What I’ve discovered from my twice-daily rides is there’s a freeway under the trees and along the creek covered by a canopy of leaves. On that freeway, there are other bikers headed to and from wherever it is they are going. There are joggers and runners. There are clusters of spandexed women who speed walk while speed talking to one another. There’s even a mantra to be shared: “Passing on the left!” as a way of signaling in the passing lane. . . .
During my first fledgling week on the trail, with my canvas book bag securely held by a bungee cord, another biker who was wearing all the proper biker attire pulled up alongside me and asked, “Are you riding to work?” All I could give was a simple “yes,” to which he responded firmly, “Good man.” He was gone before I could ask if he was doing the same. That was as good as one Harley rider giving the low wave to another. That simple affirmation was all I needed to finish the ride.