What are doing?
Working. What are you doing?
Working. But it’s fifty degrees outside. Warm enough for your trial run.
So, before I teach you how to ride this thing, can you remember that there is a hand brake and a foot brake and you should use both?
What’s that?
The clutch. Maybe you should stay with just first gear today.
I meant to put it neutral! How did it jump to second? And why is the damn gas pedal in the handle bar? !
Ed and the art of motorcycle maintenance. Nina and the art of relying on someone else to maintain anything mechanical given that she knows nothing about machines.
So there are two gas chambers...
I listen patiently. I need to know this stuff. The intent is for me to be able to manage any old wreck of a motorbike this spring in rural France. I’m to work there in quiet surroundings for weeks on end. All I need is a village (found one), a set of rooms (found them), a local hero willing to set me up with the Internet (done), and a motorbike to get me places (working on that).
bright skies and promises
No question. Today’s sun fills your soul with winter warmth. We pause to watch a metal sculptor load his pieces onto a truck for an exhibit.
She’s sunbathing, I think.
On Lake Waubesa, the ice is cracked and puddles of water are forming on the surface. Big Ed walks out a few feet onto the lake. The ice remains firm. Little me follows. It cracks and I see my shoe getting wet. You weakened it, that’s why!
And then, suddenly the wind turns cold. I take pictures from the back of the cycle as we speed back toward Madison. The sun again. Making a painting out of winter trees.
And then the moon. Framed by the knuckles of the limbs, striking against the perfectly clear sky.
Ahhhhh. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteI think the motorbike idea is one of the best ever. I can't wait to read what you blog from France!
Helmet.
ReplyDeleteWow! Nina on a bike...I mean a motorbike. Be even more careful than with Mr. B this year, okay? You'll do fine, motorcycle mama.
ReplyDelete..er, last year.
ReplyDeleteSounds like more grand adventures! I'm so relieved you'll have web access.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures. The one of you is in a class of it's own. Then you capture those elusive sunsets. That would be plenty for one day for most, but no, you continue allow the moon to have it's moment.
Thanks for sharing, Nina!
One thing to note with motor scooters (a la the Vespa and more now-tro alternatives) is that many do not require you to shift your own gears; more powerful models will go as fast as you're likely to need to go. The main loss would be motorcycle cred.
ReplyDeletejoan: thanks. I have a plate-ful of travel this spring, criss-crossing the continent and also staying put for a while. The goal is to use only public transportation and then the motorbike in France. I am told that riding a motorbike not only saves fuel and money but is ultimately more social.
ReplyDeleteanonymous: advice well taken. I was feeling vain, what with the camera being out of my hands. But I also don't like Ed's scuzzy helmet so we're out shopping for one tomorrow. I said I wanted a sexy look. He said it's a bucket over your head no matter how you slice it. I'll give an update tomorrow.
andrew: I am going to be super careful. In fact, I would prefer to use something with limited speed possibilities.
jlp: it's terrible, but I am totally web-dependent. Some of my weeks are supposed to be in the desolate corners of Scotland. That will be the real Internet challenge. But I am determined! Thanks for your comment, btw. I've missed hearing from you here.
Tom: you are of course correct. Ed and I visited motorcycle shops in French villages and it is likely that what I ultimately wind up with will have an auto shift. But the point is to be prepared because I am going to take whatever cheap piece is made available to me. It could be a ratty old thing with manual shifting.
Och! Aye, Goin' tae Scotlan' ur ye?
ReplyDeleteI think you should try and prepare yourself for that too by going to your local coffee shop with no laptop, no cell phone, no iPod, no nothin'! Just sit and drink a cuppa. Maybe a pencil and a pocket notebook if you must.
I would also recommend watching the movie "Deacon Brodie" if you can find it to rent. Ye must also learn what the term "Gallus" means, and whether nae ur yea it applies to ye.
I am now convinced that you will try absolutely anything! I love that about you.
ReplyDeleteScotland? Where? Any chance you'll be in the upper isles? I can give you info on internet options on Shetlands, Orkneys and also on Skye.
andrew: I always carry a notebook and pen with me. But late at night, at the b&B, I plug in my laptop. It's just the way it is.
ReplyDeletesep: yes, please! The Scotland I know is from pre-Internet days. This time I do want to head way north. With my laptop (see previous comment). Thanks!