An Excellent Ride

[Mike Ramos]

An Excellent Ride

Enjoying an early morning respite and reveling in the quiet and solitude of the country; sitting in the easy chair, relaxing and warming my feet in front the wood stove. I am reading an interesting and intriguing book.  Life is good.
   
The phone rings.  A friend asks if I would like to come for dinner.  Several mutual friends will be there as well.  It has been quite a while since we have been together.  Enticingly, there is a break in the usual seasonal weather.  Well sure, a good ride sounds delightful. 

So I go out to the shop and the Sport Touring FJ.  As I put on the riding gear, I think it is good being so short, it is not too far of a reach to lace the boots.  I place my rotund self upon on the trusty old FJ and we are ready.

I am on the road by 8 o'clock, hoping to make the dinner engagement by 6:00 in the evening.  Although not overly familiar with the roads ahead, I have traveled this route several times before, knowing it entails well over 700 miles of splendid, unsurpassed mountain and high desert riding.

East and North is the direction I must travel.

However, the local winding roads are shaded, full of leaves and pine needles and still damp in parts, so instead of heading due East, I first head to the valley floor and North for a short while.  Eventually turning East into the morning sun, up into the high desert, meandering through several small towns and motoring absolutely unchecked through unshaded, beautiful high speed sweepers.  In due course turning North across the wide open spaces; leaving the state I live in, eventually passing by a huge, salted lake and through a canyon and mountain pass, all with countless high speed sweepers.  This state is soon crossed and left behind.

Then the terrain becomes heavily forested, just wonderful country.  Speeds are less robust yet still spirited; traffic has been almost inconsequential because of the off season.  Interestingly, my destination looks similar to where I began, mountainous and forested.

Arriving just as the guests are sitting down to dinner, it is an exceptionally enjoyable evening.  There is great food, much laughter, and fond remembrances.  Ah yes, nothing like good company following a fine ride.

Seemingly all too soon it is time to rest, and it is a sound, peaceful sleep.  Awaking before dawn, I am on the road in the direction of home; another 700 plus miles of crisp, clean and carefree, trouble free riding.  I arrive home before dark; adding wood to the few embers that remain in the wood stove, the warmth is all encompassing.

Watching the night descend and reveling in the quiet and solitude of the country, I sit in the easy chair, relaxing and warming my feet in front the wood stove.  I am reading an interesting and intriguing book.  Life is good. 

Ride safe,

Midget 

[FJ1100mjk]

Nice report. You are a gifted and talented writer.

I'm living through your writings, due to it being winter in my area, and I'm on number nine of ten days in a row of work. Sucks.

[Derek Young]

Well written Mike... For a rotund midget that is...

[movenon]

Nice report Mike !  700 miles !!! Why didn't you stop by   ....
George

[TexasDave]

Thanks for the excellent travel report. I didn't want to stop the read or the ride.  Dave

[Mark Olson]

Mike , you are the "Road Warrior" ...1400 miles in 2 days is Quite notable .

You have a profound way to express your adventures and aspire us all to emulate your example .

My hat is off to you my friend 

[FJmonkey]

Good short story Mike, we don't all lay down 700 mile days but its nice knowing it can be done and friends are not as far we always think....

[Firehawk068]

Awesome post Mike!
Man, I am jealous! 

[ribbert]

Good short story Mike, we don't all lay down 700 mile days but its nice knowing it can be done and friends are not as far we always think....

Noel

[ribbert]

Mike, you are without doubt one of the most eloquent writers on the forum and I always enjoy your reports.

A sterling effort in endurance, spontaneity and reporting, well done!

However, the question remains, what were you doing up so early on a day off when you didn't have to be? 

Noel

[Zwartie]

It's -18C this morning but your report has me burning with desire...or is it jealousy? Either way, thanks for a great report!

Zwartie