
This didn’t diminish my excitement.
In fact, I was so tickled, I had to de-suit for an extra pee, then
bundle up again.
Jean-Guy gave me a quick instructional chat about the bike, riding, hand
signals and whatnot.
“On
turns, I’m going to lean,” he explained.
“Don’t you lean. Just turn your
head in the direction of the turn.”
Jean-Guy double checked the mechanics and verified that the first aid kit
was onboard. (It is not without reason that, in our household, he is known as ‘Captain
Safety’).
He climbed aboard the bike, started it, and invited me to join on behind
him.
I put my left foot on the back peg, hoisted my right leg over as if mounting
a horse and wrapped my arms around my husband’s hips.
He checked that I was ready, then revved the accelerator. We were off!
Before I knew it, we were riding through vistas reminiscent of any Western
movie you’ve seen -- dried grasses, sandy boulders, dramatic hills. It was a glorious day, blue sky dappled with
occasional clouds.
We were off on a Frolic, for heaven's sake! An unexpected frolic! One I hadn't planned or even anticipated!
Oh the pleasure of doing something fun -- just for fun's sake. And
one the spontaneously manifested in the middle of my Saturday morning?
Even better.
In fact, it was so much fun, we ventured off on another jaunt on Sunday.
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| Me & the bike after our Unexpected Frolic |
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What about you? When was the last time you found yourself in the
middle of an unexpected frolic? Message me or leave a comment below.
