NIGHT RIDER UP TO TRUCKEE - Chapter 1

NIGHT RIDER UP TO TRUCKEE

An original story from Appaloosa Radio

Chapter 1 

The Bicycle Guy

An itinerant musician gets off the light rail train and moves his bicycle, guitar, and other belongings to where a group has gatherer waiting for a very late eastbound bus. 

Bicycle Guy began the conversation. “I’m riding up to Truckee. Some of my old friends are performing in a club up there. I’m hoping to do some riffs with them.”

Mr. Hawaiian Shirt had information that the Bicycle Guy did not. “There’s no way that you can ride your bike up to Truckee. It is over 7,000 feet and the only road is Interstate 80. No bicycles allowed.”

Bicycle Guy drew deeply on his cigar. I can’t stand the smoke, but I have been pulled into the drama. 

“In May, I rode over the Rocky Mountains, all the way from Boulder, Colorado to Salt Lake City. I did it in just four days. Once I get started, I just keep going.”

Mr. Hawaiian Shirt was not impressed. “There is only one way up to Truckee. On the Freeway. Lots of trucks. Semis.”

Bicycle Guy draws another lung-full of tobacco smoke. “There is another road. The old road goes alongside the Freeway. I took it down last Spring. Only had to ride on the Freeway for a few miles. They had all those orange barrels set up for construction. I just rode over there.”

Mr. Hawaiian Shirt cannot let anyone else win the debate, even if there really was no debate. “Well, you should know that they raised the fare. It now costs $1.25 each way for the trip up to Auburn.”

Bicycle Guy smiles. “Well worth the money! A whole lot easier than riding.”

Everyone stood around, more or less silently, for another twenty minutes until our very late bus finally arrived. 

Bicycle Guy loaded his bike onto the front rack, put his fare into the fare box, and grabbed a seat in the middle of the bus.

As the driver roared away, attempting to make up for lost time by not stopping at stop signs or red lights, Bicycle Guy and Mr. Hawaiian Shirt continued their conversation.

Bicycle Guy shares, “I’m going to ride all night. I think I’ll be in Truckee about dawn, maybe a little later.”

Mr. Hawaiian Shirt is incredulous. “You’re going to ride at night? Maybe you should camp out until it gets light.”

“I like riding at night. It really focuses my energy. When I rode over the Rockies last Spring, I did an overnighter. Better to keep going. Don’t ever stop.”