The other day someone got a glimpse at my computer home screen and laughed, “What is all that crap!?!” My laptop’s monitor crammed with icons so there literally isn’t any room left.
“I’ve got to organize that, yea.”
We were going over a few of my bikes and I started stuttering, “I’ve got to do this to that one and that to this one, but you can still ride them. I’m going to get to that. Maybe I should sell a couple, no?”
I had two buddies lined up to go riding right after the rain but food poising and life got in their way. This did not bother me, it wasn’t going to stop me either. It was just two less bikes that we’re testing stuff on that would sit another day instead of getting used.
I could have worked on some other bikes. I could have organized my computer’s files. I could have sat around and watched TV or something like that. But I won’t pass on riding when the opportunity is available. Especially when the conditions are near perfect.
There was every excuse possible to pass on this day. I wheeled out my chariot for the day, a Christini AWD 250X I’ve had around since the company first started adapting the kits onto Honda’s and KTM’s. I ride it when there is snow because it is like cheating. It has been a go-to ride and a great test mule for engine parts. It takes me about an hour to re-learn how to take advantage of its perks and I find that entertaining as well.
Riding solo scares some and worries others. Not me. I get to set my own pace and stop when I want. I can ride as easy or as difficult as my mind and body desire. Plus there is no complaining. I carry a Delorme InReach satellite positioning device so if stuff goes wrong, at a minimum they will know where to come and get the body. If I say so myself I take some pretty good rides on great trails. And no I won’t tell you where or broadcast locations. I had to work to find these places and so will you. Effort some sweat on a few trails and spend some time keeping the remaining land we have available open and we can discuss my viewpoint further.
Riding doesn’t get any better than it was that day. From excellent to challenging conditions it was like having a near perfect surf break all to yourself. I’ve often talked about the feelings I get on a dirt bike from the G-forces and acceleration to the stomach turning excitement when things start happening fast. There isn’t time to think about much else but somehow I do my best thinking when I’m on the bike and in a very special place. It almost makes me feel confused during everyday life, it is so boring compared to being behind bars. Handlebars that is.
For a fleeting moment I get bummed I can’t share this day’s in real time with my friends. I’m not vain enough to think someone would want to watch video of the ride from my helmet. I realize there is every opportunity to take the time and make the moves to get to do whatever you want, if you want it enough. Some things are sacrificed. My bikes may need work and my computer screen may be cluttered. I didn’t see the game or the show on TV and truthfully I missed watching Supercross to put myself in a better position to go riding.
I’ve been lucky enough to have so many incredible rides I quit thinking that it could never get better than this. It may not. Yet that does not mean I’m going to quit trying. A wise man once told me that if I pass up one today to get two tomorrow I’d still be one behind. He may have been referencing girls but I look at riding the same way. And if it sounds like a motivational speech or a screw you, look at me scenario, you may be right. And to put a little salt in that wound, feel this pain–I was working too! There is nothing wrong with loving your job.
