Well we had ourselves a day for sure. The Bhatnagar boys were at it again with the best of friends. Someone once said that no great story begins with “ it was a beautiful sunny day…” This one did, sort of, but it did not end that way. It was an adventure indeed.
Early morning rise and met up with 400 + riders in downtown Springfield. We got ourselves ready to ride 75 miles to honor with respect the first responders ( police, firefighters, correction officers) who laid their lives down in the line of duty. “ Fallen but not forgotten” is the motto for the famous 14th Ride to Remember event. This was the fourth year I have participated and the 2nd for my son who still remains the youngest rider in the history of this event.
National anthem played. Flag saluted. Prayers expressed. And off we sent from Springfield to Hartford CT. We had a 2 short memorial stops to pay respects, and then one stop for lunch at 46/47 miles. We had an escorted entourage of police motorcycles on either side of us as they stopped all traffic for us. We were at the very least a 3 to 5 mile long procession. Every time we stopped we had a band playing for us, food and snacks available, bagpipes cheering up our spirits.
So far so good.
On our return journey we could see the skies get darker and darker. The winds picked up. There had been a tornado touchdown maybe 50 miles from us. The director of the race had all the contingencies in place. And the police diverted us into the the New England air museum about 3 to 4 miles off our route for shelter, as flashes of lightning began the show in the background, with thunder becoming our new musical band. Slashing rain started moments after we got to safety, like as if it was just patiently waiting to pour out its emotions once we were secure. 63 ish miles in.
The decision was made to get all the riders and bikes onto the buses and get us all to home base. Great conversations, new friends made, strangers now all in the same “boat” as we checked our phones for all the damages by weather along our routes. Each of us thankful that we were done with the ride given the weather situation, but some small part of us disappointed that we did not finish the ride mileage.
As I mentioned to many, we can do everything right, without any mistakes. Despite all the preparations, yet still not achieve the desired outcome. This is not failure. This is life.
I was so happy to ride with so many of my friends, able to stop over and assist on a few medical urgencies during the ride. But most of all so proud that I was able to ride with my son, who honestly just killed it, putting many of us seasoned riders to shame, especially up the hills.
Looking forward to doing it again next year, and I would be disappointed if we did not face some degree of challenge with weather on the next ride too, it is part of the experience, and just that much more rewarding to dig deeper down into the suffering to honor those who have done the same, but lost their own battles.
Each of us are working towards our own self-evolution by battling with our own demons. The ride was a good remembrance that each of us are working towards that goal
Blessings to their souls and to their families.
Time to stretch, meditate, reflect on my ride. What better time to do it than the Blood Full moon eclipse. Wishing you all much healing and love.
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I love you
