Titanic Post

Monday morning was beautiful and sunny–a perfect day for a motorcycle/camping trip. I had planned on two nights camping in the Gila Wilderness of Southwestern New Mexico. I say planned because “The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men, Gang aft agley…” as Bobby Burns said so well. (more…)

After the game, the king and the pawn both go into the same box.

~ Italian saying

The death of twelve miners and one serious injury in West Virginia coal mine accident is but another reminder of our temporary presence on this planet. I was struck by a note written just before one of the miners died, saying that he was ready to die. The note’s tone was that of peaceful resignation. Other news stories stressed that death was a constant presence with the miners and their families, if not the mine owners. What struck me was the implied dignity and serenity in the face of death—in stark contrast to most American’s fear of death and dying.

Motorcyclist have a similar, although unspoken, closeness with death. Anytime a rider gets off his ride at speed there is an excellent chance of a fatality or serious injury. Because this possibility does go mostly unspoken, I’m not sure that it is universally accepted in the consciousness of riders that we could be killed at any time when we are on the road. I know that we all relish the excitement of riding which comes in part from the inherent danger, but if the possibility of death is accepted, I think it is pushed so far into the edge of the realm that it couldn’t be considered in the consciousness. Some are so bent on security that they are insecure. Others fear death.

Nietzsche said: The greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment of existence is: to live dangerously!

Miners live with death and without fear—one can hope that their lives are full.

Normally its a good idea after a first date to take time and reflect on what you are experiencing, if you like your date, and to get an idea of whether or not your date likes you. However, after that first ride, I felt confident enough to take the V-Strom out the very next day to see if the elation would persist.

After moving the windshield to the second position, and throwing the Rev-Pak bags over the saddle, I was ready to go. I decided not to re-fuel, because I only had about a hundred miles on the first tank of gas. Also, I decided not to take my camera, because I wasn’t convinced that my Wolfman tank-bag would stay put. So, there are no pictures. (more…)

It was on a Tuesday when I picked up my new DL650 from Southwest Suzuki in Alamogordo. Riding away from the dealership, I already had the impression that we just might be a good match. The bike, for which there is yet no name, went where I looked, accelerated at the thought of speed, and slowed at the appearance of necessity. Not traits I would look for in a woman, yet at my age of 65, perfect for a motorcycle.

I topped off the tank and headed up Hwy 54 for Tularosa. From there I rode east on highway 70 into the Sacramento Mountains. Still subject to the break-in redline of 5000 rpms which translated into an indicated 70 mph, there was no buffeting and little wind noise. Very pleasant! I began to smile. (more…)