Just over two weeks until the autumnal equinox, so summer decided to return in force. Sunny skies with highs in the low 90s made for another sweaty ride. I’ve definitely been spoiled the past few weekends and next weekend marks a return to the 70s, so I can’t complain. Besides, there was cool air in the breeze that was blowing, hinting at the cooler air arriving Sunday.
It was a solo ride, and I enjoyed the opportunity to learn where I’ve let some bad habits creep in following behind Bill. I have been working on looking up the road for potential problems, so I felt good about my attention and road awareness. What I learned during my motorcycle ride is that I’ve been relying on Bill ahead of me to make speed adjustments into the corners. I entered a few corners a little too fast, but I was able to adjust and trail brake through the corners to a more appropriate speed. It was a good lesson for me, and it revealed yet another way I’ve over-relied on Bill in the lead.
I was lucky in that the traffic was light, which made my cruising around easy. Since I was on my own, I went up the curvy road and even took a turn in the historic house gravel lot. I’m feeling a little shaky on the gravel, and I wonder if that’s because I’m more aware of the tire slippage. I later rode onto the other gravel lot to give myself more practice.
Due to the heat, I kept moving, zooming up the fast road several times to cool off. I really didn’t feel how sweaty I got until I was heading back to the garage. I raised up my left arm to catch the breeze and felt my Alpinestar jacket adhere to my back. I was going to opt out of the extra jacket, but since I was out on my own, I felt the extra safety was better than a little coolness.
With the return of the summer temperatures, I saw plenty of butterflies. The first was a banded hairstreak. I did get to see two cabbage whites, and I saw what was either a spicebush swallowtail or a tiger swallowtail that was black with a yellow band and the base of the wings. I did see one monarch, but I didn’t get to see the emergence from the chrysalis. I was checking every morning and afternoon on the cocoon, but somewhere between my leaving for work Thursday morning and my arrival home, the monarch had emerged. As I walked toward the house a little disappointed, a monarch drifted across the front yard, and I amused myself with the thought that it was “my” butterfly.
I was glad to see so many butterflies as I missed having Bill along for the ride. Next week, he’ll be back, the weather will cool, and I probably won’t see as many butterflies. But I will see more leaves changing, feel more cool air, and enjoy more motorcycle riding.
Flutterby Biker 