August 01, 2006 - 10:54 p.m.
It took some dedication and time involvement to get Elizabeth running again. She literally spewed oil and gas from her innards. Vomitting old liquid left inside from months ago. Requiring a complete overhaul. I purchased new tires this week and had them balanced and mounted. She rides like a dream. Beating any cage off the line at the traffic lights. I imagine how you feel letting a vintage bike go to a new owner. Losing a trusted friend of rubber and steel that propels you like a rocket, the ultimate thrill and freedom. I understand what motorcycle yen means to a middle age woman or man. You can't describe in complete sentences. Stumbling over words to convey a feeling of speed, power, quickness, thrill seeking behavior.
I find myself wandering aimlessly on the computer in search of the perfect two-wheel machine. Anything Vespa or Piaggio seems to grab my attention lately. Of course it has to be a dragon red color. Not only for safety but for the matching of my helmet and jacket. Once you have a color scheme, it's hard to switch over to a new one. Out there on the road, you need every visual advantage available. Black is sleek and eloquent. But too hot in the summer and one of the worst colors for visibility. Silver and gray rank up there as well, even for cages. Someone did a study of what colors are best for visibility. Red came out on top.
I'm going 70 mph and the wind is gushing inside my jacket at the neckline. I feel the sideways push of the bike traveling down the freeway. Exhilarating and nerve racking at the same moment. Knowing in twenty or thirty years, it will no longer be possible. A daily option. Thoughts like these make you throw caution to the wind and take chances. What the hell, who knows what tomorrow will bring.
~ Soldier Girl
