Due to a forgotten key fob, our usual weekend ride was postponed until Sunday.  Sunday actually worked out as a better day for riding as long as the rain held off, which luckily for us, it did.  The temperature hovered around 80 with the sun hidden behind large, ominous clouds.  But we risked heading out and were able to ride.

            The looming rain clouds provided a hush over the neighborhoods; mostly our motorcycle engines roared past dog walkers getting out ahead of any storms with very little traffic.  Most of the animals seemed secreted away to wait out the impending rain, except for a rather fat dragonfly that was buzzing around the motorcycles.

            My focus was much better during this week’s ride with no distracting discomfort due to the heat.  I checked my mirrors before all stops and looked ahead to each intersection.  Bill had set a new challenge to me.  As I went to counter steer, that is apply a push on the opposite handle to turn the motorcycle, Bill challenged me to start the push at my fingertips.  This challenge proved trickier than I realized because it felt very odd to apply pressure on the clutch or brake lever without actually pulling in the lever. 

            In between my counter steering work, I enjoyed the soft air and lush greenery the recent rain brought.  The crape myrtles were heavily laden with blossoms pushing their clean scent into the air overpowered at one point by the large gardenia collection blooming along one road.  Also in bloom I spotted white hibiscus flowers and will keep my eyes peeled for the bright red flowers I’ve seen in the past.

            A day like today is a gift for motorcycle riders in mid-July, and we did spot many other riders taking advantage of the cooler air.  The heat will return for more rides, but I can always hope for another summer day for motorcycle riding like today.