Today's moment came early in the day. That being said, as I write this, I realize that the rest of the day was filled with many small beautiful moments. I can't help but share them briefly before sharing the early day moment.
Travelling from Barstow to Vegas, EQ and I stopped on our way into the bright lights and glamour of the city to appreciate and hike the raw beauty of the Mojave desert. When we later arrived in Vegas, we rode the strip. So much fun to do so on the back of EQ's bike. How wonderful to reflect upon a day that started out in the raw natural beauty and ending up in one of the busiest cities in the country.
But the moment I want to dig deeper into is the one that came just before we left our hotel in Barstow. Last night EQ and I met a couple from Montreal who were also riding a bike for their vacation. When we were getting ready to leave this morning, the two of them were also getting ready to leave.
Jacques was 74 and was riding a big Harley that made his younger girlfriend nervous. Jenni, who isn't retired yet, opened up a lot about her concern over how large Jacques' bike was. Thus began a conversation about how big EQ's bike was (it's quite a bit bigger).
Jacques was quite enamoured with EQ's bike wanted his photo taken with EQ's bike and so, we strolled over to Diana. And as we neared, EQ decided that he would not only oblige the photo, he would give Jacques a lesson on how to better handle a heavy bike.
I watched as EQ instructed Jacques how to mount the bike, and then how to balance the bike between his legs, flat footed instead of using his arms. I watched as Jacques began to understand this method. Jenni, all the while, snapped photos.
The couple from Montreal were both filled with huge smiles and laughter as we rode off to breakfast. It was a special moment because not only did we make this couple's day, we also made their lives a little safer. I love that EQ was able to kill two birds with one stone.
Moments meeting strangers and sharing insights.
Moments knowing that the world is a little safer.
Showing posts with label motorcycle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motorcycle. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
Moments D504: Riding partner
Today was the exciting beginning of a new adventure. In the days ahead, we have ~1500-1700 miles to ride through California and Nevada, all on the back of a Honda Valkryie. (Here is the story about the name of the bike too!)
Now, I've been on the back of a bike twice before. Once in my early twenties on the back of a "crotch rocket", I believe it was a Ninja and then only this past summer on a friends new Triumph. Neither moment was I on the back of the bike for any length of time, both were just quick joy rides.
When I arrived in California, I had my first (what I'd like to think anyway) "real" bike ride as we rode from the airport home on the bike. It was a 60 minute ride. In the dark. The next day, we rode over the Ortega highway and that was definitely a lesson on how to be a riding partner. So, while the thought of a big bike ride through California was an exciting idea, I was definitely nervous at its length! Was I really ready for the 1500+ mile trek? The days to come will reveal that, but today, today, I was a super-star! (If I do say so myself!)
Our trip today was 270 miles. We started out in the hot, hot sun and were in shorts and t-shirts. We rode through Chumash and were happy to stop and take a break from the sun and enjoy a vista and a quick meeting, but by the time we rode into Morro Bay the weather had shifted pretty significantly. The sun was lost behind the fog tickling the road and hills that we passed through. While incredibly beautiful and inspiring to ride through, the temperature had dropped significantly and even with layered clothes we were both quite chilled by the time we rode into the beautiful Morro Bay area.
With hands of ice and a chatter behind my teeth (hey - I figure it's good training for Tough Mudder!), I looked at EQ and asked him if I made a good riding partner. His huge smile and warm hug said it all. My moment today, is knowing that I've come a long way since the first "real" ride on the bike. I'm much more comfortable on the back of "Diana" now than ever and I'm sure that in the coming days it's only going to get easier and more comfortable.
Moments realizing that I really enjoy being out in the elements.
Moments feeling the growth of self.
Now, I've been on the back of a bike twice before. Once in my early twenties on the back of a "crotch rocket", I believe it was a Ninja and then only this past summer on a friends new Triumph. Neither moment was I on the back of the bike for any length of time, both were just quick joy rides.
When I arrived in California, I had my first (what I'd like to think anyway) "real" bike ride as we rode from the airport home on the bike. It was a 60 minute ride. In the dark. The next day, we rode over the Ortega highway and that was definitely a lesson on how to be a riding partner. So, while the thought of a big bike ride through California was an exciting idea, I was definitely nervous at its length! Was I really ready for the 1500+ mile trek? The days to come will reveal that, but today, today, I was a super-star! (If I do say so myself!)
Our trip today was 270 miles. We started out in the hot, hot sun and were in shorts and t-shirts. We rode through Chumash and were happy to stop and take a break from the sun and enjoy a vista and a quick meeting, but by the time we rode into Morro Bay the weather had shifted pretty significantly. The sun was lost behind the fog tickling the road and hills that we passed through. While incredibly beautiful and inspiring to ride through, the temperature had dropped significantly and even with layered clothes we were both quite chilled by the time we rode into the beautiful Morro Bay area.
With hands of ice and a chatter behind my teeth (hey - I figure it's good training for Tough Mudder!), I looked at EQ and asked him if I made a good riding partner. His huge smile and warm hug said it all. My moment today, is knowing that I've come a long way since the first "real" ride on the bike. I'm much more comfortable on the back of "Diana" now than ever and I'm sure that in the coming days it's only going to get easier and more comfortable.
Moments realizing that I really enjoy being out in the elements.
Moments feeling the growth of self.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Moments D499: Sunsets and Synchronicity
Today was a pretty incredible day. First, I met a lot of new people and was welcomed into a whole new world. And then EQ & I tried to escape the 105F temperature by hopping on his bike and heading over the mountains to the ocean.
We failed.
It was just as hot there! After walking through a small farmer's market, we stopped for a horchata as I had never had one before. We paused for awhile to enjoy our horchata at a shaded table. It was absolutely delightful and a great way to spend watching the sun get lower in the sky.
Around 4pm we made our way to the beach near Dana Point. There I played in the waves for a bit and then EQ and I lay on the beach with our backs to the sun. There we chatted about life, love and what's to come. A beautiful moment in its own right. But as the sun set and we began to hunger for some dinner, EQ reached out to a dear friend of his that lives in the area. This is where it gets really good.
We headed our way to the area's well known (it's been in business since 1939!) cafe for dinner. Harbor House Cafe. Just as we arrived to the restaurant, EQ sent a text to his friend. Within seconds he had a response: "See you in 10 minutes." Smiles all around. Talk about great timing! Not only having connected, but for his friend to have the time to meet up with us for dinner!
Within 5 minutes, one of his dearest friends walked in the door and sat with us and introductions were made. Shortly into our conversation, we found out that EQ had been invited to a house warming party for his friend and his girlfriend`s new home this coming weekend. This was news to EQ, even though the invitation had been sent over a month ago! Done. We were going. No doubt about it!
Talk about synchronicity! Had we not met up with his friend, we never would have known about the house warming party. AMAZING! A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!
Twenty minutes later, the girlfriend joined us, dinner and more laughter ensued. It was such a wonderful evening. Watching the sunset with the man I love, then meeting one of his dearest friends (and his girlfriend) and knowing that all of this culminated in not missing out on an important milestone between friends (the house warming). Incredible how things just fall into place sometimes!
Moments enjoying a sunset.
Moments meeting new friends and finding synchronicity!
We failed.
It was just as hot there! After walking through a small farmer's market, we stopped for a horchata as I had never had one before. We paused for awhile to enjoy our horchata at a shaded table. It was absolutely delightful and a great way to spend watching the sun get lower in the sky.
Around 4pm we made our way to the beach near Dana Point. There I played in the waves for a bit and then EQ and I lay on the beach with our backs to the sun. There we chatted about life, love and what's to come. A beautiful moment in its own right. But as the sun set and we began to hunger for some dinner, EQ reached out to a dear friend of his that lives in the area. This is where it gets really good.
We headed our way to the area's well known (it's been in business since 1939!) cafe for dinner. Harbor House Cafe. Just as we arrived to the restaurant, EQ sent a text to his friend. Within seconds he had a response: "See you in 10 minutes." Smiles all around. Talk about great timing! Not only having connected, but for his friend to have the time to meet up with us for dinner!
Within 5 minutes, one of his dearest friends walked in the door and sat with us and introductions were made. Shortly into our conversation, we found out that EQ had been invited to a house warming party for his friend and his girlfriend`s new home this coming weekend. This was news to EQ, even though the invitation had been sent over a month ago! Done. We were going. No doubt about it!
Talk about synchronicity! Had we not met up with his friend, we never would have known about the house warming party. AMAZING! A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!
Twenty minutes later, the girlfriend joined us, dinner and more laughter ensued. It was such a wonderful evening. Watching the sunset with the man I love, then meeting one of his dearest friends (and his girlfriend) and knowing that all of this culminated in not missing out on an important milestone between friends (the house warming). Incredible how things just fall into place sometimes!
Moments enjoying a sunset.
Moments meeting new friends and finding synchronicity!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Moments D498: Riding in the dark
Today was a travel day. A day to say goodbye to Milwaukee, I found myself wishing we had more time to explore the pretty city of Milwaukee! With only a brief tour of Milwaukee, but it looks quite beautiful.
Today was also a day to say hello to California! Our travels from Milwaukee to California were thankfully uneventful and we managed to sit beside one another on both flights. (A big bonus since we weren't sure that would happen!)
After a couple of movies, we found ourselves at the John Wayne airport in Santa Ana and we were packing the trailer on EQ's bike. Now, for a gal that's only been on the back of a bike twice before, and for very short rides, this was a new adventure in its own right and its the moment I share with you today.
Within a few minutes we were on our way to EQ's home. I've never been on a bike at night. It was quite interesting. The lights, the smells, the mini changes in the temperature of the air enveloping us. Incredible. The one moment that really sticks with me is as we were heading to the highway home. As we entered the on ramp there was a flock of birds (late to rest for the day) that flew above us. It was incredible to see it all out in the open and watch them on their path without a roof above me as we sped past.
After 50-60 minutes of riding, I was feeling a lot more confident on the back of the bike. Good thing considering we'll be travelling up the coast in a few days!
Moments enjoying a new experience.
Moments pausing on the back of a powerful bike to enjoy the softness of nature around me.
What I look forward to? Is seeing Milwaukee nights:
After a couple of movies, we found ourselves at the John Wayne airport in Santa Ana and we were packing the trailer on EQ's bike. Now, for a gal that's only been on the back of a bike twice before, and for very short rides, this was a new adventure in its own right and its the moment I share with you today.
Within a few minutes we were on our way to EQ's home. I've never been on a bike at night. It was quite interesting. The lights, the smells, the mini changes in the temperature of the air enveloping us. Incredible. The one moment that really sticks with me is as we were heading to the highway home. As we entered the on ramp there was a flock of birds (late to rest for the day) that flew above us. It was incredible to see it all out in the open and watch them on their path without a roof above me as we sped past.
After 50-60 minutes of riding, I was feeling a lot more confident on the back of the bike. Good thing considering we'll be travelling up the coast in a few days!
Moments enjoying a new experience.
Moments pausing on the back of a powerful bike to enjoy the softness of nature around me.
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