As the morning light gradually becomes clearer, though still faint, lights begin to flicker in the windows of scattered houses along the road, which stretches almost in a straight line toward the dimly visible mountains. These lights indicate people starting their day’s activities.
With the windows on both sides rolled down, I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with the sweet fragrance of osmanthus as my trusty GR Yaris steadily climbs the mountain road, gaining altitude.
Once I enter the winding roads and my focus heightens, I stop thinking about anything else. I’m completely absorbed in navigating the twists and turns unfolding before me.
As my eyes adjust and my hands and feet coordinate smoothly, the car glides effortlessly along the road. It’s only then that I begin experimenting and trying out different techniques.
I shift the weight onto the front wheels, adjust the steering angle, and play with the timing of easing off after the car generates yaw. It’s a continuous trial and error process, done without losing control and, of course, without crossing the centerline—just me, fully immersed in the drive.
Once I feel a sense of unity between my movements, the car’s behavior, and the G-forces I feel in my core, I know I’ve achieved the goal for today’s drive on the winding roads.
Gradually, I start to enjoy the surrounding scenery. The dense, deep green trees cover the mountain slopes, leaving no trace of anything man-made.
The scent of osmanthus relaxes me even further.
Eventually, the altitude decreases, and the cityscape reappears on both sides of the road. I merge onto the highway and head home. The time when I can drive on winding roads at my own pace and fully enjoy it is limited, so knowing when to call it a day is part of the fun.
The mountains will soon be tinted with autumn colors and eventually blanketed in snow.
Driving at my own smooth pace, enjoying the changing seasons along the familiar winding roads, brings me the ultimate sense of satisfaction.
That’s all for now.
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