Tandem

photo by altercator

On Point83 rides, we never leave anyone behind.

Two people, however, that’s a different story.

But at least we lightened their trailer full of home-made cider before abandoning them for the Abandoned Highway, and, in our defense, not only was a serious effort made on roadside repair—highlighted by the Rez Run to Home Depot for missing lugnuts—but, more importantly, Team Brad and Allison formally absolved us from further efforts and wished the ride godspeed with assurances that further help was on the way; still, it felt sad to leave them in a downtown parking lot, even one that been the site of much spontaneous gaiety and mirth, occasioned in no small part by the aforementioned homemade applejack.

The newly-christened Argle Bargle drinks seemed to have many in fine fettle and led, in part, to a Hansel and Gretal trail of marijuana leaves indicating the route from Westlake south to the firepit that needs no firewood.  Palettes and underbrush appeared from thin air and were ignited by spray bottles of the improved technology to produce a cheery conflagration way warmer than necessary on such a mild October evening.

The faces by firelight, though, made it more than worthwhile all around the largest circumference for which we stand. 

Sparks rose heavenward…and so did burning embers from the flames, ba-dump bump.  Better jokes were told and more compelling lies traded.

It’s grand when you unintentionally end up at the spot you had more or less intended to from the beginning.  Thanks to the unexpected mechanical, and the unplanned-for absence of store-bought combustables, the revised and updated route leads you to the very place you were halfway expecting and planning for all along.

Of course, this requires a willingness to part company with one’s aspirations, but the beauty part here is being reminded to enjoy what’s happening as opposed to bemoaning what isn’t. 

After all, even the left-behind tandem team rode the perfect ride for the ride it rode.