Thursday, November 19, 2020

The 2020 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, that wasn't

 


That's right, at long last I have breaking news to report!

But... you'll have to watch the video.

I mean, this may be the first time ever that I have stooped to click bait. So bear with me.

This episode is about how often life throws curve balls.

What I am now seeing more often on YouTube are creators (influencers?) bearing their souls in the most intimate ways. Casey Neistat, Iz Harris, Johnny Harris, Kylie Flavell, to name a few extremely talented individuals who open themselves for all to see and dare to share their humanity. They are braving the trolls and reaching out to us.

This may be an antidote, a balm, that can sooth us, remind us of the best that we can be, and lift our sights to encourage each of us to reach out and help others.

There is something compelling about that.

For more than four years now we have been bombarded from on high with insensitivity, lies, the lowest of low insults, and way too much deeply inappropriate public behaviour that leaves us feeling adrift in a sea of evil and division.

I feel that there is a growing, gnawing desire for the reverse of that. For truth, compassion, empathy, integrity... the glue that binds our communities, instead of the invective and lies that cut deep into society and sow seeds of distrust that threaten to take root and destroy our peace and prosperity.

There's that, and the Covid-19 pandemic that is literally killing hundreds and hundreds of thousands of good ordinary people, driving distance wedges into our families, and separating us from our best friends, day after day, after day, as we attempt to mitigate the invisible risks that surround us.

This episode explores how a worldwide, socially-distanced, charity motorbike ride fell apart for me under the pressures of the pandemic, then bloomed into an unexpected opportunity to build a friendship.

In an upcoming episode that is already in the works, I plan to dive deeper into the best that we can offer each other. It's a tall order, and I'm not yet sure how to produce something that can be a source of inspiration for me, and for you.

No, it has hardly anything to do with Vespas, or Bromptons, or food, or... stay tuned, and wish me luck.

The music for this episode of Life on two wheels is Minor Blues for Booker by E's Jammy Jams, made available courtesy of the YouTube Audio Library.

8 comments:

Massimo said...

“Experience is what you get when you’re expecting else”. A fitting expression!!! So glad I took the time to revisit your blog this evening, an activity which has become a part of a weekly routine.

While we were never able to go on that ride (I had to retreat to the confines of my home office to deal with a matter), we did chat on those benches long enough for me to get a sunburn. On my end, our conversation was easily a highlight of 2020, and I can’t wait to continue the conversation once things are a little less crazy.

- Massimo

David Masse said...

Thanks Massimo, same here.

Steve Williams said...

Another fine video addition to Life on Two Wheels David.

You look pretty damn distinguished in your leather jacket and sunglasses. The Canadian Steve McQueen thing going on.

And then you transform yourself into an entirely different gentleman with a tie and goggles.

I confess to feeling a bit perturbed watching the video because you never explained why Massimo didn’t arrive with his Vespa. For me, I would have said quite plainly when he showed up, “Where’s your scooter?”

Reading his comment here on the blog revealed the reason but that didn't occur until after watching the video.

Hope you and Susan are well. With the pandemic raging I fear it will be a long time before I'll be able to relax indoors with tea and biscuits. For now it is outdoor, masked and socially distanced interactions. I figure I'm good with that down to about 25F.

Man, you are a distinguished gentleman!

David Masse said...

Aw shucks!

Speaking of tea and biscuits outdoors, I am fantasizing about Susan and I riding our Bromptons down Toronto's ravine parklands, with a thermos of tea and some cookies, or maybe a butter tart or two stuffed in the Brompton frame bag. Maybe some wine, a small baguette and some St-André or Cambozola cheese... Oh I can hardly wait for spring.

Steve Williams said...

Why wait for spring? Do it now! Tea, biscuits, butter tarts and cold weather go well together and make for a new, exciting experience.

David Masse said...

hmmmm... Susan is a key ingredient in the fantasy, and she is not a fan of al fresco anything between later October and May-ish.

Rahul Pradhan said...

For once, i liked a click-bait.

David Masse said...

Thanks Rahul, that is very kind of you. Sorry if took me so long to respond to your comment.

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