My new track bike!

It has been a hectic holiday season for myself and so many others, so my sincere apologies for not posting a blog last week.  On a last minute decision, I left town on a trip that would span 3 states and 2375 + miles (40+ hours of driving) to pick up a motorcycle trailer my brother gave me as a Christmas gift.  On Christmas morning he sent me a text picture of it and said “Merry Christmas” and after discussing timing (it is rare he is even in town, he travels constantly), bit the bullet and told him I’d make the drive down to pick it up.  There was also my mother’s china which I had the privilege of owning for so many years and had been waiting to become a part of his family.  The china was too delicate to ship and would require me physically bringing it to him for it’s safe arrival so I could kill two birds with one stone.  Mike’s birthday was on December 30th and I spoke to Kelly, my sister-in-law, in having a get together for him to celebrate.  The timing of this trip was perfect in every aspect and I was looking forward to the solitude after such a tumultuous year.

It was an amazing visit with family, old friends and new, I got to ride with my brother for the very first time while test riding the Yamaha R6, my soon to be track/street bike (this was the memory I will treasure the most), through the streets of LA splitting traffic (he was very careful not to do it too often knowing it is illegal here). I knew that trailer was not coming back empty, my gut told me that I would find one while I was down there.  Getting to spend time with Devon, my niece, and Kelly  just talking and catching up and then learning everything there is to know about the trailer I now own.

I know my brother was concerned the first time I climbed on a motorcycle, he saw what every guy in my life saw, a little gal trying to control a beast of a machine.  What was so empowering was the process, the knowing I could do it and not only just do it, do it remarkably well.  The bonding moment I had with my brother that day is something I will remember for the rest of my life, the sheer joy we both had riding the streets together, watching the child come out in him as he popped wheelie after wheelie, the protective nature as we split traffic to make sure I was OK in his mirrors, it was exhilarating.  Ending the year with this experience was very special to me.   My brother and I have become closer through motorcycles, it is something we both love and can talk about, it is something we can share for many years to come and for that I am thankful.

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope that this year brings everyone much love, happiness and good fortune.  The new year symbolizes a fresh start, a clean slate to accomplish whatever you want and a chance to make amends.  It is what you choose to make of it, so make it great!