riding in the rain

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"Empaths identify with many forms of nature and frequently feel affinity towards storms. "
~Jadoa Tai Alexander

Rain was predicted all weekend. The weatherman was half right.

Yesterday, I took Hope out for a ride in the rain. It was overcast but not gloomy. The beach was filled with tourists not afraid to get wet from above as well as from below. The island was full of activity... electricity. No matter what type of weather we have, there is always life happening on this little piece of land surrounded by the gulf waters.

Alive. The island is alive. Riding Hope makes me feel doubly blessed to live in a place filled with so much life and then breathe it in while gliding down the road.

The first thing I noticed about the rain is that the gentle drops turned to sharp pellets hitting the skin when my speed went from zero to sixty. I don't remember it feeling that way before, but yesterday it did. Must be that I'm getting more and more comfortable riding. I'm noticing new things every time now.

I didn't have the windshield on. I prefer to ride without. Those pellets brought me into a world of feeling everything times a hundred fold. They stung. They hit hard. They felt sharp. The pain made me feel as if I was part of the storm.

An action that caused a reaction. It was glorious. I never wanted the pain to stop. I never want to stop breathing. I always want to feel this alive!

On my way home from a couple of hours of flying, I noticed a weird sound when I was braking. After passing it by the guys at Hawg's, I believe it's simply an issue with the rain. I went out again tonight for an hour and a half and the sound appeared to be gone. I'll watch for it again though... just in case.

There is so much to learn about the bike. I need to know how to fix her. I need to know what to look for when things are starting to go wrong. Up until this point, I've simply joyfully jumped on Hope, started her up, and went for a ride. I've only checked my tires once.

I know... I know... I need to be more diligent. I need to learn about her.

This weekend was an awesome adventure... and also a kick in the pants to get me moving in the direction of "maintenance". I need to shop next payday for the manual that shows me how to change the oil. I need to buy a few tools. I need to get out of the simply enjoying mode and into the taking care of my ride mode.

It's time.

But for today... for today and for yesterday --

It's been a wonderful two day ride. One day in the rain and one in the setting sun and twilight. Hope, once again, has brought me contentment... she's brought me peace... she's centered me and brought my mind to where it needs to be.

Hope will always be home to me... don't know why, can't it explain and don't care to...

Thank you, God, for giving her to me... thank you for giving me hope...

*sigh of relief*