Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
The back roads of the Palouse are beautiful this time of year. But there’s a lot more to see if you traverse them on a motorcycle.
A couple weeks back, after looking at the cost of gas and the weather forecast, I rode my Harley-Davidson to work for the first time this summer.
I don’t have a fancy bike; it’s a simple Sportster – no flashy chrome, no windshield or fairing, no saddlebags. It’s kind of a modern day version of the iconic Triumphs James Dean and Marlon Brando rode decades ago.
Usually, I drive my car or pickup on multiple routes through the Palouse region from Colfax to Cheney to Ritzville every week. The roads – even the construction – have become routine.
That changes on a motorcycle.
Rather than cruising through the rolling Palouse hills at the speed limit, I putted along at 40-45 mph everywhere I went, even on stretches of highway where the limit was 55 mph. The slower speed, combined with polarized sunglasses, made the Palouse much more enjoyable.
The yellow canola flowers were much vibrant. The green unharvested wheat stood in dramatic contrast to the tan-colored harvested fields. And the water of Hangman Creek had a deeper blue tint, a reflection of the clear blue sky.
The ride also brought other senses to life, senses you don’t notice in the comfort of your air-conditioned car or pickup.
Wheat had a distinctive smell. Fresh cut fields had a much sweeter smell. And the canola oil scent was more noticeable.
It didn’t take long for me to remember why I enjoy riding at 40-45. But there was another reason I like riding at a slower speed – bugs.
I’m that guy who rides with a half-shell helmet with a retractable visor, one I never use. Instead, I wear polarized, tinted motorcycle glasses. They’re great for getting around town where bugs are not an issue.
But open up the throttle on the highway and bugs start pelting you in the face.
It never fails that a couple miss the helmet and glasses and slam into your cheek. Then there are also those that you think are lucky that impact on your glasses. But riding around with bug-smeared glasses isn’t a picnic either.
Bugs seem to be at their worst in the morning and evening. And wouldn’t you know it, those are the times I’m most likely hitting the back roads.
At least a good leather jacket takes the sting out of an impact in the check, shoulder or arm. Gloves, likewise, protect the hands, fingers and knuckles from behemoth insects, as well as those little zingers that would otherwise feel like getting a shot.
While gloves, leather and a helmet provide ample protection, you pay the price during hot weather. C’est la vie. It’s a small price to pay to safely enjoy the Palouse from the seat of a motorbike.
Speaking of price, riding is literally something to take to the bank.
On a typical work day, I use 3-6 gallons of gas, depending on the vehicle I drive and which office I’m going to. But on the motorcycle, I used less than a gallon-and-a-half. At today’s prices, that’s a general savings of $8-$22. By riding the Harley, I had enough gas money left over to buy lunch.
As inflation and the cost of living increases, I think I’ll look for more opportunities to ride to work.
— Roger Harnack is the co-owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing, including the Whitman County Gazette. Email him at [email protected].
Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
Reader Comments(0)