Just Do It…

Back in July, my friend Ben told me that he was going to take the motorcycle safety course (MSF). I had some extra time on my hands and just gone through a rough year —

• my grandfather passed away,
• reached the end of a ridiculously taxing 8-year court battle,
• my precious cat, Xena, ran away [or got stolen],
• worked ~110 days straight until July 1 (maybe had 4 days off), finished a new piece of music, ran my festival, did the grant reporting/writing, etc…

I figured I might as well just try something very different for fun — something I normally wouldn’t do. My reason:

“I mean, if some apocalypse or James Bond shit ever happened, I’d at least know how to ride a motorcycle.”

(During the MSF Course)

So, at the same time that Ben was taking his MSF course at the local college (I tried but couldn’t get into the same class) I took the course (which I highly rec.) at the Harley Davidson of CLT with instructors Amy & Ronnie. The class supplies the motorcycles, you just show up and learn how to ride one.

Unexpectedly, I fell in love with everything about motorcycles. Never rode one in my life until July 2015 and never ever thought I’d ride one. Well, with the exception of my friend’s dad taking me on a VERY short ride down the street when I was about 4 years old. My mom wasn’t thrilled then and well, my parents are still not thrilled, but now my mom wants a 3-wheel motorcycle and we’ve talked about doing potential trips together when she gets one 🙂

Anywayyyyy — I  used to think OMG, they’re so dangerous. But now I understood. The sound, the smell, the wind, the freedom, the raw constant life-surge you get when you ride.

(My baby) – click the pic, she’s beautiful.

Couple days later, I got the deal of the year on Craigslist for a nice 2002 Honda Shadow 1100 and just lost touch with everything (facebook, email, phone). Riding a motorcycle became a new passion and I’m grateful for it. I had no idea it would do that. I didn’t even think I’d LIKE it!

A little bit of time went on and Ben mentioned his upcoming 3-month S.A. trip with Josh a few times and I couldn’t help but think how cool of an adventure that was going to be. I asked him if they minded if I joined and they were totally cool with that. I mean, how often do you get an opportunity to embark on an adventure quite like this, AND with good friends?! The company of friends, the motorcycles, the roads, the music, the experiences, the dancing, the food, the language(s), the cultures, the sites, the people, the Everything.

I don’t think it’s going to be a walk in the park by any means, but I do think it’s going to be an adventure of a lifetime! Never would’ve thought I’d be doing anything remotely like this. There are many reasons why not to, but there are also even more reasons why one should. And I choose to live my life to the fullest, not worry so much, and not let things/people/me hold myself back, and just… You know 😉