My arena is alongside the road. This not only ensures that my horses get very sacked out to vehicles roaring by, but also gives me the opportunity to wave (or nod, if I’m on a colt) to all my neighbors as they drive past. I also get to monitor which farmers are moving equipment to which fields, who’s going to the dumps on a Saturday morning and who might have a new car. Occasionally someone pulls over to ask directions. And sometimes I see something unusual.

I was riding Blue the other afternoon, and was just coming along the side of the ring closest to the street, when we heard a motorcycle zinging around the corner from town. Because it sounded like it was traveling pretty fast, I slowed Blue and turned to look. A fast yellow road bike flew down the road, with the driver bending low. At first it all appeared pretty normal – I could see the guy’s helmet, gloves and boots – but as he came next to us I realized that it wasn’t very normal at all. The guy was bare-assed naked. Well, I guess not naked if one counts helmets and gloves, and for some reason a flapping leather vest, but for sure the guy’s ass was bare, along with the rest of him! Luckily for those who had a view as he zoomed by, the guy had a cute butt (I once followed an extremely overweight fellow on a Harley with a bad case of plumbers-crack …had to follow him all the way to the freeway and was quite glad to finally pass him).

I watched Naked Motorcycle Guy all the way out of sight around the bend. He was going fast, but not unsafely fast. He must have been cold, because though the sun was shining there was a brisk breeze. I wonder where he was going … and where he came from. Had to be some kind of dare, don’t you think? Unless it is some kind of ritual,  in which case I am going to take a close look at all motorcycle riders coming past the arena from now on.

You don't believe me? Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me, but I do have a witness. Just ask Blue.