Cruising onto a fresh black road when you’ve been scraping on top of a rough one is a mighty fine feeling. When you get off that chopped-up construction meat or swerve out of
Pothole Alley, your tires are loving you lots. And it’s not just that:
1. Shhhh. When you slip onto fresh road the background noise fades away and everyone realizes they can chat in a normal voice again. It’s a nice, relaxing feeling, and it sort of makes your car feel more expensive, like you tossed down a fistful of bills at the dealership for some primo soundproofing upgrades.
2. Gimme a break. When you start cruising smooth it’s like driving becomes a lot easier. You’re no longer swerving past giant dirtholes on the way out of the cottage or being careful not to slip off the pebbly gravel edge beside the ditch. Thinking of giving both your arms a rest simultaneously? Now’s a good time.
3. Mechanic on duty. I don’t know about you, but sometimes when I’m on a rough stretch of road and my tires start to make that rawrrawrrawr sound, I convince myself that something’s wrong with my car. I know, I know, I’m a real hypocardriac (hey-ohhhhhh!). But seriously, folks, doesn’t it feel good when you drive onto a smooth road, perk your ears up, and realize nothing’s wrong with your hunk of junk?
Driving from a rough road onto a smooth one is a tiny gift to the road-weary. You don’t know when it’s coming, you don’t know how long it’ll last, but for a few fleeting moments you smile and relax in a quiet little meditation on wheels.