WHATCHATHINKIN'

Cerebral: relating to the brain or intellect, often implying an approach that favors thinking and reason over emotion or instinct; It's used to describe activities, or people that are thoughtful, analytical, and mentally demanding, rather than visceral or purely emotional. 

Instinct: an innate, unlearned, and complex behavior pattern that drives living organisms toward specific actions, crucial for survival.

I’m done saying anything about this winter, which will hopefully be long gone once you are reading this April issue. I know, and have seen through social media posts, those who have taken the bull by the horns and gotten out to ride at least once a month since December gripped its icy fingers around our throats. We have always tried our best to do the same, but our gravel driveway which turns into a skating rink with the slightest moisture and sub-freezing temps had the bikes sequestered for months. Quite honestly, if I need to put on more than my heated gear and a long sleeve shirt under my ‘stich, I’m tagging out.

The end of February saw a good bit of thaw and temperatures going into the 50s, perhaps even higher, in our neck of the woods. We had spent the morning at a diecast show which saw thousands, if not tens of thousands, of 1:64 vehicles of all makes and models being scrutinized, pawed and haggled over by some true collectors. We were there out of curiosity, but ended up coming home with a bag full of diverse items to be added to the ever-growing collections, both in the house and populating the garage.

Once we got home, the bright blue sky was still beckoning so we decided to head out for a ride. Brian had been out the day before on his GS, so today opted for the R13RT, which has wintered at Backroads Central. I went to the barn to rescue said ‘stich, bringing it into the house to warm up and return its suppleness. Brian, always in charge of lawn care and vehicle maintenance, checked tire pressures and the ponies were rolled out from their long winter slumber. Helmets were cleared of any unwanted residents, mirrors adjusted from being bumped and repositioned, and tanks checked for fuel (my 2004 Honda 919 is a minimalist, having no fuel gauge or any other high-tech electronics, and I like it that way).

I don’t know about any of you, but when I am off a motorcycle for some time there is a slight hesitation. I wouldn’t go as far as calling it a Yip, and sometimes there’s more of a fluttering butterfly feeling than others, so I will stay with a slight hesitation of mounting and charging out to seize the day. However, on this beautiful late February winter’s day, I was at peace. Pulling out of the driveway, I was comfortable and settled as we set out on our Bigger Better Loop. The bike was running fine, the roads were relatively clear, and we had plenty of daylight left to enjoy.

Musing over the tranquility I was feeling and discussing it with Brian, we thought that the difference between having that flutter or not may have to do more with where the brain resides. With many years of riding behind us, the mechanics of riding has almost become instinctive. We know the order of movements, the rhythm with which the motorcycle functions, and the sequences of smoothness. But once one overthinks these things, or dwells on that flutter, then the cerebral takes over.

A prime example for me: I have had many issues when it comes to non-pavement and slow maneuvers, together or separately. As I just said, I know the mechanics, the functions and sequences, but my brain will not give in to that knowledge. I have had well-trained people give me tutelage, and do fairly well, but fall back on bad habits and form when on my own. My instincts are challenged by the cerebral, and my brain wins every time.

But this day, the end of February, while riding with snow still covering the fields, my instinctual actions and cerebral mind seemed to work together. There was no overthinking of situations, just observations and reactions. Sure, my awareness of the surroundings, which should always be there, might have been heightened as motorists aren’t used to seeing motorcycles out in February. But the joy of being back on my bike, of loving the feeling, had me wanting to keep going. And if there weren’t commitments and obligations, I know we would have done just that.