A musing inspired by something BigDave said:
The thrill:
A long long time ago in a place far away, I was travelling down a big empty Roman road, on board the mighty FJ1200, laden to the gunnels with the bride and touring luggage.
In my mirror I could see a headlight coming up fast, followed by a cloud of blue and white smoke, a sure sign I was being hunted down by a two stroke of some design. As he drew closer I could see that he was two up and both riders were prone so on a whim I lay on the tank and the bride followed suit, exceptional pillion that she is.
We played for a while side by side, pretending that we too were on the limit, the smokers pilot and pillion both looking my way, laughing and a gesturing, slowly the Rg250 (for that's what it was) pulled a wheel or so ahead and the kid flicked me the fingers, for in his world he was owning a bike four times the capacity of his own and bloody well enjoying it.
I drew level once more as he lay flatter and wrung the life out of the throttle, his little motor screamed in pain as I sat up behind the protection of my big fairing and gestured towards the finger and thumb that rested gently on my throttle.
His eyes widened and the smile abated as he tried to figure out what I was doing as I gently twisted the throttle about, ooh, half an inch or so.
In the blink of an eye the old Fj squatted a little,the front end stood tall and proud, the well defined trees turned to a greenish blur and the horizon was reeled in faster than than my mind could cope with.
The Rg's light was just a pin prick away in the distance now, both riders had sat up and given up, for today they messed with an FJ on song and on fire.
What's that officer? was I bad? yes, yes I was. Would I do it again? No, Never, did it feel good? you fugkin betcha!
Judging me yet?
The Joy:
Open up the garage door nice and early like, thumb the starter and listen as the engine beats beneath you. Head out on the dry roads as the sun warms your back, feel the heart of your bike thud away as the miles drift on by. Speed limits? I doubt I'll see one today, no need, I am at one with my ride, the trees have chisel sharp edges, the sun glistens on the sea and the smell, oh the smell of the road, the rubber, the blossom, the smell of pure unadulterated freedom that is mine and mine alone. I shall go where I want and I shall stop where I want, pass me by you speedsters three I don't care it's just the bike and me, man and machine in the zone, godzone to be persact, the world can wait on me for a change.
What's that Officer? was I bad, nope. Would I do it again? in a heart beat, Did it feel good? you fuggin betcha!
Do I have a point? well yeah I do, I guess. Anyone riding a bike is getting their jollies, each in there own way, I don't give a flying fuck what you ride and I don't stand in judgment if you ride like a nanna or faster than me. If you see me on a group ride I'll be in the middle or out back, once in a while I'll maybe take the front and get us all lost, don't worry I won't be there long. I'm just me, having a ball on the road no matter what zone I'm in, just like you.
I ride as safe as I can and as slow as I want to, if you don't endanger anyone else your all right by me, live and let live I say, stop slaggin each others choices off and suck the life in while you still can.
Enjoy and be safe whoever you are and whatever you ride.![]()
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