The Kickstand Dance
I pulled into a gas station and stopped the way I always do. The ride had been uneventful, and the end of it felt routine. Nothing about the moment stood out, which is generally the point when something finds a way to go wrong.
I went to put the bike on the kickstand, and my foot didn’t feel the way it usually does.
I didn’t finish the motion. I stayed there because whatever I’d just felt didn’t line up with muscle memory. The bike still felt balanced, but it also felt heavier.
That was when my brain started to unravel.
“Did I put the stand down, or did I just think I did?”
“I remember doing it, but do I actually remember doing it?”
“Why does this feel shorter than usual?
“This didn’t feel sloped when I stopped, did it?”
“Did the ground just shift?”
“Did I somehow miss the kickstand?”
“Does this bike even have a kickstand?”
The engine ticked while it cooled. People were nearby, but no one reacted. Which felt wrong given how serious this felt in my head.
“I always put the stand down.”
“I wouldn’t forget that.”
“I might have forgotten that.”
Those thoughts kept circling.
I leaned the bike slightly to check, which felt reasonable, until it leaned farther than I expected. My body jerked before I had time to think it through. So, I brought the bike back center fast enough that it probably looked intentional, like maybe I was adjusting my footing instead of quietly panicking. Nothing happened. That was the story.
I stayed there balancing the bike, nudging around with my foot and kicking the stand forward again to see if it would shift enough teel right. It moved. Somehow,
that made things worse. So, I tried to look down, but between the helmet and the glare, I wasn’t getting much information. I could feel the slope in the pavement the tension in my shoulders. It took a moment before I realized I hadn’t taken a full breath in a while.
So, I took a deep breath, and I tried again.
The second attempt was slower. I paid attention to the angle instead of trusting it. The bike settled onto the kickstand and stayed there the way it always does. I kept my butt in the seat longer than necessary, waiting for something else to go wrong. When it didn’t, I stepped off
and pretended this had all been under control. Only then did it register that the kickstand was fully down and exactly where it should have been the entire time. The bike hadn’t done anything wrong. It had been waiting for me. I walked toward the store without looking back. My heart rate stayed up longer than it should have, and my brain replayed those few seconds more than they deserved. Nothing was wrong. So, I walked inside and bought whatever it was I had originally stopped for. Now, any time I come to a stop, I check the kickstand 15 times before trusting it.
Sarah Jackman WRITER
Happy Valentine's Day
CC Biker & Motorsports was started March 2016 www.facebook.com/ccbikerandmotorsports
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A Fantasy Valentine Extreme
Shelley McCalvy WRITER
It was a great morning. Thinking to myself just another day. But I knew it was Valentines Day! So, I woke up and noticed my husband was not in the bed next to me. But there was a very beautiful red rose, and a note. The note said “To My Beautiful Queen come to the kitchen when you are ready". So, I got up and got dressed and ready for my day.
When walking into the kitchen sat a plate covered and another Red Rose, and another note. I picked up the note, and it read here is breakfast for you, my love. Eat and be ready to head over to your besties house please! I uncovered the plate which had heart shaped pancakes and fresh strawberries it was delicious. I felt like a queen at that moment. So, I grabbed my purse and keys and headed to my besties house.
Upon arriving I of course called her and told her I was on my way. When I arrived, she was standing outside her house with a Red Rose and another note. So, I got out of the car and smelled the rose and read the note which said. I have arranged a day at the spa for you and your bestie. It is all paid for they are awaiting your arrival. So, we got in the car and headed to my favorite spa place. When we walk in a lady at the front desk is holding another Red Rose and a note. It read enjoy your day of nails, pedicure and a massage all paid for. I was really feeling like a Queen now!
Well after having everything done the lady comes out with another Red Rose and a note. The note read
now my Queen head over to your favorite shopping store, and I want you to pick out an evening dress. I was really floating on air now still trying to figure out how he knew my favorite boutique. So, we arrive at the store the lady at the counter asked me my name and once I told her she pulled out another Red Rose and a note.
By now I am teared with joy. In the note it said pick something beautiful and amazing for you to wear everything is paid for. So, I picked out a beautiful dress and once we were done. The lady gave me another note and a Red Rose. Which the note said now go next door and buy whatever you need to get ready for this evening whatever you get is paid for. And again, the cashier pulls out a Red Rose and another note.
This note said now go to the very first restaurant I had ever taken you to. I was so a Queen in my eyes, so me and my bestie arrive. Again, awaiting a Red Rose and a note that said enjoy lunch all paid for so we ate and as we were walking out a lady said ma’am wait and she was holding a rose and a note. It read now go to the mall and it said a specific store name and pick you a pair of shoes to match your evening dress everything is paid for.
So, we arrived at the store found the perfect heels matching for my dress. And the lady at the cash register pulled from under the counter a Red Rose and Another Note. It read drop your bestie off at her home and then head home. When I reached home the walkway had rose petals all the way to the door. Also, when I opened the front
door, it had more leading me to the kitchen again. On the counter there is a vase of 12 Red Roses and a bottle of my favorite wine and champagne glass and another note.
By now I was smiling ear to ear and tears of joy running down my face. This time the note said to my Queen the Love of my life please enjoy your wine and a bath. I would love for you to be ready and dressed by 8pm. Also, a driver will be there to pick you up be ready! Love your King..... So, I did as it said. I looked stunning and was ready by 8pm. All of a sudden at exactly 8pm the doorbell rang and a familiar face was dressed and a Limo was out front and the driver had a Red Rose and a scarf and a note that read don’t worry you will be blind folded for your drive to me.
So, I got in the limo and the driver blind folded me and we drove for about 20 mins. Then we arrived it was dark and there was a pathway lit up with candles and rose petals up to this beautiful gazebo which had a table and 2 chairs and awaiting my gorgeous husband all dressed up standing there waiting for me with more red roses it was beautiful music playing and I look over its another familiar face dressed as our waiter. That night was so breathtaking. I will never forget my husband had a close friend make a song and played it and I was served a seven course meal which was to die for. I felt like a Queen to my King for sure. Now you can take your own imagination and know how the rest of the night ended when we got home....... A night I will never forget.......
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY FOR CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Central California
Graphic Design Services
Jennifer Turk
559-708-8122
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Inhisimage Cleaning LLC
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559-286-8207
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Karaoke & DJ Service
Tina & Papa Rick 209-376-1894
Central Coast
California Cravings www.californiacravingsca.com
Clovis
Sassano’s Men’s Wear
448 Pollasky 559-299-4430 www.sassanosmenswear.com
Fresno
420 Compassionate Care
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Clawson Motorsports
6334 N. Blackstone Ave 559-435-5020 www.clawsonmotorsports.com
Kooty
Freeze Dried Kreations 559-2132-8271
Ruff Cuts Dog Grooming
Dana Bartram
559-558-0018
Friant
Crafters Garden Boutique 17304 N. Friant Rd
559-999-2376
craftersgraden@gmail.com
Mariposa
Happy Burger Diner 5120 Highway 140 209-966-2719 www.happyburgerdiner.com
Steve’s Sportsman Café 3441 Woodland Dr. 209-966-8223 www.facebook.com/ StevesSportsmansCafe
Nationwide
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys 4400 Coldwater Canyon Ave Ste 200 Studio City, CA 800-424-5377 www.russbrown.com
North Fork
Buckhorn Saloon 32992 Road 222 559-877-8700 http://www. buckhornsaloon.net/
Crafters Garden Boutique
Opening mid January Thursday - Saturday, 10am-6pm
Patti Crocker (559) 999-2376 craftersgarden@gmail.com 17304 N Friant Rd. Friant, CA 94626
To have your business listed for $8.00 a month
Contact Richard 559-572-3573
