I almost forgot...

November 7, 2010 - February 19, 2011

104 days

I'd forgotten just how much I enjoy it, want it and need it.

Sitting in the garage like a forgotten child covered in dust, used as a storage shelf, this was my baby and I'd thought about selling her, saying to hell with it, changing my direction.

But...

This 749 pound chunk of metal made up of hundreds and hundreds of parts that with the push of a button begins to rumble. One twist of the grip makes it roar and it all comes back, the memories of the first ride, the friends you've made over the years, those special times when your destination was "out there", no plans, no schedule, no one waiting for that report.

Yesterday was that day.

Three out and three back, idle down the drive, out over the hump of sand that they blade in my drive, first then second, get the feel for riding on a sand road once again, up to the corner, and by the neighbors that give that look of "I want that" as I rode by, yes it's coming back. Hit third and I'm at 45, I'm sure it's too fast for the road, but it's something I've done a hundred times, next stop, Kellogg, watch the sand on the road when turning. There's a truck coming up on me and I can't let it pass me, first, second, third, forth I'm at 90, hitting that final gear I'm at 105 and climbing, 115 when I need to start shutting down to make the turn at Andale Road, next stop the empty Fire Station.

Take a couple pictures, bask in the feeling of being free if just for a moment.

Yes, this is what I've been missing, this is what I needed, remember all the rides last year, the poker runs, the 5 state run, the breakfast's, blowing by a group at 110, that feeling you get coming over the top of a hill, look ma no hands, staggered in a group, who's taking the lead, next stop, looking in the mirror, the things you see, the feeling of cool air on a 100 degree day when you ride through the trees, the smell of the air, the stench of death in the ditch, being pelted by rain, the laughing, mines faster than yours, did you see that, if you see it on a trailer call 911, which sunglasses should I wear today, fast hair, squint, the shirts, packing for hot weather, packing for cold weather, packing for rain, packing for all three, the new places to stop, the long list of firsts that come with being "out there".

749 pounds of iron. Who knew it could do so much.

Fast hair and a smile feels good on me.