Attitude and Outlook - October 10, 2019
Summer 2019 was busy and full of adventure, and one such excursion was to pack up my motorcycle and take off on an 1800-mile journey as a part of the Women's Freedom Ride.
The destination was Topeka, KS, to rally with women from across the country to break the world record for the highest number of female bikers riding together in one event. Ride captains from across the United States organized group rides to Topeka. Three of us from Rapid City, SD, joined a group in Sioux Falls, SD, and picked up more bikers in Lincoln, NE. At one point, we totaled thirty-seven women bikers thundering down the highways of South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas. We were warmly greeted in the small towns of rural America as we passed through or stopped for gas and a break. Curiosity brought people out of their businesses and homes to discover what the noise was about. Pictures were taken, and donations were given for our cause.
Like most rides, this one had its challenges. Day one of the large group encountered pot-holed and rutted two-lane highways, 40-mile-per-hour crosswinds, and heavy semi-truck traffic. Wind and roads are challenging enough, but passing a semi-truck traveling the opposite direction at 65-70 mph feels like hitting a brick wall that tosses you around a bit. It took individual discipline, perseverance, skill, and determination to make this work for the group. Despite the challenges, we skillfully stayed in proper formation plus used appropriate hand signals (see examples at the end of the article). We were rewarded the next day with clear skies, calm winds, and beautiful roads and landscapes.
The entire experience was life-changing. We broke the US record with 762 women bikers riding as one pack for 7.5 miles. Life-long friends and bonds grew from this venture. My confidence and skill as a biker increased exponentially, and I felt empowered, joyful, and satisfied.
Riding, like many other activities in life, can be symbolic of living. My husband tells me that miles = situations, and situations = experience. Spot-on for riding and in life. Some days riding is effortless. The weather is perfect, and the roads clear and smooth. Other days you face crap roads, 40-mile-per-hour crosswinds, and feel tossed around. And sometimes you just feel like you are consistently hitting the rumble bars that warn you are about to veer off the road. Then the weather clears, or you finally change your mindset and decide it doesn't matter what the conditions might be. It's all about attitude and outlook on life. It's deciding that I'd rather be riding in crap conditions than sitting at home staring at the television. It's a celebration each time an obstacle is overcome, and skill is increased. I can confidently say I am no longer terrified of riding on a gravel road or in heavy rain. It's not necessarily pleasant, but I know I can do it with skill. And the only way to overcome obstacles is to get out and experience life - to feel alive!
After seven days of riding, I arrived home clear-headed and ready to re-engage with daily life. Wind therapy allows me to sort out the mental cobwebs and demons lurking in the shadows. The highway is a great place to leave old notions, fears, and thoughts that no longer serve me. Space was freed for present and future ideas. I remembered my passion for Charlie's Wisdom and decided it was time to reactivate the blog. I remembered to not take life too seriously and relax my choke hold. I was recharged.
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