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.
Showing posts with label road trip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label road trip. Show all posts
Monday, September 9, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Moments D455: Road Trips
Okay, okay. I admit, it wasn't really a road trip. What it was, was an hour and twenty minutes in rush hour traffic, but, hey, it had the atmosphere of a road trip. We bonded like it was a road trip, can't I pretend that it was a road trip?
This evening after work a colleague of mine and I headed North out of the city to do a corporate photo shoot of portraits for the start-up company I've been consulting with. With ten people attending, it was important that Chica and I showed up on time and ready for the photo shoot. And so we left work on time, which, coincidentally was just in time to hit rush hour traffic.
A trip that should take about 30 minutes took us 80 minutes. Insane, I know. People do this commute every day. I don't know how they keep their sanity. Me, I like rolling out of bed knowing I'm only 20 minutes away, worst case, in rush hour. But I digress.
Chica and I explored some big life questions and philosophies while we were stuck on the parkway. Though we weren't driving very fast (real road trips mean covering serious countryside by my definition!), it was very reminiscent of a road trip for me. Initially we had the tunes rocking out, but the conversation turned serious and deep, so the tunes were turned down so we could focus on the words being shared. It's these types of moments I love best. Don't get me wrong, I love to sing at the top of my lungs to my favourite songs on a road trip, but it's the meandering conversations that are my first love of road trips.
During our time together I realized that this lovely woman had more depth I was aware. I love being surprised! (though thinking upon it now I shouldn't have been surprised!). I've known Chica for over a year now and I respect her more than most. With an amazing zeal for life and her ability to live large, she really is a breath of fresh air when she arrives at work. She's inspiring, she's full of energy, she's full of ideas and compliments and giggles. I respected and enjoyed her as the glorious light filled person she is before our "road trip". And then I spent over two hours (in two car rides) with her talking about life.
Why more incredible? There is depth. There is a mature understanding that comes with pains that have been processed giving her a more intelligent perspective on life. It's not all high energy and fun. There is real depth to her. The discussions were intense at times and silly at others. Very much road trip quality!
I love when you start to see someone in a new light. It almost always happens (for me) after a deep conversation about life. For me, one of two things occurs - they either shine more beautifully, or their shininess is dulled. Tonight, I came to respect and appreciate Chica a little more after our mini-road trip. She is shining much, much more beautifully to me. I am grateful for our paths to have crossed.
Moments filling time in rush hour.
Moments digging deeper with co-workers to find out they are a whole lot deeper than you were aware.
This evening after work a colleague of mine and I headed North out of the city to do a corporate photo shoot of portraits for the start-up company I've been consulting with. With ten people attending, it was important that Chica and I showed up on time and ready for the photo shoot. And so we left work on time, which, coincidentally was just in time to hit rush hour traffic.
A trip that should take about 30 minutes took us 80 minutes. Insane, I know. People do this commute every day. I don't know how they keep their sanity. Me, I like rolling out of bed knowing I'm only 20 minutes away, worst case, in rush hour. But I digress.
Chica and I explored some big life questions and philosophies while we were stuck on the parkway. Though we weren't driving very fast (real road trips mean covering serious countryside by my definition!), it was very reminiscent of a road trip for me. Initially we had the tunes rocking out, but the conversation turned serious and deep, so the tunes were turned down so we could focus on the words being shared. It's these types of moments I love best. Don't get me wrong, I love to sing at the top of my lungs to my favourite songs on a road trip, but it's the meandering conversations that are my first love of road trips.
During our time together I realized that this lovely woman had more depth I was aware. I love being surprised! (though thinking upon it now I shouldn't have been surprised!). I've known Chica for over a year now and I respect her more than most. With an amazing zeal for life and her ability to live large, she really is a breath of fresh air when she arrives at work. She's inspiring, she's full of energy, she's full of ideas and compliments and giggles. I respected and enjoyed her as the glorious light filled person she is before our "road trip". And then I spent over two hours (in two car rides) with her talking about life.
Why more incredible? There is depth. There is a mature understanding that comes with pains that have been processed giving her a more intelligent perspective on life. It's not all high energy and fun. There is real depth to her. The discussions were intense at times and silly at others. Very much road trip quality!
I love when you start to see someone in a new light. It almost always happens (for me) after a deep conversation about life. For me, one of two things occurs - they either shine more beautifully, or their shininess is dulled. Tonight, I came to respect and appreciate Chica a little more after our mini-road trip. She is shining much, much more beautifully to me. I am grateful for our paths to have crossed.
Moments filling time in rush hour.
Moments digging deeper with co-workers to find out they are a whole lot deeper than you were aware.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Moments D367: Memories
Today I headed to Haliburton after work to spend the weekend with one two of my besties. It is moving weekend!
Today’s moment is about celebrating road trips and that solo time spent pondering life. For me today’s 4+ hour trip seemed centered on memories and where I’ve been and dealt with since the last drive North.
Last time I made this trip, I ended up with a speeding ticket. This time, I took it easy and ignored the annoying drivers. Change is good. Slowing down and enjoying the path along the way is good.
Last time I made this trip, over two months ago, I had just come back from a family trip to Florida. I was also coming off of a cold. Now, I’m as healthy as ever, back into my routine of working out and eating well.
Last time, when I arrived I broke into tears with my girlfriend when she asked me how I was dealing with some of the drama in my life. This time I was greeted with squeals of delight and an evening of laughter ensued.
While I have the memories of months ago, they do not own me. As I was driving, thinking of the past, of my present and where I’m heading in the future, I realized this. Memories do not own me, nor will they haunt me. I own them. I choose to have them pass through my mind or not. I am in control.
That realization really helped when a poignant song came over the airwaves and stirred my soul. It’s okay to have sad and upsetting memories, but they do not own me. I own them. I thanked the universe for the moment, and for the reminder that I’m in control.
Moments of memories.
Moments finding ever more strength and depth of self.
Today’s moment is about celebrating road trips and that solo time spent pondering life. For me today’s 4+ hour trip seemed centered on memories and where I’ve been and dealt with since the last drive North.
Last time I made this trip, I ended up with a speeding ticket. This time, I took it easy and ignored the annoying drivers. Change is good. Slowing down and enjoying the path along the way is good.
Last time I made this trip, over two months ago, I had just come back from a family trip to Florida. I was also coming off of a cold. Now, I’m as healthy as ever, back into my routine of working out and eating well.
Last time, when I arrived I broke into tears with my girlfriend when she asked me how I was dealing with some of the drama in my life. This time I was greeted with squeals of delight and an evening of laughter ensued.
While I have the memories of months ago, they do not own me. As I was driving, thinking of the past, of my present and where I’m heading in the future, I realized this. Memories do not own me, nor will they haunt me. I own them. I choose to have them pass through my mind or not. I am in control.
That realization really helped when a poignant song came over the airwaves and stirred my soul. It’s okay to have sad and upsetting memories, but they do not own me. I own them. I thanked the universe for the moment, and for the reminder that I’m in control.
Moments of memories.
Moments finding ever more strength and depth of self.
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