out of storage and on the road

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For a few more weeks until the end of the month and my 2nd job, Sunday's are my only riding days. Today was gorgeous weather with no clouds and temps in the mid-60's. Absolutely beautiful. As I sit here this evening reflecting on my ride, drinking a glass of piesporter, waiting for my steak to grill... my mind is at peace. My Hope fulfilled. Content. I am content in my heart. It is a good place to live.

My normal Sunday routine was unchanged. Worked my 3rd job for five hours in the early morning, went to the laundromat, washed the car and bought a few groceries. Once everything that had to be done was completed it was riding time. Today was designated as THE day for exiting the gates and crossing onto the road for the first time. I had decided last time that the next time would be it.

Went to storage with my new helmet and gloves in hand. That audible sigh from Hope (or was it me?) came again when I swung my leg over her and sat down. She was a bit dusty. I wiped her down delicately so her white could shine. Gently, she whispered her gratitude to my heart. We were as one again.

Ok. FINE. Yes, I use that each time I get on Hope. If only I also used the T-CLOCS one but I can't for the life of me remember what all each letter stands for in that acronym. It's the pre-ride checklist I think.

T = tires. Bought a tire gauge that can hang from a key chain and is digital (so hopefully I won't need my bifocals!) but forgot to check the tires with it when I went to storage. Actually, I don't even know what it should read. One of these days, it needs be on the top of my list of things to do. Find out what the tire pressure should be for my girl. I'm not doing my job. Have to change that...

She fired right up for me this time. No hesitating. Music to my ears. Backed her out of the storage unit, only adjusting one time to make it through the little door. Knowing I was planning on taking her on the road, I shut her down for a minute to close the storage slider. Hopped back on her and she purred again for me. I wonder -- will I ever get tired of hearing her start up? My heart melts in those first few minutes and I'm in another world where there is nothing but her, me and the road. It's hypnotic. Nothing else exists.

Decided to get my bearings by riding around the units for awhile. Rode her around in the lot for a good half an hour. Practiced my stopping and starting as that's the only time I've ever had a problem. Shifted, braked, downshifted... practice practice practiced.

As I was going in circles, the manager stopped me and told me that a lot of traffic was going in and out at that moment and I should probably hit the road.

Omgosh... I wasn't ready I told him. I couldn't. It was too soon. I was all alone. What if I dropped her out there? What if something happened to her? To me? To us? How could I do this all alone the first time???

Then I thought, "Where did all those negative thoughts come from?" That's weird. I'm not afraid. I haven't ever been afraid on Hope. I've always done everything all alone. I have always taken care of myself. Period. My plan had been to do just what he said to do. Get on the real road. Go for it.

I rode up to the keypad and put in my code as the manager and his wife gave me the thumbs up. Big breath in. Ok. Here goes nothing.

There's a large incline coming into storage so down the hill out I went without a hitch. Stopped at the end of the driveway and looked for traffic. None. I gave Hope a loving pat and took another deep breath in and then let the clutch out and rolled the throttle. I was on the road!

The shifting was easy. The brakes all worked in sync on my command. Took a couple of sharp curves with no problems. Remembered to "look where I wanted to go." Of course, the speedometer only registered 30 to 30 mph for the most part and I didn't want to go much faster. There were strong wind gusts that made me wobble a few times at the higher speed. Racking my brain from the class, I couldn't remember if the instructor had given us riding tips for in windy conditions. I played it safe.

Topped out today at only 45 mph before backing Hope down to my comfort range. I was able to actually look at my speed for the first time without feeling as if I was going to fall forward. Used my turn signals for the first time also. Used my rear view mirrors to watch the cars behind me. It was surreal. I was riding.

Most of the cars passed me. I didn't care. I was out for a 'put' on my Hope. And I loved it.

Made it back to storage and parked her on my first try through the narrow door. Sat there and smiled for the longest time. We were quite the team today I told her. Within the next month, we'll be riding almost every day. She won't have to go a week without being useful, I reassured her. I know what she needs and will make sure she gets it. One way or another.

Slowly but surely, our dreams are becoming reality. Our reality. Our peace. My Hope loves to ride and rides to live... and she's inside of me.

:-)