Clearing the Line

A ridge of loose pea gravel lay spilled across the concrete outside the ceramic planter. Direct throttle was out of the question; the rear tire would spin and dig in. I dismounted, boots planted on the rough slab. Two rounded river stones sat squarely in the approach vector. I shoved them aside toward the planter base, opening a clear three-inch channel of solid concrete. Remounted. Hands locked onto the grips, steady weight transfer forward, low throttle. The knobby treads bit into the clear line without a trace of slippage. Route secured along the perimeter.