Riding in Italy

I know it's been a while since my last post so obviously things have been going well in my world. Funny how it takes less than a week in Italy to churn things up.

I've come to terms with many of my Italian annoyances. I accept that when I go to the supermarket I will be stared at as though I have 3 heads. I accept that the 'rules of the road' are only mere suggestions here. And that when I get on the freeway, no matter how fast I'm driving, someone will need to drive faster and crawl up my tailpipe to let me know.

As many of you know, I have a Harley. A 1998 Heritage Softail to be exact. Black. With lots of chrome. Not exactly a small bike. There is a severe lack of straight roads in Tuscany. In all of Italy really. So my bike really isn't ideal for the roads here. But I love it and couldn't imagine riding any other type of bike. How I would love to cruise the highways in North America where the majority of people actually follow the rules of the road. But, my bike is here so I just have to suck it up.

Due to my current situation, I don't spend much time in Italy, so riding opportunities are limited. When I do get the chance, there's always been a very large gap between rides so I'm always nervous. Will I remember what to do? Can I handle my bike? Things of that nature. But, once I actually get going, I relax and all is well. I also remind myself of all the times I rode in less than ideal situations. There was the time when I first got the bike and the fellow whom I bought it from had 'modified' it. And poorly. He had extended the foot controls, put on a custom seat and made it so that the bike was very off balance. But I rode. I navigated hairpin turns, up a hill without incident. Then there was the time that I lost my rear brakes during the beginning of my ride. But, I rode all day (I still had the front brakes) and used my gears to my advantage (I do that anyway). During that particular adventure, I was almost hit head on by an individual driving recklessly down a hill. There were many blind corners but he didn't feel the need to slow down or stay on his side of the road for that matter. Fortunately, I had thought to stay as far to my right as possible while riding up the hill. These are just some of the little joys of riding.

Today though brought my blood to a boil. I am used to being passed. In fact, I expect it. But today's jackass figured he should pass me on the inside while I was in a left turning roundabout. Are you kidding me? What planet granted you a driver's license Mr Volvo? I realize that you're probably really choked that you're stuck driving a soccer mom mobile while I'm on a super cool Harley. And, as I exited the roundabout and gunned it, I totally expected you to pass me. Notice I had my middle finger salute at the ready for you. And the best part, he gave me a salute of his own because of course he didn't do anything wrong.

So to you Mr Volvo, I wish you all sorts of bad luck. I hope you get caught drinking and driving and they suspend your license because you have no business having one in the first place.

I feel much better now.