We've landed back where we started, in our home town of Menifee, staying with family. It's been great to see all of our friends, family and the old places. In Menifee we know the people, the places and the way of life. Just because we don't choose to live here, doesn't mean we don't still cherish this city in our hearts, because we sure do.
One thing I didn't expect is how much fun it has been to ride here. I have jumped on that bike each morning and hit the streets to my business appointments, lunch with friends, and short jaunts for this and that. Because I know each street, each stoplight and stop sign, and know exactly where I'm going, I don't have much to think about. What surprised me was how relaxed I feel, more than any other riding I've done thus far.
This is exactly what I needed. The skills that needed work, I'm now practicing in this suburban solitude, repeating things over and over, smiling all the way. As silly as it sounds, I was having trouble with left turns. A couple of sessions just riding cul-de-sacs, of which there is no shortage in Menifee, has helped me immensely. Today I rolled onto the freeway confidently at the same corner where I panicked just a week ago. Progress.
For our friends in town, it seems amusing to them to see me ride. Being Ms. Menifee Valley of 2011, most of these folks are used to seeing me primped up, complete with short skirts, heels, lipstick, crown and sash. Today I rolled into the parking lot at the Chamber of Commerce and all I got are smiles, shaking heads and the standard farewells of "Ride Safe!" I have to smile because I know my friends are so sweet and so worried. Some of the ladies I know fear they will never see me again.
Coming home before setting off on our Road Pickle trip with our new mascot Asphalt Annie has been good for us both. This portion of our lives seems to have come full circle. We've come home. Now we can leave.
Photo Credit: P.S. Wagstaff, Author of Beneath The Door
Sash,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like things are on the upswing for you. It's amazing what repetitive actions like riding culdesacs will do your riding skills and confidence. The more you ride the better it will get. Have fun and enjoy it and don't over analyse and it will be great.
A little advice, don't ride next to traffic, either move ahead or stay behind whenever possible, preferably way ahead. I see a lot of riders slowly passing other traffic and big trucks, I never understood that, hit the damn gas and pass, don't let yourself be next to monsters. That has been my moto and if it wasn't for the cops I would definitely be leaving everyone else behind.
ReplyDeleteSash:
ReplyDeleteThe feeling of being destitute with no home has worked out again. First was the feeling of being homeless, which really was a blessing in disguise to get rid of your lease. Now coming home, back to family and familiar surrounds is another blessing . . . Now you can practice in familiar territory. Good things are happening to you as if by chance. It's all working out. Things were meant to be . . .
Listen to George. You should always be moving faster than traffic, and not in their blind spots either. Accelerate pass the blinds spots faster than usual, make sure you can be seen in their rear mirrors. If you are going the same speed, you are part of the background and not noticed. If you have a PASSING button, flash your lights to get their attention. This switch will be on your left handlebar (on the side you can't see). You may not have even noticed it before.
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Never homeless when riding a motorcycle. Bikers are welcomed everywhere and people open their homes with open hearts to host us all the time. Keep riding my friend and enjoy.... life is too short.
ReplyDelete