Two-wheeled social distancing

The coronavirus locks us down

One of the hardest parts of the past six months for me emotionally has been the requirement for social distancing. Even though physically separating ourselves from each other is the right thing to do to minimize the spread of the coronavirus, as time has gone on I am finding myself increasingly frustrated by the lack of direct human contact. Technology has allowed alternative forms of social and professional interaction, but the truth of the matter is that Zoom, Skype, and Facebook are not nearly as rewarding as sitting down face to face for a cup of coffee with someone.

Over time I have increasingly found myself anxious, disconnected, and (if I am honest with myself) occasionally somewhat lonely. This was especially true during the months of Missouri’s stay at home order. My wife and I both were able to work safely from home, so we were lucky enough to have each other for company in between all the online meetings and classes. This togetherness helped a great deal, but our hearts broke for those who constantly risked infection working in essential businesses or were isolated at home by themselves. As grateful as we were to be together and safe, as time went on we both eventually got more than a little stir crazy.

At moments like that I was especially grateful for any chance to get out on two wheels. Because our 2009 BMW R1200RT has large side cases and a top box, I was able to use the bike to do our legally permitted essential shopping trips. With a little bit of patience and some ingenuity it is entirely possible to carry a week’s worth of groceries for two people on a motorcycle.

These brief cross-town expeditions were not truly satisfying, but they were enough to help keep me sane and provided a brief change of scenery. As added bonus, I did not have to buy gas for nearly two months.

Beginning to re-emerge

Missouri’s statewide stay at home order came to an end in May. Some form of social distancing was still a part of life and the precise guidelines varied county by county. Stoddard County continued to restrict groups to less than ten people until the end of the month. Large public gatherings were forbidden. Workplaces physically separated their employees as much as possible and increased sanitation efforts. Masks were required in many establishments.

On the other hand, it was once again legal to leave home if social distancing could be assured. This meant that real riding was once gain back on the table. Working from the office instead of home allowed me to commute on two wheels. After weeks of being cooped up, it was very therapeutic to regularly take the long way home as I explored the back roads along southeast Missouri’s beautiful Crowley Ridge and discovered several little towns I had never visited before.

Because the official Memorial Day commemorations were cancelled, a two wheeled expedition provided an opportunity to pay respect to those who have died in service to our nation. My wife and I spent the afternoon riding to the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery and the nearby Civil War battlefield at Bloomfield. It has been my honor to officiate the funerals for several service members buried at the state cemetery, so that ride was a profoundly meaningful experience.

Everyone needs a coping strategy

As impatient as I am to be able to safely get back together in large groups with the people I know and love, I recognize and accept that is not possible right now. Fortunately, remaining locked down inside our houses is no longer the only alternative. Solo motorcycling is an inherently socially distanced activity. It has been a critical part of keeping me sane. It clears my head and gives me a chance to be out and about without risking anyone else’s safety or health.

My prayer is that everyone is able to find a similar outlet, whatever it is, to help them get persevere through this difficult time.