more than just a ride...

Sam has owned a motorcycle for several years now. Riding has always been something he enjoys. Apparently, like many things, there are all different types of riders. He would fall in the camp of leisure riders; not looking for an on-the-edge danger or speed thrill. 

He gets that from jet-skiing... well, and snowmobiling. 

Finally having gotten the kind of motorcycle he loves just a couple years ago, he began to take pleasure in finding any excuse to go out for a ride. 

It's not an odd thing to have him offer to go run an errand for me, just as long as whatever I need can fit into a saddlebag. hmm...

Over the years he's asked me to ride with him and, for one reason or another, it hasn't worked out. I agreed to a ride down the street and through the neighborhood, but nothing more than that. Also, with young kids at home, it wasn't convenient to leave them at home... just to go for a ride. I was always more than happy to stay home and give him the space to enjoy his thing, not really getting what the big deal was. 

Over the past couple years we've tried to be more intentional about spending time together and support each other's interests, as they usually fall on opposite ends of the spectrum. 

So one day last summer, in an attempt to be supportive, I agreed to a long-ish, leisure ride. We'd be gone for no more than 20 minutes... he promised. And, we could even stay within a few miles from home... words to put me at ease, I suppose. I was really not all that nervous about riding, just didn't get the draw. 

After several miles, I began to settle back into the seat, loosen my grip of him (so much for not being nervous) and start to look around. What I found surprised me. I started to notice the city in all sorts of new ways. How had I not ever noticed all the vibrant colors, bustling sounds, and pleasing smells? 

Within a few short miles the familiar had turned into something new; exciting and new.

Over the course of our following outings I discovered another treasure in the riding. The wonder that slowly unfolded as we would weave through the city was the calming effect of the ride, as if the cares of the day were carried away with the wind. All the tensions and deadlines and expectations would ease more and more from my mind with each passing mile. Why hadn't anyone told me that wind could ease burdens?

As an aside... living with an introspective, introverted mind can get wearying. 

I had found a new brain break! 

Yay, for new brain breaks!

Fast forward, a year later... guess who's asking to accompany errand running?

Yup. Who would've thought?