motorcyclemeditation.com

In the small hours, the long predicted storm arriving. The bedroom window left ajar the better to hear it, don’t want to be sealed off by double glazing from something that in London happens but once every few years. The big one in eighty six, first I knew about it was waking up in the morning, trees and debris all over the roads, but the action over. This time, more attuned.

From three in the morning, blinds and curtains rattling, tin cans skittering fifty yards across carparks. Intensity gathering. Gusts whoomping against the windows, rain hammering at the panes. Lying in a warm bed, in and out of sleep, a deep inner peace enfolding.

Morning, the gusts and rain still strong. Decision time, use the motorcycle or take the train. No contest. Soon as you’re outside, the weather becomes less fearsome. Once, deciding to be prudent, left the motorcycle at home, spent the day regretting it. General principle, carry on with Plan A, in England you’ll never do anything if it’s forever subject to alteration an account of the weather. Only exception, if it’s snowing or might do, motorcycle stays put.

On the motorcycle, the weather less a problem than an addition to the day’s interest. The kit’s modern fabric working its magic, proof against the rain and cold, comfortable and dry, also standing ready to soak up minor scratches and bangs. Five years old, constant use, no more than ten seconds of care in all that time. Quite a pleasure to put it through its paces.

The motorcycle staying true to the line, feels good to have replaced the tyres recently, deep tyre grooves making light of sheeting road water. Heard someone say, you have the right equipment, you don’t need exceptional skills, you don’t have the right equipment, it doesn’t really matter if you have exceptional skills or not, you’re done for anyway, or will be eventually. Sounds about right.

In due course, arriving. The car park only slightly emptier than normal, everybody making the effort, just a few overcome by fallen trees and the like, impressive, can’t get put off by the first puff of wind.