It didn't wake up until the engine was running even though I parked the bikes in the sun. Again through all 5 miles of the designated scenic route, that after 70 miles of open scenery that draws you to think about the expanse of your life. Only days or at most weeks from now these passes will close. Some will be fought open for short periods, but many will lie quietly under their winter weight, waiting. Rolling through the rough terrain so easily, feeling the pockets of temperature both rise and fall as we change elevation, smelling the different density of the air as well as fragrances as we pass rocks and water and fields, I am reminded by re-experiencing why any day of 'contending' with the environment on a motorcycle is better than 'contemplating' it from a car.
Riding is a good expression of living.
If I have to pass this way through life anyway, I may as well enjoy the ride.