When I was younger, I really liked cars and motorcycles. It was never something I brought up with my parents, it was just a personal passion. One year, while traveling for work, I was fortunate enough to be in three right places at the right time. I happened to be in Daytona during Bike Week. I happened to be traveling to Monterey, California during a race at Laguna Seca where the streets were covered in sport bikes. I later was driving through Montana along with practically half of the attendees of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. I had the opportunity to talk to bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts at each about what to buy, where to ride, etc. I almost bought a motorcycle then (a toast to the Harley-Davison Sportster 600 which is what a woman rider on her way to Sturgis recommended for me), but I was engaged to be married and it just wasn’t the right time.
Fast forward several years to two young kids and a career. Jason ended up learning to ride and bought a Ducati Monster (I do NOT recommend this for a first motorcycle, in case you are wondering). It still wasn’t the right time for me, and honestly, there was fear there. We lived in a heavily populated area with bad roads and again, two young kids at home.
Looking ahead to a time where we will be “empty nesters”, Jason and I decided it was time. If I can learn to ride, we can do small jaunts, overnights, see the world, and have something as a hobby that the two of us can share together during retirement (I’m not likely to take up golf anytime soon, and he doesn’t seem to be interested in card crafting, gardening, or sewing).
So, here I am. Learning to ride in my late 40s as a wife, a mother, a boss-lady. I’m learning mostly on the weekends and enjoying every second of it. The freedom, the joy, the wind, the danger, the adventure, the sights, the smells, being present in the moment and a little in control. It’s not about going to new places as much as experiencing the same places in a new way. For now.