Cloud cover pervades the expanse of arid land.

The sun’s been down for sometime.

I’ve lost track of how long I’ve been riding on this ridge into Oregon, “Oregon Trail Highway,” definitely feels somewhat removed like that.

My nerves are starting to question my current sanity; For miles on each side of me the cloud cover is smattered with lightning. No rain, just the flares of electricity gaining in frequency. 2 small pieces of rubber and no Farraday cage in sight. Lightning has never been a friend to motorcyclists.

As my luck would have it, none of the blasts have taken place over the highway, just everywhere around it. I hope I don’t need to take an exit for gas anytime soon, as the odometer clicks to 30 miles remaining til my next gas stop.

That’s when the music changes, as if it was answering any questions I may have about my current situation. The guitars raise, drums blast. “There is Fenris’ twin, his jaws are open wide, The serpent rises from the wave” Twilight of the Thunder God begins it’s audible assault upon my ear drums. Like a reminder, much like Thor, I am not one to back down. My right wrist begins to roll as my hand grips tight. For Thor.

These were not blasts of warning, each strike was Thor cheering me on, excited for my 5000 mile journey. I may be riding solo, but I never ride alone.