a lot of laughs, high fives, and a few bruises. We were
encouraged to celebrate when we dropped our motorcy-
cles (and, boy, did we drop them) with a flurry of beeping
horns followed by a helping hand to right the motorcy-
cle. The world would be a better place if we all behaved
this way every day.
I was moved to tears realizing this while up in our
adult playground. I smiled often despite the irritations
of heat, the fatigue, and the biting flies. One reason I
smiled is because I had rediscovered my determination
and had returned to RawHyde.
Fireside chats with riders and coaches about overcom-
ing the inevitable obstacles life hands us were unplanned
opportunities for reflection that dredged up many of the
emotions I had felt since the start of my motorcycling in
2014.
Over the course of the weekend, I was able to remem-
ber the exhilaration of learning, taking risks, and being
in the moment so deeply that nothing else mattered; all
while some hard-earned fun was percolating back into
my life.
I graduated the training unscathed.
Shortly before his death, one of my last text messages
between Jim and me went like this:
as both a motorcyclist and as a writer.
Jim: Julie, please know that I will always support you
as both a motorcyclist and as a writer and I hope you
never abandon either of them.
Looking back on my return to riding, perhaps I’ve
been chasing Jim’s ghost and want to feel our connec-
tion again. What I have found is my very own compass,
including an extra star in the sky.
Dedicated to the late Jim Downs, July 7th, 2016.
Julie: Jim, please know that I appreciate your support
TRAVERSE 90
JH