Forgot to Post this

Earlier this fall, an unusually beautiful day created the opportunity to get in a bike ride. The leaves had changed, temperatures were chilly but not cold, and I knew the Delaware Reservoir Park would be relatively abandoned.

I rode some of the backroads to the park. There were deer all around the fields in the area. The sun warmed the ground and trees, and unfortunately brought out the bugs too. As I rode around, I noticed a couple that was taking a break at the crossroads of Lakeview and Briar Patch trails. They were sitting on top of the sign, just relaxing and taking in the sights.

I stopped and spoke with them for awhile. Her name was Snow Proof Safety Cone. His, Cheezy Rider. They were riding cross country, and his bike broke down, so they started hoofing it. They had found the park and decided to stay there a day or so to decide what to do next. Obviously, it was going to be too far to walk all the way to California from Ohio. They figured something would reveal itself if they were patient.

We talked for a long time about options that might pop up for them. Talked about renting a car, renting a bike, hitch-hiking. None of them seemed to be right for them. They were looking for something different, but I just could not figure out what it was.

I hit the restroom, and came out of the facilities to see Cheezy Rider in the saddle of my bike, and Snow Proof Safety Cone on the back seat! They were both laughing, seeing my face of surprise. They both told me that they were joking, but secretly I was happy that I had taken the key with me.

I took off, giving my new friends a lift into town. They both have been staying in my garage as they try to decide what to do next.

Winter is setting in

The temperatures have dropped, with good days approaching 50 degrees, and bad ones staying near freezing with rain/snow flurries. The engine guard chaps have been on the bike for a few weeks now. They protect the legs from the wind chills, and trap a little heat from the engines.

I have to get in whatever riding I can, eking out the last few miles of the year. With the unemployment approaching a year, and other personal issues looming, it is not clear that I will be able to keep Kermit (the Nomad) for riding next year.

Stuff is just that - stuff. I have owned other bikes, and have fond memories of this and previous bikes. And more importantly, I have the friends that I have made during this time. If it is His will, I can easily part with my Nomad.

Stay tuned - winter is coming, but the drama is still unrolling!