The Motorcycle Guys.
- Jen Kraakevik
- Aug 17, 2015
- 2 min read
A man walked out of the back door of the house towards my mom's car. He was an older man with grey hair and beard, but had a skip in his step. I stuck out my hand as he walked towards me.
"Hi, I'm Jenny. My mom told me you might be able to help me with my bike," When he offered to not only help me with my bicycle but also asked if I wanted him to take me out in his 1986 Honda motorcycle, I gave an all too enthusiastic yes!
Then, there we were going back into the house, gearing myself up in motorcycle apparel. I was finally fulfilling a dreams I had dreamed ever since I had seen those motorcycle classes down the street from the golf courses at Illinois State University. After detailed explanations, I stepped onto a motorcycle and started the ride.
Afterwards, he switched my brakes so that I would be able to get used to motorcycling with my regular bicycle. That bike lasted only a short time, too slow for me and too hard to use in the city. Over six years ago, I completely forgot about the experience, until now.
Gloria Jean's welcomed me for writing today after work. Two gentlemen started conversation, t-shirts dripping with sweat from a 96 degree day. One asked if I had a bike, a motorcycle, because he felt that I might fit into the motorcycle culture. Surprised, I continued the conversation, enlightened by their sense of recognition for my surpressed desires. Of course I wanted to ride a motorcycle! I have wanted to do so since I was 18.
The conversation went from motorcycles to relationships to age- guessing (still have babyface over here!) and the guys finally brought it back to the motorbike.
"We could probably set you up with a bike if you wanted." The smaller Italian kept bringing it up that they just might have an extra one around.
The other reminded him how important it would be to take lessons and do it the "real" way. After exchanging information, I have a feeling that motorcycles are in my immediate future. Fuck if I know when and you damn well know I will be wearing a helmet, but these motorcycle guys might just have a point.
It's time to hop back on a bike. Bring it!
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