Honda Shadow Spirit

That's what my new motorcycle is-750 CC-a small(ish) cruiser. Small enough for me to manage, but big enough to manage highway if I so choose.

I knew, from looking at scooters, that if I got a scooter I'd also want to go on the road-so this time I didn't even pretend-I just got what would do both jobs-in town and out.

Lots of 40 sumthins and 50 sumthins and 60 sumthins are cruising now-but honestly, I've never liked riding behind someone-for one thing, not being able to see what is in front of you is maddening to me. And the people I've rode behind were idiots, let's face facts.

My balance used to be pretty good though-I could ride behind with a full bag of grocieries in each hand and one between my legs. The highway was no challenge at all, even the speed made it smoother. Dirt roads were a little dicey but I never fell off or broke an egg.

Stopping on the way home from Jakes (I saw a pink motorcycle and had to look) with my folks-the strangest thing happened. They didn't complain about stopping, they didn't complain about my looking.

Even stranger, after I reported what I saw and thought, we all dropped it-I didn't keep fishing for approval. I did bring up a memory-my first Honda 50 CC and I mentioned that I didn't know now how Daddy rode that thing-it was sooooo short. I said I didn't think I could do it as an adult.

We fell silent and something hit me that I never really got before. Daddy couldn't afford to pay for a pasture bill, no one had time to take me out to feed, but he did buy me mini bike and I was the only kid that I knew that had one.

In other words, they compromised and bought something that fit into our lives that I enjoyed and could ride-but as a child I didn't see that-only the horse I didn't have.

I got taller and the 50 turned into a trail 70-but it was street legal. I started getting boobs and my brother got a learner's permit and HE started going out on the road-so the bike was sold. And I grieved and moaned. But not too loud, cause truth be told, I had gone out on the road too-and not just any road. The HIGHWAY. Just to see how fast the bike could go.....70 I think.

A few years ago I wanted a Harley-shared that with a friend who jumped all over my case-saying "That's such a damn dykey thing-NO man would want a woman who rides a motorcycle and you always go off on these tangents..." I didn't care about the man or the dyke, but the tangent thing really hurt and I really didn't have the money anyway.

I mean, HONESTLY-man or woman who cared about whether or not I rode a motorcycle is not the person for me. They'd never make it past the snakes for one thing. They'd probably fuss about the mountain bike too, and that baby aint going no where.

I've been looking at horses again, but for me, paying someone to take care of MY horse just won't work. It's the caring for my animals that I enjoy the most. I like cleaning cages and clipping nails and stuff. Why I like that and despise doing the dishes, I cannot say and don't really care.

I've been thinking about the trailer too-gas prices pretty much wrecked that notion, as well as illnesses that keep me nearby. But you know what, it's paid for, lot rent paid up till next spring-it isn't hurting a thing. But, it gives me a strange sense of comfort that it's there, waiting; a little piece of me that isn't bound to a town or responsibilities.

Now, the red flames thing I could have done without, but it was a showroom new 07, red is ok and I'm going to have roses or something painted in the flames to girl things up a bit. The hardest part has been locating a helmet that will look cool with a red bike......coordination is key.