Do you ever just stop and think about how things were when you were growing up and compare them to how things are now? Of course if you’re young and reading this it’s probably not much different, but if you’re in your 40s or more, it’s VERY different.
When I was growing up there were no cell phones or tablets, no home computers or internet, no satellite or cable TV. Microwave ovens came along in my teen years. The phone we had was a rotary dial phone on the wall and it was a party line for several years, so you had to be sure nobody else was already using the line before you picked up the receiver and dialed a number. We didn’t take long vacations, we took special day trips to local attractions and went a few hours away to visit family. I did get to go on a few vacations once I was in my teens and I was the only one still living at home and I cherish those memories with my mom and dad. We went to Gettysburg, Hershey, through the Amish country, and I saw the ocean for the first time ever, in Maine. The water was cold but it didn’t matter. Mom can’t swim so she was excused from going in but my daddy went in with me and mom and I walked along the beach collecting sea shells. I’ll never forgot those special times that I had alone with them, one of the benefits of being the youngest, with 5 and 7 years between me and my older siblings.
As I’ve been riding the past couple weeks I’ve kept thinking back to those simpler times and just reminiscing. The scenery, smells, sights and alone time have been a welcome change as summer’s been approaching and actually officially arrived. One particular ride was truly perfect weather; low 80s, no wind, low humidity, it was awesome and about 100 miles of absolute bliss!
I’ve come to realize that riding takes me to that same feeling of a simpler life. It’s a time when I am totally disconnected from technology and all of the worldly things that try to bombard us daily. I do have my gps on just in case something was to happen and I was needing to be found, but other than that, it is a no technology zone. No internet, no phone, no TV, just me and my maker enjoying this beautiful country life on 2 wheels.
I do see other people; drivers, who are totally engrossed in technology WHILE driving and it seems most often I meet them on corners where they seem to want my side of the road. I tend to take every corner and curve in a defensive manner, not because I lack the skills needed or don’t trust myself, but because I trust no one who comes around them from the opposite direction towards me. I would love to see my beautiful granddaughters grow up and don’t want to be taken out by a driver not paying attention if there’ssonething I can do to prevent it.
I’ve read this past week of some tragic motorcycle accidents, one involving a wife unable to stop in time as her hubby who was leading a group ride had slowed for grass in the road. She then hit his bike, was ejected from hers and died from her injuries. The other most of you are probably aware of that occurred in the state of NH, where I grew up. Seven riders of a club were killed and three others were injured when reports say a truck crossed the yellow line and when he went to get back in his own lane, his trailer jackknifed wiping out the bikers. From what I’ve read the 7 killed were all Marines and from the same club. Both are tragic situations and I pray for their families and friends left behind.
To my friends and family reading this, if something should happen to me on a ride, please celebrate that I died doing what I love and don’t feel sorry about the “how” whatever it may be. I dare say most people die from disease, old age, tragedies etc., so when it’s my time if it happens doing something I love, that’s not something to be sad about. We all know there are no guarantees in this life so let’s just live it to the fullest doing things that make a difference and make us feel alive and happy!
On these recent rides, I’ve also seen some beautiful views. As I was passing a small field of lush green grass, there were at least 10 deer happily grazing. As I was passing by and trying to enjoy them the best I could while still watching the road, they looked very peaceful and majestic. They stood at attention just watching me as I passed them and didn’t seem to have a care in the world. I hoped to find a spot where I could safely pull off the road to get a picture and to just watch them but there wasn’t a safe place to do so on a bike. I passed by a farm that provided that fresh country smell I enjoy from cows, not turkeys or chickens. I saw adorable frisky little rabbits running around, some elegant Canada geese fluffing their feathers by a pond, as well as a billy goat with the longest horns I’ve ever seen on a goat that went along well with his long beard. I actually saw him on 2 recent rides but the second time he was standing in a way that made me immediately think of the children’s story about the 3 billy goats gruff. I told you these rides had me thinking of simpler times.
I’m so thankful and blessed that I have this outlet and this time to just enjoy life, God is good! Ride on ladies-
Ramblings of a Christian Grandma Biker 