I haven’t been riding too much this year, partly because my high maintenance Italian bike has needed some work, and partly because I can’t eat at the restaurants where I normally stop on my rides. What a weird year. But at least I can still ride.
It’s an amazing privilege to be able to ride a motorcycle and enjoy the open roads; those of us who ride know the feeling all too well, and those of you who aspire to ride will know the feeling soon enough. One of the best parts of riding, for me at least, has always been getting some good food at a fun place to stop. Obviously that’s an experience that hasn’t been the same this year for many of us.
The important thing is to adapt. We all have to adapt. Most things are different now, and some things will stay different. But when it comes to riding, thankfully things haven’t really changed. Yeah maybe for now it’s the McDonald’s parking lot with a McRib and a Diet Coke instead of sitting down to a GS Rider Special (chili + eggs + hash browns) and a coffee at Newcomb’s Ranch, but the ride is still the ride.
For the new or aspiring riders out there, stay safe and remember to get some proper gear. The rides will still be as exciting as ever, even if you have to sit in a parking lot to eat instead of the cool mountain top restaurant. And don’t forget to wave to your fellow riders.