my college essay
...wards my ride. I put it in the ignition and roll her swiftly to the edge of the bay and get ready. I place my gloves on the dash and go to the shelf. One last step and it’s time. The oil from the top shelf labeled “Polaris Lube” is what I need, even though it’s not really Polaris Lube, it’s synthetic. We buy from a neighbor who has a 55 gallon drum of oil. I lift my hood to reveal the internal workings of the snowmobile. I unscrew the oil cap and pour. Since I fill up with gas before I garage it, I’m full. Now I’m ready, I grab my helmet and push out. The snow pounces over the hood and makes a quick dusting on the floor behind me, quickly melting into a shiny layer of water on the concrete. I pull the cord to start and I’m off. I’m not out long before I see my buddies weaving and racing on the lake. But today I ride alone. This is a day where there are no rules, no set speed limit, no stopping and waiting. It’s a day of fun. So I’m headed to my favorite spot. A place where I can be independent. The pipeline, as it is informally called. Although I’m in Massachusetts, this line is owned by the Tennessee Gas Corporation, ironically. A carved slit in the mountains full of looping turns and sloping hills. Finally a break in the clouds revealing a yellow yoke sun that casts shadows onto the trail. Wit...