machismo guy toys - oh yeah!

I spent this past weekend with a long time mate out in the country - or at least what I consider the country being a confirmed city girl.

As previously discussed you all know I have a weakness for bikes link (the kind with engines) and truth be told the men who ride them ;) (that is for another blog - hehe) but I never had really understood the appeal of ATVs. I guess I usually picture guys in flannel with cowboy hats and a shotgun strapped to their backs yelling 'yeh-haw' as they rode through the woods terrorizing the local wildlife. until ... I rode one.

I have had the good fortune of riding one several times as a passenger and it is very exhilarating - they go a good deal faster than I would have expected and thrashing through the woods at speeds faster than is potentially prudent is quite a rush. 

Such was the case this weekend, even though I am certain he kept things slower than his usual full throttle so I wasn't terrified. We were sitting talking by a campfire after a ride through the woods, up and down hills that were steeper than seemed safe, through puddles, around trees (always important to avoid those), perhaps one or two terribly -girlie- screams from me as well...as we rode he laid his hand on my thigh-I have no clue why that simple gesture is so hot on a bike, but it is! I am not even going to try and explain it. But ... where was i, oh yes, back at the campfire ... and I kept glancing back to the bike - a little bit lustful I admit. It took me a few minutes but I finally gather the courage, send him a slightly sly grin and ask, 'so, can I drive it?'

Now I know this is a dear possession to him - and the last time I drove his truck ... I kind of nicked it, so I wasn't sure the answer I would get.
'sure! you want to try it now?'
'um...' I stammer a second 'yes! just give me a minute.' Once I asked I got a smidge chicken about actually doing it. 

We chatted a while longer and I kept grinning at the bike, come to think of it that may not have been flattering to him, oops!

He looks at me, 'so - you ready to try it?'
Gulp. 'yes', I reply, 'but I should probably go to the bathroom first, just in case' (I'm so elegant! haha)

He drives us up to the top of the hill, we switch places and already my heart is pounding. He provided a quick lesson on the breaks and how Not to use them...and then it was my turn!! The full control of 750 cc's of machine literally at my fingertips...oh my!! After 3 or 4 somewhat shaky start/stops we were actually moving, at only about 15 miles per hour but it was Great!! Not being comfortable on my first run tackling the off-road we stuck to the gravel road, but who cared! Trees rushing past, wind whipping around us, and I was driving!!! Pure adrenalin plain and simple! Eventually I was brave enough to get her up to about 25 mph and I was completely giddy. As much as would love to say I had it totally in control, there was one point on a turn where if he hadn't grabbed the steering to help me we probably would have hit an aforementioned tree that is best avoided, the steering is very tight. (more girlie screams) :)

By the time we got back I was so overjoyed, heart racing, and completely pumped it is a very good thing it was cold outside because I very well may have attacked him right there on his bike :) 

Back once again by the campfire - I was grinning from ear to ear, 'That was awesome', I said, 'I totally get it now and I will try to stop grinning in about 20 minutes'
 
Machismo guy toys - oh yeah!!!