Scanning the roads, I take a breath. Roll across the parking lot and hope for the best.
There’s no doubt, the clutch cable is on it’s last leg. A nonissue as we cruised along the desert highway, but the stop and go city traffic is now proving increasingly difficult. My newly developed method of rolling/gas/clutch got us this far, works the majority of the time. Except for when it doesn’t and we lurch to an engine killing stop.
Looking at the map, I toss Baylor a cookie. There’s a fresh clutch cable and garage work-space awaiting us. We just have to make it across town. Stop, go, cruise, ride, drive, hope and pray our way through city traffic.
Helmet adjusted, I give Baylor a scratch. Smile as he curls up, lies down, promptly falls asleep.
Merging into traffic, I look ahead. Mentally will the light to turn green. Let out a sigh of relief as we roll through uneventfully. Seeing the sign for the highway, I veer right. Rev the engine and join the steady stream of fast-moving cars and trucks.
Not for the first time, I give thanks that we’re a rather wacky looking adventure-mobile. Were we traveling by car this slowly, we’d surely anger the speedy interstate travelers. Instead, they slow to look and wave. Drive alongside us snapping pictures. Make an effort to make sure we merge easily. Give us a wide berth and supportive thumbs up.
It’s a heartwarming experience, but still I’m relieved to see our exit fast approaching. Rolling down the exit ramp, I turn right. Cruise along, swing through the roundabouts. Turn into the gated community and smile. Never before have I been so happy to find myself in the city suburbs.
Coming to a stop, Baylor sits up. Looks around taking it all in.
Leaning down, I unbuckle his harness. We made it Bay. Now let’s just hope the cable install goes as smoothly as the drive over.
He looks up at me. Jumps out of the sidecar and trots off him. The install is of no concern to him. He’s just hoping for cookies and shady spot to nap.
I smile. Oh, to be a dog.
265 days down. Many to come.
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