There was a lot going on for me today. A myriad of thoughts,
and emotions running through my brain and my heart.
Today is my mom’s birthday. And I really miss her. She
headed off on the next stage of her adventure – whatever that may be - a little
less than a year ago.
And I have found myself missing her every day since.
See, I am not entirely clear, even in my own thoughts, about
what I believe happens after we leave this earthly existence. I just know that
I do not believe it’s over.
And with that belief, I am able to feel mom close to me
whenever I need her. And that suits me just fine.
So happy birthday mom. Whatever you did today, I hope that
you enjoyed it.
But truth be told, my mom was not the only woman on my mind today.
No, this morning and early afternoon was reserved entirely
for the new lady in my life, named Suzi (yes, as a tribute to my dear friend,
Susie)
I picked her up from the dealership where I get all of my
maintenance and repair work done – Motor
Sports World – yesterday evening. The mechanics had completed her safety
check, installed new rubber, chain and sprockets, and given her a clean bill of
health.
And today was the day where we got to know each other a
little better.
I spent a few minutes bolting on her Ontario licence plate,
as well as an aluminum skid-plate, at 0730 this morning, and by 0815 we were
gallivanting down River Road towards the Tim Horton’s in Manotick where I was
to meet up with my buddy Jason.
We were going to go out and spend the day in the Limerick
Forest, a favorite riding area of mine.
You may recall reading that Big Ethel and I have spent quite
a lot of time riding in the Limerick – there are even a couple of videos out
there in YouTube land I believe, but in truth they are pretty boring.
Today, however, was anything but.
Now, understand that Jason is a friend of mine. We have
ridden together on a several occasions and I have always enjoyed it. Jason is a
good rider, but he is not a dangerous rider, so I felt very secure in having
him lead the way while my new mount, Suzi and I, followed his track.
Ya, my opinion of Jason began to change rather quickly. I
guess he decided that trial-by-fire was the only way to go, because less than
100 meters after entering the Limerick forest on a two-track, atv-type trail
Jason had veered off into the woods on a single track rut through trees barely
wide enough to allow my handle bars to clear.
Muttering under my breath while doing my best not to lag too
far behind, I finally decided to just relax and let Suzi do her thing. She is,
after all, a much more nimble – and svelte – machine than Big Ethel is. Almost
200lbs lighter, with an off-road setup and almost 11 inches of ground
clearance, Suzi is able to do a whole lot of things that Ethel just can’t. But
then, that is why I got her, after all.
I began to get comfortable with the terrain – and Suzi –
quite quickly, and before we had completed a second circuit through the bush
loop I was able to keep up with Jason quite well. I stopped calling him very
rude names under my breath, and began really paying attention to his line and
riding style, deciding that the old axiom rings true.
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.
Well, approximately 4 hours later, I was done. Wiped. Spent.
Exhausted. Wore-the-fuck-out.
I had discovered on a couple of different occasions just how
much easier Suzi is to pick up than Big Ethel, and found myself very happy with
her mannerisms and capabilities – though let’s be honest, it is my capabilities
that need work – I cannot even approach all of the things that Suzi is very
capable of doing.
Yet.
Today’s ride was an amazing introduction into the world of
true dual-sport riding for me. And I have to say, I absolutely loved it.
I am going to practice as much as I can over the next few
weeks, and then Suzi and I are off to the Fundy Adventure Rally
where I will attempt to really stretch her legs, and see what she’s got.
Big Ethel, I mean no disrespect. You are still my #1 dance
partner – Suzi will never compare to your moves in the twisties.
And mom, I miss you daily, and love you with all of my
heart.
Happy Birthday.
