Kuro’s First Ride

Brian was my go-to guy for so many things, ranging from home repair to motorcycles to fun times with friends to all around general advice for life’s little trials and tribulations.  Sometimes it was just about spending time with him and Juli and the kids, getting to be around what I considered to be a beacon of goodness in this crazy world.  They kept me believing that there are good, kind, respectful people out there, and that these types of relationships are enduring.

One of our shared favorite things was motorcycles.  I can’t even fathom how many hours I spent in the VonKleinsmid garage, getting advice, safety tips, and information.  Brian taught me how to change the oil on my bike, how to clean & lube the chain, how to check the fluid levels in the battery, how to check the tires and inspect the chain before each ride, and the list goes on and on.

When I brought home my Yamaha FZ6R, I was so excited I headed straight over to Brian and Juli’s to show off the new baby.  I’d named her Kuro, the Japanese word for Black, not entirely original for a black, Japanese bike, but I liked it.  She had barely 100 miles on her.  And of course Brian wanted to try her out to see how she handled.

He rolled out of the driveway in a truly uneventful right-hand turn, followed by a slow jaunt up the road.  Then  I stood on the front step for what seemed like an eternity, waiting for him to return.

Of course, I heard the bike coming before I saw her.  A moment later, what I got was an image I will never forget: Brian popped up in a wheely, almost vertical in his pass from one end of the street to the other, the wind blowing his white T-shirt back, sunglasses, and a face-splitting grin.

I looked around incredulously, only to discover I had no other witnesses with which to share my mirth.

I didn’t know whether to laugh or strangle him.  =)