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Someone must be reading my page, and decided to do the "good weather" dance. It was 10 degrees today, and it wasn't pouring rain!!! Too bad it had wind gusts of up to 60km/h. Still I just HAD to bring out my bike for a quick spin around town.

I put my charged battery back into its place, hooked it up and screwed the seat back on. Inserting the key nervously, I thought of years past when like a stubborn old goat, the bike sometimes wouldn't start after a cold harsh winter. Turning the key to the "on" notch, the headlights instantly cut a bright swatch through the darkened garage, and the digital guages lit up like a pinball machine on tilt. Flicking the engine kill-switch back to the "On" position so that the engine could be started, the familiar fuel injection system whined and whirled from within. I licked my parched lips, "Come on baby, be good to daddy." The bike was waking up from 3 months of hibernation, and sometimes she hadn't slept enough. She reared hers hind legs in a lazy stretch, and yawned loudly, letting me know at least she was willing to try to wake up. She shook her head serveral times, clearing her thought of cobwebs, dust and crud from the winter blues. Standing on her feet finally, she flexed each leg to test the disused muscles from the deep slumber. Finally she stood, and sniffed me. "Hi beautiful," I asked, running my trembling hands over her seat, "Wanna go for a spin?"

She stood instantly erect, impatiently waiting for me to start the engine and give it life. Even the mirrors perked up like ears, listening for my command to launch into a steady gallop. She was as happy to see me as I was her. "Let's do this," growled the bike. "It's been a dreadful winter."

I put my hand on the red START button, gasping for breath. It's was all coming back to me now. The thrill of piloting a super-sportsbike, the responsive power, the heightened senses, the wind blasting against my neck and shoulders, straining to unseat me as I tucked below the windshield bubble. My heart was racing, my pulse was pumping. I was rearing to go. Even the wind didn't put a damper on my expectation of a great ride.

"Bzzz-zzz-zzz-zzz-t" and the starter cranked the engine over. "Was it going to...." Before I had a chance to even finish thinking, the engine roared to life, and instantly greeted me with a loud, low rumble through its inards and out the pipe (what you civilians could called the muffler). "Don't doubt me again," scolded my steed, then added, "Oh ye of little faith."

The engine slowly warmed, and like a kid on Christmas morn, I ran back into the house to change into my full leathers. Not only were the leathers great against wind and cold, I also wanted to be safe, being the first ride of the season and everything. "Woohoo." I screamed, "I'm gonna ride!"

When I ran back out, helmet in hand, I remembered something. After that many months of being dormant, the tires tend to be pretty deflated. I checked the tire pressure, yup, way low. So I pumped some air into the tires and I thought I was ready. No, wait. I almost forgot I need to lube my chain too. Where's that can of chain lube? "Ah, there it is." Hehe. I giggled like a schoolgirl being noticed by boys for the first time. I think I actually blushed.

Putting the can of lube back, and finally getting the right tire pressure for the front and back, I hopped onto the bike for the very first time in a winter oh so long. My legs trembled, and my bladder suddenly felt full. No matter, I can always pee later. I looked out, the sky was cloudy, the winds were blowing like it was on a mission. I remembered thinking, "It's going to rain."

I backed the bike out of the garage, and after a quick 3 point turn, I aimed the rocket towards the mouth of the driveway. The bike purred in anticipation, and I stroked its gas tank re-assuringly. While holding the clutch in, I stomped on the gear to engage it into first. The tranny went "BLUP", signaling an "all go" which made me grin foolishly. I so miss this.

Letting out the clutch slowly and ever gently nudging the throttle open, the bike crept off the driveway. I wanted to make sure my muscles and brain still remembered how to ride. They did. It just felt right. If I smiled anymore, I'd have stretch marks on my face in the morning.

In my head, I started a quick countdown, "3, 2, 1.... We have lift off!" It had begun. The side streets were still covered in dirt and grit accumulated during the winter months of too much ice and not enough snow plows. But I was on cloud ten, if such place existed. The engine roared beneath me, protesting the fact I was going so slow. But I did not give into its begging, I was the one in control, not her. I will not let silly temptations spoil my fun.

When I finally got out into cleaner streets, I opened her up. It felt so great, and yet, it was scary. I'm not used to the speeds after this many months of driving my car; which I thought I had a love for. Now I once again realize that cars are nothing but a commuter box, nothing more. Up and around several streets I went, until I spotted the highway entrance. I gave it just a little more gas and propelled myself onto the onramp. When I straightened up the bike, I cranked the throttle and the bike rocketed itself into stratospheric speeds in the blink of an eye. I imaged the cars on the road blurred and left streaks of lights. "Scotty, we need more power. Warp 10!"

After 20 minutes of buzzing back and forth in local Mississauga, it started to rain. It wasn't too bad, since I was close to ms_toxin's house. After another 5 minute, I pulled back into the garage, satisifed and smiled to myself rather smuggly. "Oh yeah!"

You know, riding all year 'round must be nice. But nothing beats anticipation. Nothing can be better than the thrill of getting the first ride of the year. I guess deprevation breeds appreciation. Yes, that's it. Now I understand. That's why there's winter.

....don't get your hopes up chump, it's forecasted to snow again in the next two days. posted by losir at 7:42 PM