Thumper Jane
By Joan (Lulu) Nerrettig
After 24 years of cages, March 1st changed the game.
After months of saving, then pouring over Craigslist
for a decent re-entry bike, Thumper called my name,
loudly! She’s a 2009 Suzuki S40 Boulevard, equipped
with a Jardine, new tires, tubes, brakes, and a
synthetic blend for that single stroke, she’s one torquefun mare. A pearl-white thing, sporting a combo
silver-gray tank, she holds the ground as I fly through
space, grinning and living, once again. Mom’s
crematorium brass number tag hangs on Thumper
Jane’s fork, and I can look down and see where the
tinkle sound is coming from when we hit the wind
just right. It ignites memories of Mom on her own
mare, her beloved quarter horse, Ginger.
I have my bike safety course coming up this week,
and after riding during the sun spurts between
downpours, I’ll be ready to introduce Thumper Jane
to you at HDBC Burgers and Bikes on April 16,
when we will hear the coolest band in town, Stumble
Biscuit. Until then, happy trails!
Lulu
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