Riding Together: A Father and Son Kind of Day

I always get a little tense before I have to ride down to Richmond for work, so today’s ride with my son was exactly what I needed to clear my head.

We rolled out of Severn around 10:30 in the morning. The air had that perfect crispness that comes with mid-October, and the trees were just starting to show their colors. I led the ride, setting an easy pace through the backroads while my son followed on his beautiful new Honda Rebel 600, still shining like it just came off the showroom floor.

We took the long way, sticking mostly to side roads through the Maryland countryside. The pace was relaxed, and without much talking between us, the ride had its own quiet rhythm. Just the sound of the engines, the wind, and the feeling of being exactly where we needed to be.

Our first stop for lunch turned out to be closed from 11 to 2. What a waste. We laughed it off, got back on

the bikes, and kept rolling until we found Oscar’s Alehouse in Frederick. That ended up being the better choice anyway. I ordered the Sriracha Dog Burger of the day, and Dom went with a classic burger topped with a hot dog. Both were excellent, and the waitstaff couldn’t have been friendlier. It’s the kind of spot that deserves a return visit after a long ride.

After lunch, Dom and I got stuck behind a stinky diesel truck traveling the speed of smell. So we pulled off into a sunflower field in Lisbon, Maryland. The flowers were in their prime, bright and full of life under the afternoon sun. It gave us a chance to stretch, laugh, and take in the moment before getting back on the road. Sometimes those unplanned stops end up being the best part of the ride.

As we headed back home, I couldn’t help but think about how special the day was. Watching the leaves change, sharing the road, and seeing my son grow more confident both as a rider and as a man made it one of those moments you tuck away and keep close.

Until next time, brake when you need to, bite into something good, and don’t forget to breathe.

— Dom