Gulliver's Travels - or - maybe tomorrow

I watched a lot of TV as a child, and movies. One of my favorites was the cartoon version of Gulliver's Travels. You know, the satirical tale involving a normal sized human being, Gulliver, who is shipwrecked and stranded among the Liliputians, a race of tiny human-like beings. He washed up on their shore, and, in fear for their lives, they tied him down. They used hundreds and hundreds of their largest ropes, which (on him), look like threads. In any event they were sucessful, at first, in restraining him on the beach.

Seems like with the advent of riding season I find myself likewise restrained by hundreds and hundreds of threads. Ok, maybe dozens of threads. The point is, it seems every afternoon, day or weekend off is accounted for with church, school, chores, duties and responsibilities. Or conflicts with other fun activites. Just try getting away for a one day ride. If work isn't the first hurdle, then childcare may be. Or lawn maintenance. Or cleaning the car/garage/shed/living room. What about that lunch your wife has planned with your in-laws? They are all worthwhile things, like the ropes of the Liliputians. Your family has activities, concerts, plays, performances, and the like which you are expected to attend. And should - don't get me wrong (and don't tell my wife).

At first Gulliver looks pretty darned helpless, trussed up on the sand. Eventually, though, he makes up his mind and begins snapping the threads one by one until he finally breaks free and stands up - terrifying the populace, who are no longer able to control him. They realize that dealing with him will be done on his terms, not theirs, and therefore are petrified. While Gulliver could crush them with ease, he shows his true power by not doing so. He is keenly aware that a mis-step could cause disaster and so earns their trust and takes pain to co-exist in harmony - but in freedom.

Does anyone plan out an entire season of riding? I mean, actually take the rally/ride schedule and cross off each day on the family calander as "UNAVAILABLE"? Can't you hear the screaming of the Liliputians underfoot! Sounds a lot like a wife screaming "what about the soccer tournament!". Gulliver couldn't break free of all the ropes at once, and neither can we, but neither can/should we allow ourselves to be tied down prostrate on the beach. Instead we must look carefully at the schedule and cooperatively break free some days to go ride, maybe just starting with one unencumbered, me only, riding day.

Then a pair of days.

Then a rally in another state.

And then.......?

Although Gulliver came from another land, to which he hoped to return, he knew he would be living among the people's of this island for some time, and could make his time pleasant or unpleasant, depending upon how he used his freedom. While we must, as motorcycle riders/travelers, be free to ride and therefore must break or slip bonds to do so, it is important that we not wantonly and indiscriminately crush those around us in the process. Get a hand free this month, and another next month. Next season one or both legs, and so on. Find an alternate weekend for the family reunion instead of the rally weekend. Plan a family vacation outside riding season, or have them meet you after the rally to see the area before you ride home.

And, for God's sake, if you see another traveler tied up by the side of the road, bound by work, or family crisis, or any of the other day-to-day threads that will eventually hobble anyone, break out your pocket knife and help that rider cut a few cords.