The long ride

Last weekend I rode my motorcycle to Chelan, WA to meet the week old offspring of my friend Matt. To date, this is the longest ride I’ve ever taken dwarfing a trip last summer by 80 miles. My sv650 is definitely a city bike, but the seating position is upright enough that long rides aren’t bad. I’ve made a couple modifications to the bike in the year that I’ve owned it, and I was grateful for every single one. The windscreen, aux lights, and tank bag all made the trip very comfortable. The wind didn’t make me fatigued, I kept my gear in the bag, rather than and backpack, and I felt much more comfortable of being visible with the lights. I also kept the tunes going on my iPhone from some new headphones that fit nicely under my helmet.
Traveling long distances on a motorcycle can be a bit of a struggle at times. I found myself thinking about one of my favorite books, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and the constant need to pay attention to everything and nothing at the same time. The music helped tremendously. Half of the trip was spent on 97, the road between i90 at Cle Elum and Chelan through Blewett Pass. It is a motorcyclists dream road. Not too much traffic, lots of enjoyable twistys, and amazing scenery. The only problem with it is the signs that warn of deer. Deer terrify me. They have a habit of running into the road, unwarned. Sure, if you’re driving in your Honda Civic, the might dent your hood and slow you down. Motorcyclists don’t have the same luxury.
It was a fantastic, quick trip. I had a lovely time meeting the newborn. When the weather is nice, there isn’t a better way to travel than on a motorcycle. Feeling the road go underneath you, breathing fresh air the entire time. Plus, I love the minimalism.
I plan on buying a more comfortable seat and some attachable luggage before the summer commences. I have a couple more trips planned that I’m eagerly awaiting.