No. 44

The Rider

He rides a motorcycle.

That makes him instantly crush-worthy in my book, even if I haven’t ever gotten a proper glimpse of him. Every time I see him, he is on that motorcycle, wearing a helmet, putting on a helmet, taking off his helmet….there was always a helmet involved.

I have a crush on the motorcycle too. It is gorgeous. And exactly what I would get if I had ever learned to ride one. That’s still on my bucket list.

But back to the rider, because I know that’s what you want to hear about.

Once I’d managed to slow my heart beat from a frenzied thumping when our paths crossed, I started noticing the rider’s style. If I could dress a man, he would have the rider’s closet of clothing. The only thing I’m not sure he owns is a three piece suit. And if he does, I’m done for. But he has all else: the casual, mysterious “maybe I’m a bad boy” outfit; the comfortable, practical “I hike all day to keep buff” ensemble; the professional “I can take you out in a courtroom or a bar brawl” look.

But what surprised me most was that his presence has been enough to make me realize that the style I live in isn’t the style I want to have. After two sightings recently, one of which nearly led to a fainting spell, I found myself standing in front of my closet, critically assessing everything, and getting rid of everything that didn’t capture my style perfectly.

Who knew a man could have such an effect…

{I have no photo of him or his motorcycle, which is kept under cover when he’s not using it. I considered trying to take a photo, but that would likely involve me, sitting in my car, waiting for him to appear, and that’s just too stalker for my taste. So this photo is from flickr user Attila Siha}

About brandi

Brandi is a digital strategist, website developer, and founder of Alchemy+Aim, a company that helps entrepreneurs and business owners elevate their online presence and enhance their digital experience. Her academic background in theatre, philosophy and physics was the perfect foundation for launching her business, where she’s worked with Brené Brown, Laverne Cox, Judy Smith, and other notable thought leaders since 2013. She is an advocate for using technology in ways that humanize, connect and serve people as well as for asking deeper philosophical questions and teaching others to think more broadly about impact when they create, particularly in STEAM fields.

12 thoughts on “The Rider

    1. Sadly, those are all the details I have about him. Every time I’ve seen him, I’ve been reminded of how I want to create a rockin, memorable style like that for myself.

    1. Ha! That would be fun. I fear he may be married though. At least I can continue admiring his style (and motorcycle) from afar.

  1. Your image credit just made me laugh. “Too stalker for my taste.” That’s great.

    I always feel the same way when I see something fun…like the wreath my neighbor downstairs has on her window, with the lights twisted around it. It’s not plugged in yet, but the first night it’s lit–well, I’ll avoid being too stalker. But I might copy the idea for our patio door.

  2. oh this is hilarious! stalkerish can be fun too! Or just tell him you need a picture of a guy and a motorcycle for something. I’m only saying this because I’m not the one having to take my suggestions…

  3. I feel like men’s clothing is much more accessible (to me) when creating a personal style. I’m more drawn to masculine cuts and materials than the scratchy, latexy stuff that women sometimes wear. I think I’d love to see your mystery man and HOOT AND HOLLER at him :)

  4. Oh, boy. This is one of my weaknesses too. I already know the man I’m going to marry knows how and has, at some point in his life, owned a motorcycle. The older I get the more hesitant I’ve become about learning to ride myself, but it is something I feel I want to do, like at some point in my life, I’m going to need to know how.

    I’m excited to hear more details as they come up! Let’s hope for that chance encounter so you can see his face!

  5. Once upon a time I had a collection of dresses (vintage 60’s blue polka dot dress, 40’s inspired empire waist emerald green dress, 70’s vintage cocktail dress) collecting dust in my closet. I was nervous about coming out of the closet (I have to chuckle a little. I was living in Hillcrest at the time) … Then I met you. You were unapologetically stylish. Your perspective of Mystery Handsome reminded me of mine of you. It’s nice when the universe gifts you with a little nudge in the right direction. I will never hide myself in the closet again! Can’t wait to see where this inspiration leads you!

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