Choices, And A New Continent of Experiences

Early evening light along the edge of the runway.

The fence line hums in the wind, aircraft lifting one after another and disappearing into the sky.

In October, if all holds, I’ll be riding along the eastern rim of the Himalayas in Bhutan.

High passes, thin air, long climbs.

It’s February.

Today was my first long ride on an adventure bike, a KTM. I’ve spent years on cruisers and baggers, lower stance, different geometry, a more reclined posture with the road coming to me.

This machine stands taller, narrower, more vertical. The sightline changes. The balance at slow speeds changes. The wind meets my chest differently.

The first miles require attention.

Sudden choices: how much front brake at a stoplight with a higher center of gravity and nimbler responses.

Planned choices: lane position, entry into a curve, throttle through the turn.

Determined choices: noticing after thirty minutes that my neck is tightening, that my lower back is speaking, that the handlebars need to come up slightly to ease the strain.

Every mile reveals something.

I rode with my hermano-by-choice, Anthony. He’s been riding most of his life. Steady, uncomplicated, and passionate about motorcycles.

We ride, we space, we adjust.

The pavement here is flat and familiar. No altitude. No mountain switchbacks.

Just Midwest roads and cold air pressing into my jacket.

Throttle, wind, and adjustments.

We stop near the runway and let the engines settle. The light shifts quickly this time of year.

On the way back, the air sharpens. Runway lights blink on. Another plane lifts into the sky as we ride alongside. Feeling the need for speed.

I didn’t want the night to end.

It felt like stepping onto a new continent of experience, horsepower, throttle, clean gear shifts, the bike settling into rhythm beneath me.

Upright. Alert. Present.

It was beautiful and exhilaraing.

Later that evening, we sat down at Sullivan’s. Blackened Salmon, a favorite. A solid plate after hours in the refreshing cold.

Satisfied and alive.

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