Riding to be Free
What does it take for you to feel free? Truly free? Well…what is freedom anyway?
For me, freedom means contentment. Freedom means peace…true inner peace. Freedom is that feeling of being able to breathe without thinking about the “what ifs”.
One of my most treasured pleasures, besides my kids and Billy, is riding a motorcycle. I started riding at the end of the summer in 2008. By the following summer in 2009, my husband and I went on my first road trip that was approximately 1800 miles round trip to visit my family.
My first bike was a beautiful cherry red 1992 Kawasaki that my husband rebuilt. I was so proud of that bike. She was mine! She was also very light in the Kansas wind, so needless to say, I got whipped around quite a bit, but I digress.
My second bike was a Harley. A 1993 Harley Sportster that rode like a bucking bronco. By the time you rode 20 miles down the road, your hands were bright red and itching like you’d just grabbed a handful of stinging nettle. But wow, was that a different feeling of raw power…a Harley. On a Sportster, you ride the bike. You have to concentrate to control the bike. It’s hard to explain unless you have ridden before. This was also the bike I rode those grueling 1800 miles (with some major breaks in between).
My third bike…yes, my third bike, was and is a 2005 Harley Dyna Superglide Custom. She’s deep red and chromed out and rides down the road like the wind blowing through the trees. True freedom. You get on and kick her into high gear and….leave all your worries behind. Ride into the wind. Forget your struggles. Live…and…breathe……Sound cliche? Well….anyone who owns and actually rides their Harley can tell you that riding is the best therapy you can get. Wind therapy. Road therapy. Not one person can bother you, complain to you, rag on you when you are on your bike…It’s just you, your bike, and God! If you only knew how often I sang at the top of my lungs “hallelujah’s” to the Lord!
My answer to all of the women, and men, for that matter, who “just need a break” or are headed to a deep, dark depression because of their inability to “just breathe” is ride…ride like the wind. Everything will still be there when you get back. The bickering, yelling, arguing, whining, and neverending work will still be there. Yep. And I’m so glad, because they are my family and I love them with all of my being. But sometimes…I just need a break. A motorcycle break….
Related articles
- How A Harley Saved My Life (womensfreedomride.wordpress.com)
- Woman Riders Welcome! – Harley-Davidson Lifestyle (vtwinlife.com)
- Motorcycle Tips For Safe Spring Riding (autoinsurancecenter.com)
moms to motorcycles 