After two weeks of recovering, I finally felt strong enough for a ride on the R Nine T and spent half the ride with a goofy grin of happiness on my face.  I missed hearing the roar of the boxer engine, the play of the motorcycle beneath me, and the cool wind rushing against me.  And cool air it was.  The temperature was in the low 60s; I had the foresight to wear my flannel turtleneck expecting the chill, but I forgot to get my mid-weight riding gloves.  So halfway through the ride, I turned on my heated grips.

            But I didn’t let the chill cool my spirits.  I loved how readily my riding skills returned.  My engine braking has really smoothed out to no jarring at all, and my counter steering felt natural as I headed into turns.  We kept the ride loose and easy doing wide, looping U-turns and nothing trickier than the footless stop.  I played some with using the clutch to adapt my speed on the looping turns.

            The scenery was the lovely time of autumn when all the colors are evident.  Trees showing all the colors—green, yellow, orange, red, and brown; a beautiful burnt umber shade on the leaves of a gumball tree.  More mums in planters were about and I saw my first pansies planted for the upcoming chill.  Some roses were blooming again, adding vivid fuchsia and bold red color to our ride.  I even saw someone setting up their Christmas decorations.  It’s a little early for that, I believe but it is a holiday weekend, and people need to make the most of the time they have.

            And that’s how I felt on my ride.  I was given this time to ride, and I’m so happy I’m strong enough to ride again.  Now I just need to make sure I’m dressed warmly enough to fully enjoy my ride.