The day has moved from sunny to overcast and the heat is like a blanket. But, it is a pleasant, comfortable blanket. My thoughts are on our group ride to New Mexico tomorrow.
It is now evening and the temperature has dropped to a comfortable 70. The Harley is packed and just my bag to throw on the TourPak rack in the morning with the trusty MACbook inside.
My thoughts are still on the ride tonight. I was playing a few tunes today, as is my wont. On the playlist was a song Neil Young wrote for the old car they used as their band transportation when he was playing town to town in Ontario in the early days. The lyrics could apply to our two wheeled road companions.
We've been through
some things together
With trunks of memories
still to come
We found things to do
in stormy weather
Long may you run.
Long may you run.
Long may you run.
Although these changes
have come
With your chrome heart shining
in the sun
Long may you run.
Well, it was
back in Blind River in 1962
When I last saw you alive
But we missed that shift
on the long decline
Long may you run.
Long may you run.
Long may you run.
Although these changes
have come
With your chrome heart shining
in the sun
Long may you run.
Maybe The Beach Boys
have got you now
With those waves
singing "Caroline No"
Rollin' down
that empty ocean road
Gettin' to the surf on time.
Long may you run.
Long may you run.
Although these changes
have come
With your chrome heart shining
in the sun
Long may you run.
Our relationships with the motorcycles we ride is special. I know mine is. I have two Harley Road Glides. I totally stripped down my ’06 to clean paint and chrome it up the winter after I bought it. I know every not, bolt and tolerance on that bike and I know every sound she makes when I am riding. The relationship is like being one with the bike. I know when something sounds “off” and I am quick to stop and figure out what the issue is.
I have a new 2011 Road Glide Ultra and I am getting to know it very well too. I bought it Feb. 14 this year and by April 30th I will have over 12,000 miles on it. I love to be in the saddle with the wind in my face feeling the bike respond as I get into the throttle or into a curve.
Listening to this song I could only think “Long May You Run” about my two wonderful Harleys. For me and all of my friends who own motorcycles and love to be riding, I also think the same. Long May You Run!
Tomorrow we set out from San Benito on a 2,000 ride to Carlsbad, New Mexico using minimal Interstate travel. Most of our time will be on secondary highways and county roads. It won’t be a large group but it will be about 18 people who love to ride and who choose this way to experience the countryside and the wonders of Mother Earth that we will see along the way including the Carlsbad Caverns. My cameras will be busy.
The lifestyle is not for everyone but it works for me. I will get lots of quality time with my thoughts and time to work through issues that may be troubling me or, at least, are in my awareness. I will likely experience other less pleasant things like monkey butt or a sore back from some of the longer stretches we will cover.
I’m not sure how much writing I will get done on this trip but I will post when I can. To all my brothers and sisters out there who live the two-wheeled lifestyle, Long May You Run and may you be safe and not outrun your guardian angels.
From the untitled book:
Time is but a worldly metronome
Ticking through our lives
An even cadence of sound and rhythm
Marking our passage through life
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| Me and the 2011 Road Glide Ultra |
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| Clyde on his 2009 Street Gide |
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| Men's Ride to South Padre Island |
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