Rides Roads and Ronman

From time to time while we are out on our travels we see things that reach right inside our chest and grab hold of our hearts.  Last Sunday I had one such experience.  You see I get to thinking that I’m calloused from all the bad and even horrific things that I’ve seen in my life.  Honestly I’m grateful to know that sometimes something still moves me.

I was out on Doll Baby pre-ridding the route for a chapter ride that I will be leading when I saw something that just got hold of me.  Often times I see things and get my camera out to take some photographs to share with everyone.  On occasion I will be selfish and just keep the things I see etched into my memory.  Even still there is the rare sight that I just don’t think would be respectful to photograph.  Today was such a day.

You see I was traveling down one of our scenic back roads and stopped to take a break near an old cemetery.  While I sat there and soaked in the beauty of all that was around me I heard the rumble of a large V-twin slow and then stop.  I turned and spotted an older biker getting off his wide glide.  This man with his long beard and ragged clothing made his way over to one of the markers in the cemetery.  You could tell from his broken and labored gait that he had seen and done some painful things in his life.  I couldn’t help but think of Steph and her “O D B” (old dirty biker) line of shirts.

Reaching the grave marker the biker knelt down and bowed his head.  I have no idea what he was saying but I could tell this was hallowed ground.  I could see this old guy take his bandanna from his hip pocket and wipe tears from his eyes.  My first instinct was to grab my camera and capture this moment to share.  Then almost instantly I thought better of the idea.  I knew I needed to only capture this image in my mind and hopefully find the words to convey what it was that I saw to you.

I was touched in my heart by this man’s sorrow.  Often I think that nothing gets to me anymore.  Today I was greatful that it still moves me when I see such a sight.   What better honor than to have someone pay there respects to a friend or loved one that has passed on before us.

I Salute this Man,

Ronman