Two weeks ago my husband spent five days taking a motorcycle course. Motorcycling is something we have talked about doing for quite some time. It would be a new adventure for us as we emptied the nest this year (yes, we are celebrating) and decided it was important to find new ways to enjoy shared experiences. Some experiences may be more dangerous than others.

After each lesson, my husband would walk in the door smiling from ear-to-ear. He eagerly shared the day’s events and all elements of what he had learned. He was even willing to provide the details of his damaged pride each time he dumped the bike. As his confidence grew in handling a brand new 1200 Harley Sportster, I noticed he had a little more swagger in his step. He was walking particularly funny one Saturday afternoon when he arrived at home, and shared that his thighs and butt were numb from the vibration of the bike after being on it all day.  A smile crept across my face as I tried to hold back full blown laughter.

The last day of class, the instructor offered to take the group on a long ride that had them up to 55-60 mph. Jim described it as pretty spectacular with the wind racing through his hair and the open road before him seeing and smelling the hills of Northern Illinois. When he came home that night, all he wanted to do was grab me and kiss me. There is something about a man and speed. Vroom…Vroom.

Within a few days of finishing the motorcycle course, he was at the Department of Motor Vehicles for his license, and he passed. We began looking at motorcycles a few days later. Jim is concerned about how I will feel on the back of the bike with him, and if it will be comfortable enough to handle a few hours worth of riding. He’s even willing to purchase a gel seat for me!

We are saving up for a bike and gear. Hopefully, sometime soon, I can share our adventures with you. The empty nest season of our life is going to be interesting.