Synchronicity
Posted: Tue May 30, 2006 3:28 pm
It wasn't ideal, in the sense that every single aspect was perfect - but it was close. If I could've turned the humidity down a notch or two, then it would have been ideal. But I was happy to take the humidity for everything else that came along with it. "It" was simply my morning ride - spoiled first by having a destination, and spoiled again by actually having the burden of responsibility to arrive there. Of course, not having a destination would have made it perfect regardless of climate.
Perhaps it is the end of such a ride that completes it. Had it gone longer, would I have diluted the enjoyment I received in the time that I did? Spoiled further, perhaps by morning commuters, already intent on cell phone conversations and morning papers (passed by one of those, driving + reading), or some other road hazard, be it natural or man-made? I don't mind that those questions are unanswered: I started my day with some quality time on two wheels, and managed not to tarnish the time spent.
It was one of those rides where everything is perfectly timed. I managed to skate through the dozen or so lights as I approached my favorite traffic circle. I wound up at the beginning of the line at the first red, plenty of time to make space between myself and the crowd behind me. At the roundabout , instead of rushing in and eeking my way into the first space that would accommodate a motorcycle, I waited for the right minute - a decision which paid dividends in an unhindered and expeditious trip through the circle. Somehow, I found the right entrance to every arc, followed the right apex, and exited each curve well under way - view and path unobstructed.
It was in that first pass through the loop that I began to recognize how well everything was working together. The bike was running more than "just right": its responses seemed quicker, leaning into the curves felt more intuitive, intimate, sympatico. It's almost a shame that the end result meant faster going, and therefore it was all over that much sooner. Unabated, I tore through the next roundabout at a similar pace, with the winds of kismet holding traffic aside and ushering me along. A mile out from the second roundabout, I had to verify it. I swung around in the street and went back to do it all over again, only in reverse - but with similar results. Now, even further from my destination, and pointing in the completely wrong direction I continued forth - in the direction of more curves.
Around each turn and through each section of roadway, I challenged time and the environment to tell me it wasn't true, to tell me it was fluke or a figment of my imagination - but it was not to be. As I tried to deny it, it continued to confirm it. Some spirit guide cleared lanes before me, tripped lights, nudged traffic aside and made me feel as though my bike & I were the only two on the road.
The only one on the road.
Perhaps it is the end of such a ride that completes it. Had it gone longer, would I have diluted the enjoyment I received in the time that I did? Spoiled further, perhaps by morning commuters, already intent on cell phone conversations and morning papers (passed by one of those, driving + reading), or some other road hazard, be it natural or man-made? I don't mind that those questions are unanswered: I started my day with some quality time on two wheels, and managed not to tarnish the time spent.
It was one of those rides where everything is perfectly timed. I managed to skate through the dozen or so lights as I approached my favorite traffic circle. I wound up at the beginning of the line at the first red, plenty of time to make space between myself and the crowd behind me. At the roundabout , instead of rushing in and eeking my way into the first space that would accommodate a motorcycle, I waited for the right minute - a decision which paid dividends in an unhindered and expeditious trip through the circle. Somehow, I found the right entrance to every arc, followed the right apex, and exited each curve well under way - view and path unobstructed.
It was in that first pass through the loop that I began to recognize how well everything was working together. The bike was running more than "just right": its responses seemed quicker, leaning into the curves felt more intuitive, intimate, sympatico. It's almost a shame that the end result meant faster going, and therefore it was all over that much sooner. Unabated, I tore through the next roundabout at a similar pace, with the winds of kismet holding traffic aside and ushering me along. A mile out from the second roundabout, I had to verify it. I swung around in the street and went back to do it all over again, only in reverse - but with similar results. Now, even further from my destination, and pointing in the completely wrong direction I continued forth - in the direction of more curves.
Around each turn and through each section of roadway, I challenged time and the environment to tell me it wasn't true, to tell me it was fluke or a figment of my imagination - but it was not to be. As I tried to deny it, it continued to confirm it. Some spirit guide cleared lanes before me, tripped lights, nudged traffic aside and made me feel as though my bike & I were the only two on the road.
The only one on the road.
:laugh: :funny: