Winter Ride

Today's high temperature was just over 50 degrees, and I was able to get on Kermit for a VERY short ride. But any ride is better than none. I had to fit it inbetween running the kids for school projects, Christmas play, and some Christmas shopping. Was thinking of taking the ride into Columbus to do the shopping, but so glad I did not. I also thought about not going on the bike at all, to get gas and bring it to the garage after shopping.

But I did go to the gas station to top off the tank and put in the Stabil (who knows when I can get Kermit out again). A guy, probably in his mid 60's, stood next to his pickup truck and watched me pull into the station, stop, pull off the gloves, and open my gas tank. I live in a fairly rural area, and images of EASY RIDER went through my head.

I got off my bike, and walked around to the pump. "Hi" I said with a smile, and nodded his way. "Nice bike" was the eventual comeback, with a smile. We spent about 5 mins talking about when he used to ride his bike when he was younger, one time when temps were in the teens. He was frozen when he got to school 30 miles away, and struggled to walk into the classroom.

As we broke our conversation and went our seperate ways, I saw a smile on his face where one was not before. Memories of days gone by, but not gone from his heart. And a re-affirmation that these are the best days of my life.

It was a short ride just down to the gas station, but maybe it was the best ride of the year...