Sojourn Chronicles

Okay, it’s a little trip down the Sound of Music lane, but I think it captures the mood, of saying goodbye to a dear friend and trustworthy steed. And, hoping that it finds happiness in its new home, bringing as much joy as it did mine. The Honda Shadow VT1100 is a wonderful machine, and I will miss it.

The new owner, Russ, carefully loaded the Honda onto the trailer, and with the help of his wife, Diane, secured it properly for the five-hour voyage to Pennsylvania. I gave it one last caress, they departed, and it was gone.

It is hard to describe how a machine can bring such joy to life. It is inanimate but has a soul. It must be fed and cared for, but it gives back opportunities and experiences that will be long-lasting memories.

The new motorcycle, the Suzuki V-Strom DL650 awaits its chance for rides. It’s like the feisty young colt that is nearly broken, but needs to be ridden and tamed a little more. It comes with experience. The yellow V-Strom is quickly gaining the moniker, Bumble Bee.

As the Honda departed, I swear I could see a smile on the Bee, like it was saying, “HA! The garage is all mine now. No more sharing.”

Maybe. Maybe not. But, the Bee doesn’t know the fond memories I have of the Honda Shadow, and all the places it carried me faithfully and worry-free.

I am expecting the same of the Bumble Bee.–DBrent

Note: The Shadow was used in the production of four feature tour stories for Road Runner magazine. The most recent conducted last August, Blast to the Past in Northern Indiana, is in the May/June 2008 issue and will be on the magazine racks very soon.