Bikers are passionate about their lives. We live, love, and laugh.. work hard and play hard.. And we ride. We ride
in the rain, ride in the cold, just ride around when there is no place to go. Living life in the wind and loving every
minute of it. I still remember the first time I ever hopped in the saddle and went for a ride. I was just a kid and
owned my first motorcycle before I even had a first girlfriend.
It was an old Italian import on/off road 350cc
Harley. I spent many hours every day riding that bike. Took a couple of spills but got right back on it to ride some
more. It was the beginning of my life as a biker, at the tender age of thirteen. Decades have passed since that first
ride and here I am now a graybeard and still riding.
For many years the bikes I built and rode all had solo seats on them. I considered myself a loner and never really
took the time to stop and smell the roses. I was always too busy riding and writing, working and wrenching, to give
love much thought. I will be the first to admit that it was a very lonely ride, but I thought the best way to avoid heartache
was to be alone. In my travels I would see an older couple walking hand in hand. That sight is very touching, but would
remind me that I was missing something very important in life. And that is to love and be loved. The wind is my lover.
My mistress and friend. She embraces me soon as I walk out the door. As I lay my head down at night she howls,
seemingly upset that the days ride is over. When I awaken in the morning I can hear children playing, birds chirping.
But most of all, a new days wind blowing. Beckoning me to come out and ride.
Once again I found myself out on the road riding solo, not giving much though to the simple pleasure of being able to
return that love with all sincerity to another. I knew there was something missing in my life and tried to drown out
those thoughts with the sounds of open pipes throttling towards the horizon. But like the ever present shadow riding
beside me, the longing in my heart grew with each and every mile I rode. Finally I slowed down enough for cupids
arrow to hit it’s mark.. A bull’s-eye to my heart and “Anticipation” in my soul.
Now loving arms wrap around me as I kick it into gear out there on the highway. And I feel content in my being. The
two of us out there on the road.. in the wind.. two hearts beating as one. Cloudy skies have given way to sunshine.
Does not matter if it is raining out because the sun is shining in our hearts. My ride is no longer solo and I am enjoying
every moment of sharing the ride with my soon to be bride.
