41.9 F
Clarksville
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeCommentaryDodging the Roadkill: Getting Your Second Wind

Dodging the Roadkill: Getting Your Second Wind

Dodging the Roadkill - A Biker's JourneyClarksville, TN -First, let me apologize for not posting any new content in a while.  I took a week off and went to the beach with my son and his family.  As grandparents, we serve a vital function on the family vacation. 

Babysitters!  We loved it!

I rode the Harley while following two cars.  My wife in one, daughter-in-law in the other.  Two kids and a baby.  The interstate is how we went.  

I was ok until about 2:00pm when the temperature hit 98 degrees.  We stopped frequently, I kept hydrated, lots of gatorade and water.  I travel with a water bottle, so other than the heat, I was ok.

Out on the back roads.
Traveling the back roads.

Once we got on the back roads, I felt my “second wind” as we were on tree lined roads, and the temperature started to drop.  It may have been the smell of the ocean but it was welcome relief.

The trip back was even worse.

We ran into a disaster just before Birmingham Alabama.  Traffic was bumper to bumper, stop and go and it was 95 degrees.  It took me 90 minutes to get through Birmingham.  I have NEVER been so hot.

I pulled off and stopped for some cold water and to park the bike for a while.  I sat inside a Milos restaurant sipping cold iced tea and letting both me and the bike cool down for a while.

Once I got back on the road, the sky turned partly cloudy and the temperature dropped to 85.  All of a sudden, I felt my “second wind” kick in and the rest of the ride was tolerable.  In fact, it was great.  Watching the sun set is just as beautiful as watching the sun come up first thing in the morning!

I’m not as young as I once was, so doing 11 hours on the Harley isn’t as easy but the final stretch was great.  I could have gone another couple of hours.  I’m a little sore today, but I would get back on the bike and take off again tomorrow.

Getting your second wind while traveling, or getting your second wind in life is a wonderful experience.  I’ve said it before, but I never thought I would find myself on the back of a Harley at this stage of my life, seeing the world with my knees in the breeze, but I’ve got my second wind.  It’s a blessing!

Isn’t this what this lifestyle is all about?  

Ride safe my friends, and stay hydrated.  Don’t do anything stupid and enjoy the ride!

Hank Bonecutter
Hank Bonecutterhttp://www.clarksvillesmotorcycle.com/
Hank Bonecutter is a retired broadcaster and media consultant based in Clarksville, Tennessee. His career includes stints at WKDA/WKDF and WKQB Rock 106FM, WLAC-AM in Nashville. He concluded his career as owner/talk show host at WJZM-AM in Clarksville. Currently the President of Bonehead Promotions, he's an advertising consultant and media strategist. An avid motorcyclist, Hank blogs about his travels exclusively at www.clarksvillemotorcycle.com and www.clarksvilleonline.com You can follow Hank on on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dodgintheroadkill/, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/?lang=en, and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dodgetheroadkill/?hl=en  
RELATED ARTICLES

Latest Articles