Riding Season Begins!

Well I resisted a lot of warm weather lately that tempted me to get out my motorcycle too soon.  By too soon I mean 1) when there is still salt on the roads; 2) when it's really not as warm as one thinks; 3) the many potholes are not yet repaired - you don't want to hit one of those with a motorcycle!  But I did take a couple of 10-mile rides this week, and it felt nice to be back on the road.  Actually, I had hoped to be riding in Daytona this week, but that just didn't work out this time.

I'd like to take some more extensive rides this season.  This is a big country with so much to see, and the best way to see anyplace is from the seat of a motorcycle.  Despite having to put up with the elements, I enjoy feeling so much more a part of things, whether I'm driving through farmland or a big city.  Even on the freeway, I sense that I'm a part of the traffic rather than just someone passing through it.  Anyway, I hope to make some long-distance trips while I'm still able.  If I wait, I won't be any younger. 

Last year I started organizing events for riders in my church.  I'm finding out there are more motorcyclists there than I thought.  I plan a ride for a Sunday afternoon right after church, which usually involves riding about an hour to some diner, then another hour ride home again.  Eating together provides a good time to chat and get to know each other better.


Before I retired, I was a firm believer in riding to work, although my ride to work was only 6 miles.  I read somewhere that those who ride a motorcycle to work arrive with a better attitude to begin the day.  I found that to be very true.  Plus, after work I would sometimes feel that I "might just take the long way home today."


My motorcycle isn't a top-of-the-line model or anything special.  It's big enough for me to ride comfortably and it has nice luggage bags for carrying stuff.  I don't need to go real fast, listen to music or blind fellow drivers with my abundance of chrome.  My 1998 Honda Shadow ACE Tourer is basically a stock machine, nice and quiet - the way I like it.  The first owner added a few trim pieces and I've installed floorboards and a Mustang seat.


I've been riding about a dozen years now, having first obtained my MC license at age 49.  I've ridden to Ohio, W. Virginia and Michigan's UP.  I've run the Tail of the Dragon, US 1 to Key West and The Pacific Coast Highway - all wonderful rides.  So, where should I go this season?  Who has a suggestion?  Better yet, who wants to join me?  God made this beautiful country, and somewhere along the way He made motorcycles with which to experience it.  I am so ready to ride - thanks for reading.