Riding a motorcycle is like a spaceship. Strapping on a helmet, body armor, ear plugs, boots and gloves is like wearing a space suit.
This doesn’t sound right — isn’t a motorcycle more like discarding the big steel automotive cage and put you closer to nature? Yes and no. Sitting in a blast of fresh air with no enclosure while surrounded by nature flowing by is exhilarating; the freedom and open feeling is much of the fun!
But the process of gearing up for a ride takes some time and careful attention. (Where’s my keys? Oh darn, in my pocket, now take off the gloves, stand up, get keys, sit down, put on gloves…) Once you have everything on, you will think twice before stopping and removing things, even for something as simple as a “quick” stop at a convenience store.
Preparing for a long ride is preparing your spaceship. You plan ahead and carry exactly what you need, no more and no less. You need to be self-sufficient. Weight and size is important. Although in theory you can stop and buy things, but a cross-country trip will carry you places far away from any supplies. You can’t just load the back seat with every conceivable thing you might need; no, you must be very selective and plan ahead.
So, once my two-wheeled spaceship is moving, I’m going to fly as far as I can before touching down on Earth again!