This references a letter from Charles Marrone which caught my interest, as do most of Shadow’s writings on Facebook and Thunder Press’s “One for the Road,” when they reference distance motorcycle-riding tips.
As I read through the initial comments, a smile came over me. I was surprised a biker or enthusiast would make such a comment. The sentiment was that Shadow’s column, “One for the Road,” should be renamed, “Doom and Gloom.” I find her column and her other posts useful to me as a distance biker.
Honestly, I am chuckling because I have yet to find anything, within the content of Shadow’s writings, that is gloomy nor bring any form of doom to my riding world, rather, more like missing words, “Your Saving Graces on the Road.”
I have learned and put to good use many of the experiences Shadow has had on the road; we’re both distance riders, living sometimes for a month, while traveling, via motorcycle.
A recent post of Shadow’s sent me into my garage to look at the bikes’ rear framing condition, especially, the fender and struts on my Dyna. I use the bikes for a lot of distance travel, and try to keep them in good condition, performing frequent inspections and maintenance. Shadow had found a fender issue on one of her bikes and posted this, sharing what she’d found. I took heed, and since I have carried anywhere from 50–68 pounds of gear, there was indeed a cracking fender issue. I have since lightened my load and am looking at changing the fender on the Dyna for a more solid setup.
I find there is something to be learned from the conversation/posts she takes the time to write in “One for the Road.” I have to say any “doom” on my part would be to read the articles, and then unfortunate “gloom” on my part for not following the lessons and tips that are provided, by making the repairs or upgrades to my bikes to prevent things from going wrong on the road.
Forever in the wind.
—Ditch
