The Road

I do quite a bit of traveling, never been on a plane or boat, it's always been the road. I've found on more than one occasion that I have fallen in love with driving. and I just randomly decided to put my feelings own on paper...so here it is.

The Auto

Your vehicle is not just a means of transportation, but yet a statement of who you are and what kind of driving you do. Weather it's a car or truck, it makes no difference. What makes a difference is the characteristics of the car; a stick shift says you live to control the car as much as possible, an automatic can still mean the same, but it's less effort on the drivers behalf. There's also the look of the car; two door sports car, sedan, coupe, convertible, muscle car, export, domestic, exotic. This would state the purpose of the car, and thus the motive of the driver. There are other factors as well, such as the drive; rear wheel, front wheel, or all wheel. However that is not as relevant.

The Drive

You approach the car looking it over, checking it's cosmetic well being and eyeing it's attractive features. Open the door and the lights come on to let you know she's ready to go, inviting you inside. But you don't go, no... you must check the mechanics so that nothing unexpected happens down the road. You reach in, pull the hood release and lift up the bonnet looking first for any stains or liquids that may be leaking. Check the oil, the blood and life of the car, check the coolant, the engines temperature management, and then check the other amenities; windshield fluid, power steering, transmission, and don't forget the tire pressure. Finally you're ready to go, you close it up and head back for the interior. The seat is comfortable and is properly adjusted for your personal fit to the vehicle, you adjust the wheel, close the door, and put the key in the ignition. The engine roars to life with a flick of the wrist and you grip the wheel, feeling the power surge through your body from the pedals and wheel. It travels up your limbs until it reaches your body and sends a tingle in your spine to your brain. Reach over and put it in gear, the rpms steady as you roll your foot over to the accelerator. It's this point that man and machine become one; Your in control, but it has all the power. the exhaust tone creates a pleasing drone as the transmission, or your hand, shifts smoothly through the gears as you're gaining speed. The tarmac creates friction on the tires, and harmonizes with the exhaust tone creating a symphony of sounds that assure you everything is doing it's job. If you please to, you can listen to your favorite tune on the radio that keeps your mind free, but yet it will always be glued to the road ahead. Cruise control is for those that can't work with long term relationships, you cannot commit your foot to the accelerator, you would rather have a computer do it for you...No matter how long the trip you feel accomplishment and pride when you reach your destination. Proud of the reliability your car has offered, and the perfect, seamless connection you had with the machine. It's all over for now, you get out and secure your car and be sure nobody disturbs it. But the cycle will soon begin again, and every thrill and chill will always be there.

-the love of the road