What Is Red, Fast and Mine?

New Motorcycle

It's not exactly like I've been subtle about this, but I've been looking for a new ride for a while. Thursday I got this:

Did you notice that it's red? I seem to have a thing for red motorcycles.

I've been not riding for a while. Coincidently, I've been not writing for a while, either. Looking back, it might be the exact same time frame. I can't guarantee that I'll be writing more (it feels like I could be) but I'll damn sure promise that I'll be riding more.

There is a certain sadness here. I'm pretty sure that this is my LAST motorcycle. Sigh. Getting old has it's drawbacks. This feels like it's not a bad exit strategy.

Maybe I can hold out hope for one more bike-when my legs won't hold this one up a lighter bike for charging around might be there for me. Maybe an electric? That'd be fun.

It's got a LOT of stuff. Each thumb has 3 functions and a sound system and air adjustable suspension. A powered phone cradle and my trusty coffee cup holder (I actually installed that before I paid for the bike). Negotiations with the owner took about 2 minutes ONLY because he was English Second Language. When he started it I knew it was mine.

Great big trunk, huge saddlebags. It's a geezer-glide for sure. It also has incredible torque and power in a stunningly well mannered drive train set up. It's amazingly easy to ride with a monster windscreen, a really well positioned back rest and an ass swaddling seat :) I'm so excited to go that I can barely stand it.

I've been in the doldrums for months. Turning 70, not riding, people in my life dying. I don't know the excuse for it, but I'll promise it's been real. I honestly don't think this motorcycle is the answer, but I think the attitude change that allowed me to buy it IS the answer.

So. @galenkp asked me where I was headed. It's pretty much winter time everyplace but right around here. I think maybe next week I'll try to slip away to Death Valley NP (and Joshua Tree is on the way) to get a little riding and seeing in. Two of my favorite things.

Maybe I'll see you on the road. I hope so. This view is what you'll see when I go screaming past!

All words and photographs in this post are mine. For better or worse.