Angels Offer - Post #21

I had begun riding in earnest around the age of 35. I had done some in the university years just to quench the thirst but when I hit my mid-30s I renewed my licence and took off for the southern U.S.. I had joined a frequent-rider club that involved Harley rentals throughout the southern states. At first I was on my own, but then Angel began joining me. I absolutely adored everything about it. I think there was a time when she actually loved it, too, but her passion was no match for mine. I savoured perfect conditions and enjoyed some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world. I travelled through Florida, California, Nevada and Arizona primarily. Top to bottom, border to border.
It was all about packing the bike and driving away. We would go for one or two weeks at a time, and never with the kids.

Well, this went on for years and then, with my two injuries and the greatest part of my rehab behind me, I began looking for a new focus that would give me that purpose or thrill that was now missing. It wasn't to be diving or participating in the martial arts any longer, because I just wasn't capable. And It probably shouldn't be riding either because I wasn't supposed to sit. But riding was all-consuming.

Then Angel, who had gone back to work in the residential real estate industry, walked in the door one day with a substantial cheque from selling a house, hands it to me and says, "This is for you, for looking after us all these years. Time for you to go and buy the bike you've always wanted, don't you think"? With a house to maintain, a mortgage, two kids to get through university, etc,, I always thought I would have to enjoy my riding through the rental club. It's just too expensive a toy to think of actually owning. And the season here in Ontario is really too short to justify the kind of riding I enjoy --- long distance. Over long periods of time. Load 'em up and drive away. It was never about fair weather. Sunday drives to the store to pick up bread. That's OK, too. But it was the adventure of heading out on lengthy overnight trips to the unknown that captured me. To travel the small stuff out and back over days or weeks.

Angel's offer blew me away. With all the other priorities we had in our lives, she knew just how passionate I was about this and how, if never lived, would always be chewing at me. I like to believe I could live with that. Forever. Because of all the other fantastic things we shared. But being given full support to go and get the wheels I've wanted my whole life was absolutely mind-blowing to me. I was completely and totally overwhelmed by the prospect. But not so much that I thought of talking her out of it. I jumped all over her. Then I jumped all over it. And began the process of putting it all together.