I stopped by Farm Fresh on the way home, today. Of course, I was on my bike.
I've gotten pretty used to weird looks. A girl walking around with a helmet and an Icon chest protector ... most of the time, they are looking for whatever guy I MUST BE riding with.
Standing in line with my shampoo and hairspray, I heard a lady behind me say, "What do you ride?" Now, people who don't ride will say, "What kind of bike do you have?" ... I've learned that other riders will ask "What do you ride?" I was tired, on my way home from a late day at work and hungry. I didn't have time for a chit chat about bikes. Not today. I didn't turn around all the way. I said over my shoulder "A Yamaha YZF 600r." The lady said "Oh, thats nice dear."
Part of me was annoyed at her tone. Another part of me felt disappointed in myself. I would hate if someone ignored my grandmother like that. I swallowed my pride and turned around. She was definitely older and about my height. She smiled at me. I smiled back and said "Thanks." She then told me that she used to ride ... before life caught up with her. She used to ride a 1958 Royal Enfield Indian 700 Twin.
0_0 !!!! (imagine the Minion from Despicable Me!)
Bad Ass. I might have dropped my jaw to the floor at some point. She had my undivided attention! I didn't even pay attention to the cashier as she checked out my items. She could have charged me double, I didn't care. I hung onto every single word that she said. I even walked her outside.
Back in the late 60's, she used to sneak out of her house and taught herself to ride her fathers motorcycle. She met her husband during one of her rides. Been married for over 50 years. I was in love with this woman I had just met. She had the most genuine smile. I couldn't help but smile back. I wanted to take her home and bring her to my next bike meet. I wanted to talk to her about bikes. I wanted to sit at the Starbucks and talk Bikes. But she was on her way home to make dinner, which is where I was supposed to be.
She shook my hand and told me "Keep the shiny side up, young lady." I replied with "Yes ma'am, you do the same." She smiled at me and dropped her left hand with two fingers.
YES! She was a true rider! I want to be just like her when I grow up.
I've gotten pretty used to weird looks. A girl walking around with a helmet and an Icon chest protector ... most of the time, they are looking for whatever guy I MUST BE riding with.
Standing in line with my shampoo and hairspray, I heard a lady behind me say, "What do you ride?" Now, people who don't ride will say, "What kind of bike do you have?" ... I've learned that other riders will ask "What do you ride?" I was tired, on my way home from a late day at work and hungry. I didn't have time for a chit chat about bikes. Not today. I didn't turn around all the way. I said over my shoulder "A Yamaha YZF 600r." The lady said "Oh, thats nice dear."
Part of me was annoyed at her tone. Another part of me felt disappointed in myself. I would hate if someone ignored my grandmother like that. I swallowed my pride and turned around. She was definitely older and about my height. She smiled at me. I smiled back and said "Thanks." She then told me that she used to ride ... before life caught up with her. She used to ride a 1958 Royal Enfield Indian 700 Twin.
0_0 !!!! (imagine the Minion from Despicable Me!)
Bad Ass. I might have dropped my jaw to the floor at some point. She had my undivided attention! I didn't even pay attention to the cashier as she checked out my items. She could have charged me double, I didn't care. I hung onto every single word that she said. I even walked her outside.
Back in the late 60's, she used to sneak out of her house and taught herself to ride her fathers motorcycle. She met her husband during one of her rides. Been married for over 50 years. I was in love with this woman I had just met. She had the most genuine smile. I couldn't help but smile back. I wanted to take her home and bring her to my next bike meet. I wanted to talk to her about bikes. I wanted to sit at the Starbucks and talk Bikes. But she was on her way home to make dinner, which is where I was supposed to be.
She shook my hand and told me "Keep the shiny side up, young lady." I replied with "Yes ma'am, you do the same." She smiled at me and dropped her left hand with two fingers.
YES! She was a true rider! I want to be just like her when I grow up.
Comments