Easy Like Monday Morning

The article “Easy Like Monday Morning” by Bud Miller/Zen MEasyotorcyclist was originally published on the “RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel” magazine website on 2/02/2014.

Cori and I both started new jobs recently and with that come changes to schedules, new responsibilities, routines, and pressures. She mentioned during a recent conversation that at lunch she’ll find an empty cubicle where the sun pours in and take time to consider all she has to be thankful for. It struck me as a gentle way of calming yourself and finding a center of peace amidst all that is changing. I realized that I already do something similar on my daily commute on the bike.

Motorcycling is a unique pursuit. It can be at once spiritual, a vacation, recess, and meditation (and is often all of them together). It can be (and is for me) a chance to commune with nature, to consider what’s important, to clear your mental slate, and be a time when you aren’t trying to please anyone other than yourself.

Like any successful and mutually beneficial relationship, riding should elevate and inspire. Monday morning need not be dreaded. Many a Sunday night over the last decade or so I’ve drifted off to sleep after checking the weather with thoughts not of the workweek ahead but rather of the Monday morning ride. It’s a way to carve out a little more time to give thanks in my own way.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said “…tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” That’s usually what it boils down to; a head full of nonsense that just needs to be swept away. Life’s challenges never cease but one thing remains a constant, the morning and evening commute (or any ride for that matter). That’s when I’m easy, easy like Monday morning.

3 Comments

  1. Hal

    I have enjoyed reading many of the commentaries posted on your website. Recently, at age 68,I returned to riding. My family history consisted of a grandfather who bought his last bike at age 69 (a BMW), a father who lived to restore and ride Indians, and my own experience of learning to ride at age 12, buying my first bike (a Harley 125) at age 14, and then owning over a period of time a Honda, Ducati, BMW, Yamaha, and finally returning on a Suzuki Boulevard.

    I ride because it brings peace, joy, excitement, quiet, and memories. My wife frequently tells me to "go take a ride" because she recognizes the benefit to me (and her) of the experience. My memories always return to my father, who would so greatly enjoy the rides with me, and who took such great pleasure in his later years looking at pictures of our infamous week long trip into Canada.

    Soon, I fear, I will no longer be physically competent riding a motorcycle. I hate to think of the day when that realization comes. For now, I have returned to the experiences and memories of thirty years ago. My motto has become "You're never too old to have a happy childhood". That's what it's like for me, and that's why I ride.

  2. @ZenMotorcyclist

    Thank you for the comment Mr. Amore. It's been a while since I visited campus. My sister is also a graduate and my daughter's boyfriend graduated this year. What a beautiful place to ride. Maybe an alumni ride would be a good idea?

  3. Gregg Amore

    Hi Bud,

    I just read about your Zen Motorcyclist column in the alumni section of the DeSales University Magazine. I could relate completely to this paragraph:

    Motorcycling is a unique pursuit. It can be at once spiritual, a vacation, recess, and meditation (and is often all of them together). It can be (and is for me) a chance to commune with nature, to consider what’s important, to clear your mental slate, and be a time when you aren’t trying to please anyone other than yourself.

    You will be happy to know that there are several of us on campus who are passionate about riding. I hope you can plan a visit soon. Much has changed since 1988.

    Gregg

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