I had Thursday off this week, so we were able to work in a bonus ride. The weather was cooler with highs in the mid to upper 50s, but on a motorcycle that’s perfect riding weather. Though there was some building clouds on Thursday, the skies stayed dry and let us finish our rides.
On Thursday I spotted a butterfly, not a cabbage white, as I sat on my bike waiting for Bill to gear up. It stayed too far away for me to make out what kind of butterfly, but it still made me smile because it means more butterflies are coming out. I also spotted on my Thursday ride some kind of hawk, but I have not been able to identify it. When I first saw it circling, I thought it was just a turkey buzzard. But a few moments later, I saw the raptor diving toward the ground about 30 feet away, and it had the head of a hawk. It has dark brown feathers, and I’ve seen a similar one around my home.
Saturday, however, I didn’t spot any raptors and only saw one cabbage white butterfly who was five feet from my right shoulder. I did get to enjoy the blooming azaleas in their pinks, fuchsias, soft purple, and whites, and the dogwoods contrasting with the leafing Japanese maples. Some horticulturist with a great eye must’ve realized how complementary the white leaves of the dogwood blooms are against the rich burgundy of the Japanese maple leaves.
Of course as I ride and admire the beautiful sights of nature, I am also keeping my eyes on the road and checking my surroundings. This awareness allows me to see the kids waving to us as we ride by and, this week, the middle-aged lady walking her dog and giving us a thumbs up. It’s great to see such average Americans living in a very middle class, suburban neighborhood enjoying the sight and sound of our motorcycles.
During Thursday’s ride I did another super tight U-turn on the gravel lot. However, on Saturday the lot had several cars in it, so I didn’t get another chance to practice. Bill did take us by the neighborhood pool’s gravel lot, but I wasn’t comfortable riding in it. I’m not sure if it was because of dampness or because it was early in our ride and my mind wasn’t ready for the gravel.
I did note on Saturday’s ride how much physical effort my turns take. I think I was sore from my gym lift, but I really felt my arms and chest muscles working to manipulate the handlebars. No wonder I’m so hungry after our rides; it is quite a workout.
I also noted the location of the beehive—just one, but I’ll keep my eyes open to see if they start selling fresh honey.
I’ll have to enjoy this two rides week; it’ll be months before I get the opportunity for another one. Of course with summer approaching, the heat my keep us at only one ride but I hope not.
Flutterby Biker 