A sunny day in the mid-60s is about as perfect a day for a ride as we can get. Soon after leaving the house, we spotted a Little Yellow Sulfur butterfly which I almost mistook for a yellow leaf. We had a morning in the low 30s, so I was happy to see some butterflies still about. During the ride, I spotted four more Cabbage White butterflies still soaking up the autumn sunshine.
The squirrels were also busy dashing across Bill’s path five times during the ride. It was a great day for stashing acorns, and the furry critters kept me focused on a gorgeous day where it would have been easy to let my mind wander.
I did muse on how wonderful riding motorcycles is. As I weaved along the curvy road, I was marveling at how lucky I am to be able to head out and ride on a lovely Saturday afternoon. I also spent some time thinking about how beneficial motorcycle riding is. It is a perfect way to leave the stresses of the week behind and lose oneself in the moment.
Along the curvy road, I had hoped the bald eagle would be up, but no luck. However, half a mile away, Bill pointed up to the sky. I looked upward but my view was blocked by the visor on my helmet. So Bill pulled over to ask me if I saw the bald eagle. I told him, “No, my visor blocked it,” then looked up as the bald eagle soared into my line of vision. I continued my ride with a huge grin.
My motorcycle knowledge is improving. We were approaching the yield sign where we try to get to a footless stop; a footless stop is where the speedometer reads 0 and my feet stay on the pegs. I was watching my speedometer get to 0 when peripherally, I noticed the Rocket lurch forward then stop. Bill had stalled on his footless attempt. It is one of the advantages of the R Nine T and the dry clutch that I feel it is easier to catch the bike before the engine stalls.
Another advantage of the boxer engine is the balance it gives to the motorcycle. My turns are tightening up because I trust the bike’s balance. As I rode in the gravel lot, it felt like my rear tire was spinning a bit underneath me, but I was smiling and enjoying the sensation, not fearful of falling. This confident feeling makes me want to get the R1300 GS another boxer engine. I can’t wait to ride that in the gravel lot.
But I will have to wait. The 1300s won’t hit these shores until early 2024. I do have a birthday in January, so perhaps I can get a spectacular birthday gift. Not that I mind continuing on the R Nine T, but I think I’ll be happier on the GS.
Flutterby Biker 