Two years ago while on a trip to New Mexico with my husband and parents, I decided it was time for me to take control of my destiny and be the captain of my own ship. Well, in my case, the ship was actually a bike; I was riding behind my husband on his motorcycle. My parents were each riding their own.
It was about a year later that I bought my first bike; a Honda Shadow 600cc. As soon as I took the safety course and started riding, my mother and I began planning a girl’s trip. If we had been two men, no one would have given it a second thought. But because it was a mother and daughter, everyone had to tell us to “be careful” (as if this was not our plan) or try to convince us that we couldn’t do it. I had about 6 months and 2,000 miles of riding experience, my mother had 25 years.
It was after the loss of my mother’s mother and sister that we finally set the date. In early August, we headed off for eight days. During that time we traveled 2,900 miles through 10 states. We made it to Gettysburg, PA and back again. We immediately started discussing where we would go the next year. It was a good thing we took the trip when we did. One week later we lost my mother’s brother. The memories of our Mother/Daughter trip together helped us get through that difficult time.
My husband and I had been discussing the fact that I needed a bigger bike, but could not agree on what I should get. When we left for out trip last month he told me that if I found “the” bike, I should trade my Honda. About 2,000 miles and six days into our trip, I did exactly that.
We had been to Traverse City, MI and then to Detroit and into Canada to Niagara Falls and were headed back. Then, in Ohio I found “my” bike at the Harley store. It was exactly what I was looking for and 4 hours later I left with a new Harley Softtail (1650cc). This was a much bigger bike and felt like going from a Jeep to a Cadillac! I am not sure if he really meant for me to buy one when I left Kansas, but my husband was very excited for me when I returned home.
This year we were gone eight days and traveled 3,083 miles – just the two of us. These trips have brought us closer, because it is something we can do together. We both enjoy getting out in the fresh air and sunshine and being free. We will continue our trips for as many years as we can - and they will always remain our “Girls Week.”
We never know how long we will have our loved ones, so I encourage everyone to do something special today. Don’t wait for tomorrow. If you are a mother or a daughter, plan your own getaway and make some memories that will last a lifetime!
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