Crankin' It Up.

I've reached that time of life when most things said to me have the same caveat. "...for someone your age."

As in: "Wow, 67? You're in great shape for someone your age." Or: "You sure do shoot well -- for someone your age."

So it was of no surprise to me when, the other day, a friend, upon hearing I was about to fire it up for a run to Arkansas and Louisiana, said: "6,000 miles? That's a long way on a motorcycle -- for someone your age."

Got news for ya' kids. That's a pretty good run for someone of any age.

Not that I mind it. Figure I've earned it. Gotta be some benefits to gettin' old.

But, yes indeedy, I'm heading out for another run to my Club's national rally. And, unlike the last few years, I'm running solo. Not even my Brother and good friend Pablo is making it this year. And that means one thing: the blog is coming back.

A few years ago, I made this statement: "Ridin' solo is an introspective pursuit." Over the last few years I've found that to be more true than I had ever realized. See riding with others, especially Pablo, means that when I get in for the night I want to hang with my Brothers. I don't want to sit down and pound the keys and dump the words that have run through my head all day on to the page. I want to visit and catch up and just be. Riding solo, my goal becomes the same -- I want to visit and catch up and be -- but I want to do those things with you -- those who condescend to read this blog. The other part is that, because of Club protocol, when riding with other Club members I have to lead. Thousands of miles with my eyes in my rear-view mirrors. Everybody running good? Gettin' too strung out? How much room to get us all past that truck?

Whole different dynamic.

So, on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, I'm gonna throw a leg over the old girl and bust down the highway. One more time onto the Concrete Goddess, she who truly holds my soul.

Just me and the pygmy pony and the wind and the hum of the tires and the rumble of that big V-twin.

I'm makin' a run, Kids.

Wanna come along?