The Church of My Motorcycle

SASHday is tomorrow.

SASHday is my official title for my birthday. I'll be 48 years old. I've never been happier. But happy is such a relative term.

We arrived in San Diego a couple of days ago after the longest single-day ride of our Road Pickle adventure: 355 miles in one day. For me, that's beyond a marathon. I usually top out at 250. Once I rode 300, but that was a push. This ride was bone-breaking, mostly because of my Fibromyalgia. Some days our tougher than others and this was one of them.

The push to go so far on the last day was my idea. I told Highway I could do it; not sure what I was thinking. But today I am finding bruises popping up here and there, the result of overly sore muscles filling with fluid, swelling, bursting blood vessels and leaving me incredibly sore. I truly feel like I've been beat up on days like this. But I'm not complaining, just explaining. Because it's really all fine.

"Most riders would tell you that anytime one can ride is a good day," Highway told me once.

I think about that quote often and try to appreciate the amazing opportunity I have to ride as often as I do. We've traveled over 15,000 miles in the past 6 months, stayed in over 30 cities, met people who have changed our lives, and find ourselves hungering for more. But for now a hiatus is in order to rest up my weary body. I'm still riding daily, in spite of the pain, just not as far.

I mentioned I'm happy. The truth is I am. But I'm filled with many emotions throughout a day. To expect to always be happy is like expecting the sun to always shine. To hope for joy and hope for no sorrow is unrealistic. There is no Ying without Yang. There is no day without night. How could one appreciate the stillness if there were no wind? So to wish for continuous happiness is unrealistic and truly unappreciative.

I'm pleased with my life, even though I know I have more to do. I have found a level of serenity in all things; the rain, the sun, the pain, the pleasure. I understand that the road can have gravel, and the road can be smooth. There will be days of open lanes and days of traffic. There will be twisties to careen through and there will be long interstates to traverse. I'm fine with it all. I'm done trying to push the river and willing to be pleased with what life offers.

My goal is to be a leaf on the river, to accept what comes with grace and appreciation. I have so far to go, but I'm feeling pleased with my understanding. This understanding has come as a result of riding many miles on the church of my motorcycle. I am such a lucky woman today, in so many ways, and I am filled with gratitude.

This SASHday I wish you all happiness and I hope that I can inspire you to ride far, look within, enjoy what comes and give someone a kiss today. Thank you for reading the silly ramblings of a writer, a rider, a poet and a woman on a journey.

Happy SASHday!