Seven Reasons for a Quick Motorcycle Ride
As if one needs a reason to be in the saddle.
Who is that Doggy in the Window?
Window Stopping?
Ever go window hunting? It’s exactly what it sounds like; scoping out some mirrored glass so you can behold the coolness that is you, when on your bike. No?
Allow me to be the first to call BS!
Even if you weren’t specifically searching for your reflection, you will admit to looking too long at yourself emblazoned upon the side of a passing tanker truck or painted serenely in the shininess of a new panel van. Gazing glorious at your moving picture doesn’t mean you’re a narcissist. So, grin wide and long, the next time you see yourself displayed in reflection atop your steed. Just don’t look too long and eat a bumper because you’ve fallen in love.
Never Know What You’re Going to See
So there I was, minding my own business while slowing for a stop sign. In the distance a train whistle blew, sounding far too close to be any choo choo I’d ever seen near the middle of downtown. Sure, I’d noticed those tracks all my life, assuming they were relics from a bygone era of trollies and carriages.
What to do?
I did what any good motorcyclist should, when a train is in the middle of the road. I rode next to him. I just wanted to ride close, giving a nod to the conductor like a kid.
Typical California Planning
Leave it to Cali logic to allow a train to cut through the city’s heart. From entry to exit, the “Loco”-motive meandered for about a mile before making its exit. How stupid. That said, careers in city planning aren’t exactly a childhood dream.
After riding beside the beast, I was greeted with this wonderful view, necessitating a quick exit, with a lot of random turns.
Visalia’s finest, just sitting there waiting for some fool to roll beside a moving train, right into his sights. Thank God he wasn’t in a bad mood, hunting me down for an easy citation.
To Explore, and Nothing More
You never know what you’re going to see when riding. This muscle car was pretty, but what is it? Not being a classic car expert, my best guess is a Dodge Challenger, but I’m surely wrong. Feel free to correct me with the right make, model and year.
This might look like a typical parking garage, but don’t be fooled. For we jockeys-O-steel it’s a sound chamber of symphonic wonder, transforming our exhaust into a gurgling, rumbling grand solo for the ages!
Having mounted the structure, I captured this view.
Should I have backed Olga into the elevator, just to see the look on somebody’s face when I idled out at the bottom? Perhaps. On second thought, with city hall just one street over, it was too likely I’d be greeted by a badge when green doors parted. Having narrowly avoided arrest earlier, I didn’t roll the dice.
If I Would Have Driven, This is What Could Have Happened
I swear, all I did was look at him, and only for a second. Happiness, thy name is not whatever his name is. I’m guessing his parents named him Stacy. And why the peace symbol on the gas tank hatch? Perhaps “Piece” is the name of his almost car.
Again, I looked at her for a second. Since I had my camera rolling, I didn’t have to take a still photo, a thing that surely would have ejected her coffee on me.
At least she’s sporting custom rims on that bad-boy, adding five miles per hour to her top speed. Judging by the look on her face, what do you think her mind was saying? “Nice bike” ?
Out and About is Best Done on a Bike
These are just some of the things my little 45 minute jaunt gave me, transforming my normal morning into one to remember. Had I decided I didn’t want to gear up and go, my day would have begun like any other. There’s nothing wrong with that, but beginning with a ride changed everything.
As I said before, I’m pretty easy to please, as dudes go. Things that make me smile are plentiful, like the water tower on my right or riding under a decorative bridge. Walking by those things would be enjoyable, but not like experiencing them with throttle in hand. It’s the difference between Ireland on T.V. and actually going there.
Didn’t You Say “Seven Reasons?”
Yep, so here you go.
- Your reflection is better on a bike.
- Trains to inspect on the roll.
- To experience Copley mercy.
- Because you’re not dead yet.
- Because, why else do you have a bike?
- Go because “Stacy” thinks you shouldn’t.
- Because windows for rides close more easily than they open.
Until next time, don’t lean low on brand new tires, keep searching for the perfect shifts and ride like you mean it. Peace in, as you were, that is all.
