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Bssie2: Retired

How does a grown woman get so emotionally attached to an 800 pound hunk of steel? Easy. My '09 Road King - and before that, my '02 Heritage Softail - was the vehicle that delivered me to a new way of life; a life with no restraints, a life of confidence, independence, and joy. My motorcycle has transported me on a spiritual journey that I have never been able to experience in a church, in prayer, at a retreat or in meditation.  

Bssie2 was the bike that delivered me from physical pain, isolation, depression, and anger after my accident on Bssie1 in April of 2012. After being scraped off the pavement and airlifted to the nearest trauma center, I spent 11 months recovering emotionally and physically; literally learning to walk straight again. Bssie2 was my salvation. I was terrified to get back on a bike, but knew I did not want to give up riding. I embarked on my first solo trip astride Bssie2 in the summer of 2013, determined to tackle some of the most challenging roads in the southeast in order to get my confidence back and relearn the skills I knew I had mastered. And we did. She did not fail me.

Bssie2 has carried me cross country - east coast to west coast - twice; solo. We have climbed mountains, spanned bridges, endured the heat, embraced the wind, weathered storms, withstood frigid temperatures, dodged potholes, navigated gravel roads and inhaled the salty air of multiple coastlines. We have watched the sun come up from some of the most breathtaking vistas in the country and upon arriving at our destination, we said a prayer of gratitude for safe travel as we watched the glorious sun setting on yet another stunning landscape. You don't travel 75,000 miles with someone - or something - and NOT get attached. I've often patted her gas tank much the same way you would pat the flanks of a horse to demonstrate affection or 'good job!' Crazy. I know. 

Bssie2 has waited patiently by the side of the road while I snap photos. She has never once asked "are we there yet?' or "how long are we stopping?" She doesn't mind sitting in the hot sun while I seek the cool A/C for a brief respite. Same with the pouring rain or frigid cold. She doesn't care where we sleep and she doesn't mind running 5-700 miles a day. My motorcycle has always been the one travel companion who doesn't complain. Ever. 

Bssie2 has been a road warrior but like all warriors their time on active duty eventually comes to an end. The breadth and scope of our time together is mind-boggling. And more so than Bssie1, she was the catalyst for writing my first book 'Riding Soul-O.' She was my muse. 

For the past year I have contemplated a new bike. As is usually the case with mechanical beasts, the need for extensive repairs outweighs the emotional need I have to keep Bssie2. It's just not prudent. I have half-heartedly been shopping for a new bike for several months and will ramp up my efforts as I will not go very long without two wheels underneath me!  

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." ~ Dr. Seuss

Debi Tolbert Duggar is the author of 'Riding Soul-O'
Part memoir, Part travelogue, Part spiritual salvation
Available at Bessieandme.com and online wherever books are sold

Comments

  1. LexyJuly 15, 2020 at 12:48 PM

    Debi, I get your attachment to Bessie 2. While I've not traveled near as extensively as you, my Baby Blu (2008 Dyna LR) was, and still is, my therapist, my escape, my best friend. I got back into riding after a 40 year break when my sweet husband passed. Without Baby Blu, and my fur (cat & dog) & feather (parrot) babies, not sure where I'd be today. She's given me the opportunity to meet many nice people along the way too. At times, especially when major repairs needed, I think about upgrading, however not ready to yet. She helped me thru the most devastating time in my life.

    Good luck in your search for a Bessie 3 and more adventures. 🧡

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  2. LexyJuly 15, 2020 at 12:49 PM

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