These Days

These days most of us are feeling a little less financial freedom. To be honest I know a number of folks who are experiencing real economic set-backs. My own income has decreased and fixed expenses rose a bit as well. In better times I thought nothing of riding all day on three dollar gas and then spending $50 for food and beer nearly every weekend. In those days I actually purchased a second motorcycle with all it's maintenance expenses. In those days, it was okay to take off on my bike and ride clear across the country wearing out tires and burning gas like it was grass. In those days riding included pinching pennies while spending dimes. In those day I swapped gas for power and cash for chrome. Well, those days are gone, and we are here in these days.


These days I don't meander down to the Chopper Shop on a lazy Saturday just to find some little part I can tinker with on my bikes. Instead I find myself having to be content with cleaning bikes in the driveway rather than tearing them apart. These days I'm digging through the parts box to see if the old grips are more worn than the ones I'm using. I'm wearing an old helmet I don't really like instead of shopping for a replacement for one I preferred, these days. A friend asked if I'd go camping with him. "You'll take your bike, of course." He'd added. "Not these days," I replied. "I'll drive up with you and we'll split the gas." I find myself, these days, patting myself on the back when I don't add miles to my machines, rather than the opposite. These days, believe it or not, I'm attempting to ride a little more conservatively so I won't have to buy another tire before Christmas or pay another ticket.


So what is the bright side of being a rider in these days? Well, and I can't say I see the bright side every day, but a couple of shafts of light reach me relatively often. First, I'm appreciative of the two bikes I have in my garage. It seems amazing that I was ever able to purchase them in the first place. While a year or so ago I'd been looking around for possible upgrades or updates, now I'm just happy to have what I have. I'm still a blessed man, and I know it even if these days I find myself at home polishing as opposed to on the road exploring. Like a healthy diet, these days have made me say "no", or maybe just "yes" less often. Self denial is a manly quality I've admired in good husbands and fathers. Truth is, I made out a budget and expense record for our household this month for the first time in six years. In those days I could just generally keep a guiding hand on things. These days making ends meet requires a little planning, some accountability and some self-control.


Additionally, I don't regret any of those day rides, camping trips, and all the beers with friends. In fact, I look back at those memories with more appreciation, and I look forward to future freer days with greater anticipation.