Remembering

Had another really good ride with John last Sunday. While cool it was still comfortable and the skies were favorable. While it looked like it could, it didn’t rain. One of the benefits of riding with someone who knows the area is good roads. When riding with John we seem to minimize our straight lines trading them for twists and turns…ups and downs and some pretty fantastic scenery. All of that very much part of the motorbike experience. I don’t spend a great deal of time looking at my GPS to see what road I’m on. So long as there is fuel it doesn’t really matter. I spend more time focusing on what I’m doing, marveling at John’s control of his giant new Harley Davidson and simply enjoying the crisp fall air. Sometimes it’s just that simple.

Somewhere along the way we turned south on Guelph line north of the 401 near a little town called Darbyville. When I say town I really mean corner store. Accelerating through the intersection I caught a view of a loan man preparing a very small war memorial on the corner. He was getting set to hoist a new Canada flag along with a white flag with a poppy and the words “Lest We Forget”. On one hand I felt bad that this man was doing this alone and then at the same time I was willing to bet his pride was more than enough company. Rolling further down the road we came across a sign that read “Veteran’s Highway”. In an instant my thoughts turn to what a privilege it is to be here, in this country, enjoying the freedom to ride my motorcycle on a beautiful fall afternoon. This is true luxury, a blessing, and a gift. Whatever you call it, it’s something to respect and be thankful for. We are fortunate and at that moment I said a collective thank you in my helmet to all those who laid it down for me and countless others.

While I’ll be out of the country this Remembrance Day I can assure you I will not forget. Show me a man at a Legion Hall in his metal clad blue blazer and I’ll show you a level of respect that couldn’t be measured. They’ll all be gone soon so if you have the chance, shake a hand and say thanks.