The Need to Ride

I sat on the scooter at the end of the driveway this morning for five minutes trying to decide whether to go left or go right. I had no interest or desire to go anywhere in particular; just a pressing need to ride.

Somewhere.  Anywhere.  Just feel the wind and the world moving past, eyes growing full of scene after scene, color, texture, things and places.  A swirling mind slowly tamed into a focused, relaxed place.  Twenty minutes later I had passed over two ridge lines of the Appalachian Mountains and was wandering through lush forest growth and the occasional patch of rain from threatening skies.

Decisions led from one road to another, usually more isolated and less traveled, mind working on the road and little else.  A welcome, essential, necessary process for me.  I often wonder how many riders find solace in riding.  Many speak of recreation, camaraderie and adventure.  Few of solace.

The threat of rain never grew beyond moments of light rain.  Instead the temperature remained pleasant and the need to fight the glare of the sun was gone.  No stops for food or gas or water.  Just a relaxed movement ahead, on and on and then home again.

One hundred miles of recharge.  At least that's how it seemed.

It was a good day to ride.