My wife was out of town on business this past week. Against her protective feelings, she certainly wouldn't have wanted to know, see or hear this but I finally took my only boy out for a 3 hour ride. The helmet that fits my wife fit him perfectly as I buckled him up. I placed heavy gloves on his hands as well as made sure his thick jacket was snug as to manage the weather (cool and sunny) or possible incidence. I started the bike and warmed it up. The motor ticked to warmed life then broke into beautiful cadence once the choke was secure. Within 30 seconds he was aboard and we were down out of the neighborhood. We started out around the further block then across town in reasonable fast fashion, briskly through the tunnels, climbing bridges and brushing open country briefly finally coming to stop a good breakfast place an hour later. He proudly held the helmet and sat at the counter with me ordering waffles, bacon and orange juice.
These past weeks have been hard on him with the start of a hectic 6 grade in middle school, his grandfather's deadly serious medical condition and challenges of his mother being away. As we rode he was silent but quite thrilled to be on his father's bike. We both enjoyed the time together as we rode our airhead about stopping at lights, making the turn-a-bouts and scooting off the line in safe practice.
After being out for nearly three hours we finally pulled up at home. Once settled back inside, my sweet boy sat on my lap and just began to tell me his worries and thoughts which he has seriously held within his young stressed mind. Later, he held my hand for a long periods over the rest of the weekend holding on to the good feelings we had shared which was more than a ride.
Perhaps I will share this story with my wife but then again maybe he and I will keep this a secret. In any case, next time his mother leaves for another week long business trip we might go a bit further down the road.
