Negative Ions

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Today's ride was short. Around 30 miles. We had a late night last night celebrating my mother's 72nd birthday. I hired a flamenco guitarist to play through dinner as family and friends enjoyed roast pork loin, avocado and tomato salad, warm rolls and plenty of wine. My brother opened a single malt scotch and the dancing started soon thereafter.

Felt a little ragged this morning. A strong cup of coffee got me going. Nothing on the agenda. A rare occurrence lately. I rolled the CB out of the garage and onto the driveway. It was time to finally address those stained pipes. That Optiglanz stuff is frighteningly effective.

I wish there was something as effective to erase a night of too much red wine and whiskey. The sun felt good even though my eyes still stung. A ride to the coast could only make me feel better. I've read that sea air is rich with negative ions. Breathing in those negative ions supposedly increases levels of serotonin which leads to greater feelings of happiness. I've also read that the sound of waves can alter our brain waves resulting in deep relaxation.

Negative ions. Brain waves. Whatever it was, it worked. My tinted face shield protected my eyes as I rode west. I filled my lungs with as many ions as they could hold. The ocean always centers me. Calms me. I've ridden her waves for the past 30 years. But not today. A left turn onto Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. Dream homes on my left. Sparkling blue water on my right. Soul cleansing.

My head cleared, I headed east. Pulling into the garage I fully recognize how fortunate I am. Tis' the season to be thankful and I am blessed in so many ways.

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[the Ferret]

Can't beat a day like that..after a night like THAT! Lol

Looks like it was an awesome ride.

[emptysea]

Nicely written. Most of us do not have to look beyond our CB1100s to find something to be thankful for.

[Offroad]

Yep, having the CB1100 a real treat I've been without for the last 20+ years. But my wife referred to it as a something I've never thought about before..."how much is that carnival ride" costing me per month...haha..."a carnival ride" I never thought about but I guess she is probably right, my own private, on demand carnival ride sitting in my garage, what more could you ask for ;-)

[Cormanus]

Nice report and well written, metallyguitarded. A man who has ridden the ocean's waves for 30 years should know the ONLY successful cure for the night before is a surf.

[Rocky_imp]

I live right on the Atlantic Ocean and riding the winding coastal roads next to the ocean makes you feel something that's hard to explain.
That's why I appreciate and understand your comments and feelings.
Nice post

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Thanks gentlemen! Haha, "carnival ride." That has a different connotation in my house. I'll just leave it at that. And Cormanus, you're absolutely right. Especially our portion of the Pacific! Early morning sessions, with that cold, cold water, have an unparalleled way of clearing the fog from one's head.

Rocky, I'm with you on that. I find that trying to explain what it feels like to ride (a motorcycle) to someone who's never ridden is similar. The feeling of completeness the ocean gives adds another level. When I try to explain what it feels like to be in the ocean with the sun beating down, the salt air rushing over your body and the spray from the passing waves, I fall short every time. It's one of those things that just can't adequately be expressed. At least by me. When I've tried, I invariably start sounding like a hippy and words like, "at one with the planet" and "soul cleansing" escape my lips. I feel silly but I mean it.

Riding a motorcycle is within that same spectrum. As you all know, we just see and feel the world differently from the saddle of a motorcycle. Maybe it's the venting in my helmet. It's letting in all those negative ions. Haha.

[Cormanus]

Metallyguitarded, I'd add sailing a boat to that list of things that induces a particular, hard-to-describe sense of completeness.

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Metallyguitarded, I'd add sailing a boat to that list of things that induces a particular, hard-to-describe sense of completeness.

I can see how that's true. From my office I can see portions of our bay and occasionally, sail boats passing by. It looks so peaceful. I've only been on a sail boat once - it was a horrible experience. All the other boats I've been on have been motorized and I was never at the controls. I worked for five years as a divemaster and that had me on and in the water every weekend; often on a boat heading out to nearby islands or a wreck. Most days it was great. But diesel fumes and rough seas often led to unintentional chumming of the water by many of our students. I should probably give sailing another shot.

I've also dreamed of flying since I was a kid. I imagine the pilots among us might say they feel the same thing about being in the air (the completeness, not the nausea). So far, my budget extends to surfboards and motorcycles. Sail boats and airplanes will have to wait.

[Django]

Metallyguitarded, I'd add sailing a boat to that list of things that induces a particular, hard-to-describe sense of completeness.

I can see how that's true. From my office I can see portions of our bay and occasionally, sail boats passing by. It looks so peaceful. I've only been on a sail boat once - it was a horrible experience. All the other boats I've been on have been motorized and I was never at the controls. I worked for five years as a divemaster and that had me on and in the water every weekend; often on a boat heading out to nearby islands or a wreck. Most days it was great. But diesel fumes and rough seas often led to unintentional chumming of the water by many of our students. I should probably give sailing another shot.

I've also dreamed of flying since I was a kid. I imagine the pilots among us might say they feel the same thing about being in the air (the completeness, not the nausea). So far, my budget extends to surfboards and motorcycles. Sail boats and airplanes will have to wait.

Well, can be action, too.