Monday, July 23, 2012

and on the road.

This weekend, in contrast, we had on probably too much clothing for the weather. Saturday after dinner we took a short run for an errand, which had us chancing upon a hot rod show. No interest on my part, but at least we kept moving up and down the rows and didn't have to actually stop and talk to anyone. We drove back to my house under gathering clouds of a storm that hit later in the evening.
The next day, we took a more meandering route, over a neat old covered bridge. It was a warm day, but cooler once we got into the mountains. I have to say that even though I prefer back roads to highways, it still scares the bejeebers out of me. I look over his shoulder at the speedometer and say things to myself (in my usual demure way) like, "65! Fuck!" I especially hate the part where he leans into curves and I envision my broken body skittering across the pavement. Yeah, so I'm not a total convert.
On our way in, we stopped at a gas station and while I was waiting outside by the bike, this old guy walked up to me and started speaking to me in what could only be another language. Something about gears and brakes being reversed and 650s and CCs and other incomprehensible things. And as I was nodding my head idiotically and saying, "Uh huh," I got the insane urge to pull my older son's trick of yelling all my answers like rapper Lil Jon, "YE-AH! WHAT?! O-KAAY!"
But once we hit the gravel road into the park, we slowed down and the ride became leisurely. In fact, after one stop, we decided to ditch the jackets until we got back to the paved rode. Under that heavy armored jacket, I was wearing a yoga top because of the heat. With my helmet on top of narrow bare arms and shoulders, my shadow reminded me of one of those bobblehead dolls.
Midway around the loop, we parked and climbed down to the creek. See my helmet?  I added a peace sign on the back, so it looks a little more like me. When I showed my friend he laughed and shook his head. I think my pacifist ways baffle him as much as his more aggressive approach to the world baffles me.
In these ancient mountains, it is like stepping back in time. Everything is soft and worn, cloaked in moss and blanketed in mist.
We stayed for a while, just talking and watching the creek roll by. Well, I sat still anyway.  Some of us are a little more distractible and had to get up and skip stones into the water. But we were hungry and left to find a place to eat. I spotted a restaurant and we pulled in and got a table overlooking the creek.
And then home again. People keep telling me I will want to learn to drive a motorcycle myself. Let me tell you clearly - no, I will not. Ever. They freak me out. I question my own sanity for even getting on the back of one.

39 comments:

  1. I love the peace sign on the helmet. I can visualize the bobble head thing too.

    I want that rock!

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    1. Isn't that a great rock? I brought it home and it's on my bedside table now.

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  2. I tried to ride on the back of my brother's motorcycle. It was not easy or comfortable. I have some amazing respect for you!

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    1. Really? I find it surprisingly comfortable. But maybe it depends on what sort of seat the bike has?

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  3. Beautiful story and photos. I'm always drawn to covered bridges. Glad your weekend was fun.

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    1. I love covered bridges and they are disappearing. It's a shame. And thanks.

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  4. Welcome!
    Do you run a fantastic blog.
    I love it.
    Photos of beautiful, very interesting.
    Lucy-Maria

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    1. Welcome to you, too!

      And do I? Must be the photos of beautiful that make it a fantastic blog.

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  5. woot...nice on the found heart....looks like great trip...i love the perspective on your shots....

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    1. Thanks! I have to admit, the photos are sometimes what drive the posts.

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  6. Easier said than done I know, but perhaps you have to learn to relax a bit and just enjoy the excitement of the ride rather than always fearing catastrophe? (says he, the veteran of a single motorbike ride decades ago)

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  7. Wouldn't catch me on a bike, no way!

    He probably likes the leg squeezing methinks. :)

    Great shot BTW. :)

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  8. Happy you are enjoying your summer!

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  9. That creek is just beautiful.

    As a younger person, I don't think I understood how those differences (loving the bike & loving the biker, more aggressive & less aggressive) could actually make a relationship more balanced. Nowadays, I get it.

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    1. I guess finding your clone isn't necessarily the answer.

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  10. I like these shots... your shadow over the blurred road, the rear mirror reflection,etc. mixed with the places you traveled to. They tell a wonderful story even without words. But I liked that part too.
    Your relationship is sounding more comfortable all the time.

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  11. I'm with you about learning to ride a motorcycle, they scare me. Love the pics, especially the cute bridge and your helmet.

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  12. Beautiful area. But I hated riding on the back of motorcycles for the most part as well. I did enjoy the smells that you don't get in a vehicle, but hated not having any control. I don't think I'd ever want to drive one on a highway, but it was kind of fun off road. I would close my eyes when we drove at night, and hold on tight with my head ducked behind his....just hoping to get home soon, safe and sound.

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  13. Cooling your feet in a mountain stream - that's nice

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  14. I can't ride a bike, either, and I think it's kinda scary. I'm okay with others riding bikes, though

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    1. I actually don't give a lot of thought to what others ride as long as they aren't darting out in front of me.

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  15. I'm so glad that you've changed your perspective about the glory of the open road. When you ride, you don't ride through the countryside, you become PART of the countryside...:-)

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    1. I suppose. But I'm not sure I have changed my perspective completely.

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  16. Looks like a lovely ride. I love the covered bridge. I think that maybe on a deserted road I would love to go for a ride on a motorcycle. Those lean in curves would freak me out! I hate the motorcycles on our freeways.

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    1. I don't mind motorcycles on the freeways if they are careful and the car drivers around them are paying attention.

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  17. Be one with the bike, Grasshopper... Seriously, glad for the caution when you got to the gravel--road bikes get downright squirrely off the pavement. What a great, intimate way to see the land. I assume you know Pirsig's Zen approach to bikes?

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  18. I think love would be the only thing getting me and keeping me on one too. But wow, the destinations you visited were beautiful!

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  19. I share your feelings and thoughts on motorcycles; I could get on board, literally, but in limited fashion.

    The pacifist versus aggressive world views/reaction styles would be a tough one to overcome, as I picture it in a primary relationship. Mulling over that one now.

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  20. Motorcycling around is my favorite thing to do. So much easier to park,just to feel the wind blow on your face and feel the freedom, and the view around you, makes it a wonderful experience. Always good to ride in groups but driving alone makes it more personal. Glad you enjoy it with your friend :)

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    1. I enjoyed it with him, but still, truly not my thing.

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