Last week I was supposed to meet with Tracy to visit a jewelry designer in Vancouver.  Since she comes out from the Valley we have a system whereby we meet at an ice rink parking facility just off the highway where one of us can leave a vehicle and for the rest of the way we’re carpooling.  So that was the plan.  Only instead of a  jeep pulling up I hear the unmistakable rumble of a …motorcycle!  Now, I have known for many years that T can ride and that she quite enjoys it.  I’ve just never seen her do it except in photos.  ( Check out yesterday’s post by T for more of her take on ‘ridin’ the wind’).

Since it was an incredibly gorgeous day, Tracy had decided to hop on the hog to get to our appointment.  I had the address so she was going to follow me.  Uhuh.   I pulled out into traffic when I thought it was safe for both of us, my eyes darting from road to rear-view mirror constantly.  Yup, she made it, she’s still behind me…still on the bike.  Changing lanes was the next hurdle.  Do I go for it or just stay in the comfort of the slower moving traffic?  What’s this I’m feeling?  I’m all…dewy!  I’m having a blasted anxiety attack!  I was so nervous for Tracy out there on her own without the security of several layers of metal siding wrapping her soft human flesh ~ and I was the one leading her!  If she wiped out it would be my fault somehow.  Oh, the pressure!

Then she whooshed by me and left me in her exhaust.  Guess I was going to slow!  I have to say I was really relieved I no longer had the responsibility of watching out for her on my shoulders.  Not that she can’t take care of herself, but the mom in me was going berserk!

We met up at the designated location and she had a huge happy grin face on.   Her hair was a little flatter than it’s usual bouncy wavy sexy ‘do but that’s a small price to pay for the obvious joy she received from the ride.   She was glowing.   Remember what it used to be like to play at the park with friends when you were little?  I know what she was feeling because I used to love the physical excitement of doing something challenging and having a blast and feeling free.   I felt pangs of longing when I saw her bounce off the bike with that youthful energy I remember we all used to have.

So I decided to get myself a bike.  Here it is. Isn’t she beeeeeautiful!   She’s a Haro Heartland in Charmed Pink and I plan on adding a wicker basket to the front.  And tassels to the handles maybe.  My youngest daughter, Samantha, just got her driver’s license on Friday and I’ve let her take the car to school for the past week so I need some new wheels for myself.  I’m going green!   I’ll be tooling around town picking up groceries and visiting friends on my pretty pink bike with the wind in my hair!  LOL!   Wanna go for a ride with me, Tracy?   I’m serious!  Anyone?