Regret and Remorse...

I had the opportunity to ride to Southern Utah this past weekend.  It was a bit cold, but overall it was very pleasant considering the time of year.  I motored south and ate lunch in Fillmore.  On the return trip I stopped in Fillmore once again to gas up and dine.  Here is where the regret comes in.  Remember the old days when nothing really mattered.  It didn't matter where I shopped.  Politics were of no concern.  I was just worried about me and my little sphere.  I returned to that sphere on I-15, but now I am not so blissfully ignorant.  On both occasions in Fillmore I dined at mega-chain restaurants and did not venture off the beaten path to promote Mom and Pop friendly dinning.  It may sound silly to the "screw everyone else, I got my discount" Wal-Mart crowd.  It is a small ideal, but an ideal none the less.  I feel very ashamed and humbled by my lack of action.

    I reflect on the possible factors that played part in making me forget my morals.  I was indeed preoccupied with the prospect of "making good time".  I have been contemplating and planning and scheming and researching long distance routes to pound out in relatively short periods of time, ie endurance rides.  In doing so I have left behind what makes Motorcycling so enjoyable... the escape.  I don't know if that is the right word.  It is about going the long way 'round just because.  It is about learning about other places and other peoples and especially other roads.  It is very difficult to do when eating at restaurants that are "safe", or "no surprises".  Isn't that what makes life life, the surprises.

    It was a good ride.  Pretty much all interstate.  I did have a small opportunity to smell some flowers and so I did.  I went through Kolob canyon on the way home.  I also ventured into Fillmore to look at the would be Utah State Capitol.  

    In all fairness, it was a business trip.  I went to help my better half with a scrapbook thing.  It did serve as a reminder of what is valuable in my journeys.  It was a surprise and I learned from it, and that is life.

JP