Grounded With My Feet On The Pegs

Early morning yesterday as I backed out of the garage at about 7:20am to head for Marcel’s.  The Wee’s exhaust vapors are visible giving me another confirmation of what my hands and head were reporting.  It’s cold.  Cold for the first time in so many months I’d forgotten what it was like.  I felt as though I’d become somewhat soft.

In no time we’re rolling through the farm fields just outside of town.  The sun is trying it’s best to chase the chill but the speed of the bike is canceling the effect.  At points I can see for miles ahead and am amazed at the low dense fog filling the valley’s all around me.  Never close enough to cause a concern but present never the less.  Mystical and magical the fog wraps around trees, barns and the hills almost offering protection from the night that had lifted a few hours earlier.  Many times I’d say “wow” out loud in my helmet and ponder stopping to take a photo or two.  Then it occurred to me that some things are just for me, something to appreciate all on my own.

The day was perfect and the sights were equally so.  I allowed the GPS to suggest my path but I would turn at a few places I’d never turned before to see what I might have been missing.  So long as there is fuel we’re ready for nearly anything.  The bike was smooth and spirited as if in someway to remind me of how much I enjoyed every other time we’d spent together.  This was the first time out on the bike in over a week for various reasons.  I can say with certainty…I missed it greatly.

My visit with Nikki and Marcel up in Combermere was perfect.  Their home is nestled in a valley way off the main highway.  The noise pollution for them is limited to the wind in the trees and whatever I was babbling about at the moment.  It’s a beautiful and peaceful place. 

After some lunch it was time for me to head home.  Again I’d let the GPS make suggestions and we’d negotiate.  I’d peel off the suggested line for some narrow gravel and work the machine through the twists and turns.  It wasn’t long ago that gravel would have me turning around and wishing I had training wheels. 

I’d arrive home cold yet warm from my smile and my reconnection with my bike.  I’ve always said it was good for the soul and yesterday was no exception.