Leaning comfortably into the turns, breeze streaming through our long hair, we wind our way into the mountains, into the evening, alive with the two-wheeled freedom of the open road, not counting days, not keeping track. We’re just feet up and rolling – free!
We glide between alternating shadow and light, as the sun reveals itself, from time to time, warming us from between the peaks, as it begins to settle behind the western slope of the Rockies.
Four friends who’ve shed the structured mantle of life, to venture into the random, the unknown — to embrace the magnificent perfection of living in, and for, the moment.
Up out of Boulder, down into Dream Canyon we scramble, each rider alternately surging to the front of the pack — enjoying the thrill of the throttle! Flying, without leaving the ground.
Down we sail, twisting along the asphalt as it snakes its way. Upcoming curves often hidden from view, disappearing behind the rise of a slope. Mountain peaks soar, enfolded in clouds, that roll snd tumble through the brilliant blue sky.
We charge onward, transfixed by the wonders surrounding us, filled with an exhilarating touch of danger, to season this awesome excitement of discovery!
It’s five decades since those days of freedom. My days are not so carefree now. I’m rooted in responsibility, balancing the blessings and the burdens of life — bent by the yoke of worry, made heavy by the weight of loss.
I now lean into life, feet firmly planted, braced against the changing winds of time and fate. Yet, occasionally, I still feel that longing for freedom stir, feel that 4-cycle vibration beneath me, feel that breeze on my face, once more tossing my youthful mane.
A smile nudges its way onto my face, coaxed by those memories of freedom — of potent, visceral friendship. Someday, before it is too late, I would love one last time, to lift my feet, roll that throttle, and race toward that far horizon.
handgrips cleaned — tire pressure checked
the highway beckons
Hi! I’m Edgrrr, rob’s shih tzu.
I’ve been on a motorcycle just once, and dumb me burned the back of my leg. But before that part – yeah, bliss. I hope you get a little time to savor a good ride again.
Yes, Rommy, gotta watch those pipes – thats why I wear heavy denim and leather boots. But wow, the sense of freedom, of flying, is absolutely addictive when ridong in open country. The mountains, the Pacific Coast Highway, the high desert, the Columbia Gorge, red rock country, giant redwoods – so mant incredible places out here in the west and northwest. Never in crowded metropolitan areas. Motorcycles are freedom machines when used properly! 🙂
I know exactly what you’re sayin’ bro.
Feet up and rollin’ Tim!
The lure of the open road – what an adventure that must have been. I can see why you might dream of recapturing that freedom……what wonderful memories.
They enfold my heart in pure joy Sherry, until the day I evolve to whatever phase of energy comes next for me! 🙂
I enjoyed this motorcycle ride with you, Rob. It’s been such a long time since I was on a motorbike – the 1970s, in fact! It brought back some happy memories, especially the breeze streaming through long hair. I love this paragraph:
‘We glide between alternating shadow and light, as the sun reveals itself, from time to time, warming us from between the peaks, as it begins to settle behind the western slope of the Rockies.’
Your haibun has such a feeling of freedom – until the final paragraphs, which is where I am now too!
It was great having you ride with us Kim! You roll that throttle damned well… 🙂
I have never been on a motorbike… the freedom I can understand though, going downhill on a bicycle can give me those thrills, and I can totally understand it… you make me want to go for a long rolling ride.
Glad this resonated for you Björn! I rode a 1,000 cc cafe type machine. Racing along enwrapped in the gyroscopically balanced momentum of that type of motorcycle is pure adrenaline, it’s exhilaratingly euphoric! It’s as close to flying as one can get while remaining earthbound. I miss it so fucking much!!
There is such a sense of freedom on a motorcycle and you capture it so well here Rob.
Yes there is Linda, and I am glad you felt this did justice to the experience — thank you!
There is a lot of difference in a motorcycle and a motorbike, hey? I liked this trip with you so much. I had a couple of friends that had a BMW and a Ducati. Such fun! You captured the joy of this so well.
All the difference in the world Toni. Those are two exceptional motorcycle brands you mention. I rode a 1,000 cc Interceptor cafe type, modified for endurance. Used constant-tensioned, quick-transfer, perma-lubed carbon alloy chain. Featured dual caliper disc brakes front and back, using perf-cooled tempered stainless steel rotors, and dual calipers – had twin discs in the front. Capable of over 180mph, was gyroscopically balanced for perfect neutral handling in the “twisties”, and could stop on a dime. I LLLOOOOVED THAT CYCLE!! I couldn’t handle it these days with my health, my bad feet won’t allow me to hold the bike up properly when stopped. I have been fantasizing about a CanAm Spyder.
It sounds like a wonderful journey. Thank you for sharing it!
It was amazing, and you are welcome cie!
Ah, tossing that youthful mane…. I kind of experience horse back riding, but the speed you get with a motorcycle… and of course the carefreeness of youth – before the weight of sorrow and loss and responsibility is upon our shoulders to carry…
But to rent a bike or whatever and take it maybe a wee bit slower – I don’t see why not! Do it before it is too late!
My wife’s family owned horses, and she rode English and jumped in competition before I met her. She still rides occasionally. Her sister manages the extensive Columbus Ohio horse stables of billionaire, Les Wexner, the founder and owner of Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works. Ironically, I am terrified of horses Margaret. When younger and healthy, I was fully confident in control of a steel stallion charging down the highway in excess of 100mph, or at least, over the years I embedded that illusion into my psyche. But a horse has a mind of its own, and having never ridden or interacted with horses, I don’t have that dominance mastered. My wife is brilliant with horses, all animals really — it’s her nature. As I commented in response to Toni, I continue to fantasize about a CanAm Spyder. I have test ridden one and know I would love it. The tri-wheel design eliminates the need to balance it when stopped.
Gentleman, start that engine!
Vroom vroom!! We have ignition Helen… 🙂
Oh, I remember those days of riding on a motorcycle with my husband. Freedom felt like wind, and miles of open road. Thanks for the motorcycle ride down memory lane.
You are welcome Susie! 🙂 FEET UP!