This morning, I was up before the crows. I had planned to get out early for some sunrise picture taking before heading off to work. Instead, I journaled a little, still enjoying some lingering euphoria from the BMW rally and hoping to capture some additional thoughts about the event--yes, I know, I do far too much navel gazing (I really do know this about me). But my experience over the weekend was personally noteworthy as I tend to gravitate away, rather than toward groups. So to have such a grand time occupying roughly the same space with nearly 8000 people is huge for me. And, I had fun too.
But while feeling the remaining endorphins, I came across another post rally news story that gave way to sad reflection. On Monday, the Rourks, a motorcycle couple with a sidecar was on their way home from the rally when they collided with a car and were killed.
Life is full of risks. I know that for some people, non-riders particularly, riding a motorcycle is a crazy, unnecessary risk. Why we do it is grist for a future blog entry. This post is about how a wonderful event for some can turn so easily into a personal tragedy for others. Motorcycle riders, if nothing else, must be an incredibly faithful lot. Every time we mount the bike we have faith that the ride will start and end safely. We have faith that our skills will prevail over the incredibly thoughtless things we see in the behavior and attitude of our fellow humans. We have faith that our ever-evolving riding skills will allow us to successfully manage any unanticipated road challenges. Even the wild, seemingly death-wish, daredevil riders have faith that their flagrant riding style will not be a death knell.
Whether on two wheels or four, we hope that people will drive carefully, that they will stay in their lane, that they will behave thoughtfully. The reality often deviates from our faith. But what's a person to do but live life fully in spite of it all?
The unsettling news about the couple, as disturbing as it is, made me wonder about their lives, what they must have been like, their personalities, their courage, and their faith. What brought them joy? Given the couple's journey to WI from West Palm Beach, FL, they must have loved motorcycling to ride the 1,438 miles one way. In West Bend, they spent time enjoying the company of new and old friends; and, if they had half the fun I did, they left on a high note, filled with warm, shared memories. Life really is short. We should all try to live it well. I hope the Rourks lived well.
R.I.P.
2 comments:
WOW, such a great post about the BWM rally! Makes me wish I had attended one here in New England a while back. Thanks to you I’ll keep my eye open for it if it ever makes its way back to this area.
Motorcyclist’s and Bikers come in all types. You can find good and bad no matter which group you look at. Im sorry your experience at the June rally was not a good one. I have had a few bad experiences myself over the years that have turned me into a loner for the most part also. I have about had it with your basic red neck Harley flag waver and the snotty, stuck-up Ducati rider. Funny thing is, I have friends that ride both Harleys and Ducs! Its “people” I have about had it with apparently.
Its unfortunate that at any gathering tragic accidents can happen. Look at the carnage before, during and after Laconia , Myrtle Beach or Daytona. Concentrated numbers of motorcycles in any area means that somebody is bound to be involved in an accident. But we have to live and living means enjoying life to the fullest. Being prepared, well equipped, and careful helps reduce the chances of accidents.
Keep the great posts and rides going Sharon!-Crusty
Thanks Crusty! It would be good to hear your take on a BMW rally--so check them out next time. I always learn from your honesty and willingness to just say it like it is!
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