REMEMBERING... YOUR "FIRST" (... continued)

first (adj.) being number one in a series; earliest in time; foremost in importance.

(... continued)

I wish I could tell you all that my dad was able to hook me up with an awesome ride and I was able to take my bully to task but, unfortunately, that was not the case. At that time, my sweet daddy worked very hard and sacrificed much just to provide a modest, yet comfortable living for his family of six. So, even though we were often told no, for some crazy reason... we never felt slighted. It's amazing what life can feel like when it's padded with love.

Fast forward about 30 years...

After graduating from High School, serving in the Navy and meeting my "first" (and only) husband, life has a way of ticking along whether you're meeting your goals or not. To spite the fact that we were living (although begrudgingly) within our means, we found ways to enjoy life and have fun, constantly assuring ourselves that we were doing so... happily ever after.

In the Fall of 2003, our near and dear friend offered us the chance to buy his '98 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic at a very reasonable price, as he was planning to buy a new one for himself. My hubby always said, if he were to ever get a motorcycle again, it would be a Harley Davidson. Unlike myself, he had the fortunate opportunity to have owned several different makes and models of motorcycles while he was growing up and before we married. He claims, "I've owned everything else in the past, and I've always said my next bike will be a Harley." It didn't take long to make a decision on how nice it would be to have a motorcycle in the garage, and knowing our friend like we do, we were procuring a bike in nearly perfect condition.

Fortunately, we were in a position to be able to take advantage of our friends generous offer and purchase our "first" Harley Davidson. It was the beginning of a whole new adventure... for both of us!
Now, I've been a passenger on a motorcycle a thousand times before, but this was the "first" time with my husband. Taking in the sun and wind and seeing the road from our new perspective put a giddiness in my heart and opened a flood gates of memories for me. I couldn't believe we didn't do this sooner!
Our "first" road trip was to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. It was absolutely amazing at how much fun we had riding the twisties, and even though we had some rainy weather during that trip... it didn't dampen our spirits one iota!
It was during the summer of our 25th Anniversary when we attended our "first" rally and boy, what an eye opening experience that was! I remember the "family style" rallies that I went to as a child and back then... I didn't remember my mom ever doing this!

As we walked around and took it all in we came across a very interesting couple who must have been so in love, that they attached themselves to one another with a leather dog leash, which was hanging from the girls neck from a studded choke collar. Hubby and I looked at each other in surprise and said... "Wow! We need to get us one of those!" The only problem was... we couldn't decide which one would get to hold the leash and which one had to wear the collar! LOL!

My next "first" is one I'm sure the ladies can relate to. You see, there was that "first" time I tried to mount my hubby's bike when he wasn't ready for me. Yes sir... you'll only do that once!! I realized then, it's just as important to be a responsible passenger as it is being a responsible rider. After all... it can make or break your fun!!

Over the next couple of years we really embraced the rekindled love and experiences that motorcycle ownership gave us. We also started to realize that this new addition to our household has allowed us to participate and enjoy life on a whole new level. Sharing this love and passion with others in the way of road trips, day rides, and a couple of good ol' raunchy rallies now and then, was like wearing a "life is good" t-shirt... everyday.
It wasn't long, however, before I was feeling a bit restless as I had a growing desire for more. I needed to feed my insatiable appetite for exhilaration and to feel my own sense of freedom I kept hearing others boast about so openly. It was like my dormant road spirit was coming awake and leading me down the path of truth.

I knew what I had to do.

(to be continued... again)

Lady R