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.
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