I’d never been on a motorcycle. I’ve always wanted to try it, as a passenger, but haven’t had the opportunity. In fact, I didn’t even have it on my list originally because the only person I knew with a motorcycle had it in for repairs.

But the stars have shone on my Top 40 list as the day before we were to get together, the bike came home from the shop!

We showed up for a BBQ hamburgers and salad, DC and I, and then I was to go for my ride. I borrowed a helmet, of course. They certainly fit tight. But I also borrowed a proper motorcycle jacket with spine support of some sort, shoulder and elbow padding, and six different ways to tighten it. And I borrowed proper leather riding gloves, even to be a passenger.

I rode in lightweight running shoes, but my driver wasn’t too happy that I didn’t have leather boots to cover my ankles! I must say, I felt pretty safe riding with somebody who took safety seriously.

Getting on the bike was hard. SR got on first and steadied it, then I was supposed to place my left foot on the left footrest and lift my right leg all the way over, including over the luggage container! I did it, but I know it wasn’t graceful.

My instructions were to not shift my weight around, especially when we were just starting out from a stop sign. Naturally, this meant that I tried not to move a muscle the whole time we were out joyriding! I was a bit stiff when we got back.

The ride was fantastic. It was a cool evening and we drove around a lake and across some country roads, followed by a super-fast stretch just to see what it felt like. Holy pick-up, batman! We were flying out there.  

Thanks to SR for helping me check something off the life list, as well as the Top 40. I loved it!

Fitting my helmet!

Me and my pilot. Note the luggage rack I had to get my leg over.

Giving a wave before we took off.