A Room of Her Own

After 18 years of sharing, she finally has her own space. No more being pressed against the wall with zero wiggle room, trying to stay out of everyone’s way. 

She is Big Red, my candyapple red Gold Wing. She’s always been pinched up in that narrow space in front of the cars in our garage. Her front wheel fitting in at the end of the cabinets, but not too far in or her fairing would come to rest where the cabinet corners came together and rub her paint.

Maneuvering into position was a chore and a feat that required skill and patience. Move the cars out, drive in wide at just the correct angle. Then inch up and back, up and back aiming her into alignment without brushing against the wall or the items stored near the side door.

Difficulties came when she didn’t get into her allotted space just so. We had to negotiate around her like circus contortionists. And, surely, she must have feared having her trunk whacked!

Now she has a perfect home. The new bike shelter is reminiscent of silver pods I imagined as a kid contemplating outer space. She’s completely enclosed and snug in her Cycle Shell, which our friend Sylvia researched for me then came to help set up and get Big Red installed.

Syl screws down the sidestand plate

 It’s a straight shot from the gate into the Cycle Shell, which stands at the top of the RV pad in our back yard. All I need to do is to drive onto the pad, park, and pull the cover over the top and fasten it down. Quick and easy. 

I'm sure we’ll get out on the road more often come spring. That should make both Big Red and me pretty happy.

                

~ xoA ~