This put me in mind of all the NASA mission launches I watched as a child in the 1960s and 70s: the Space Race was the shiny, warm and friendly flip side to the Cold War's dark, apocalyptic visage (which we've been recently reminded still remains…thanks, Vlad). The T-minus countdown was the anticipation of something grand and exciting, new vistas unveiled, something to be embraced rather than feared. Countdowns to the New Year…well, they could be something to look forward to, depending on your particular life situation at that moment, or something else entirely. This NYE for me offered what I'd call slightly-painful optimism: I was alive, in one piece, and with someone I love dearly (with the cat for good measure). And, I exclaimed, I would ride again.
At the moment, the T-minus floats somewhere between three and five days: monies have been secured; the bike itself sits in waiting at the dealer, with a few extra trimmings (heated grips, Buschenfuchs rear-wheel tone-ring). The last bit, or the moment, is a new helmet, which was finally secured by way of my insurance plan, after searching for a source that wasn't completely out-of-stock of the model I wanted (HJC RPHA 70ST), in at least a halfway-acceptable colorway, as the kids call it these days. Helmet should arrive in a few days, after which, all-systems-go.
I'd say my sense of anticipation is at least somewhat greater than it was for Melody's arrival. Which might be saying something.
More news anon, of course.
"Take your protein pills, and put your helmet on." Once more, with feeling.
