OK. I admit it.

I haven’t written a column for awhile. I ran into the illustrious John Davis (that would be the All High Muckety-Muck Publisher of this fine, informative publication) over the weekend, and he was very ……..uh…… understanding about the fact that I have been riding more than writing.

The weather this summer has been far too great to spend too much time in an un-air-conditioned office cave tapping lamely on a keyboard, while trying to keep the sweat from dripping into my ice tea.

So, I go to the garage, pluck the helmet on and head out on the road for a few miles of blissful wind and relative dryness, while the scenery goes by. While I have been cruising the back roads, several things have made an impression on me, so I thought I would share them with you. If it happens to qualify as a column, so much the better!
continue reading "Musings on Summer Riding, Part 1"

It warms my heart to see a new rider getting involved with our sport.

This time of year, bike dealers all over the Northwest are gearing up, rocking with sales promotions, and used bikes rolling out the doors.  With the good days upon us, people just want to ride, and lots of new folks get the bug.

I may have mentioned that I ride with the Great Northwest HOG chapter, and the membership is now over 800 riders.  Each meeting, we have more new folks stand up and get involved, and it is always exciting to watch them proudly tell about their new bike and what color it is, and how they are looking to get started riding with a group and go to some of the events.

I get it!

continue reading "New Riders are Cool"

Thank God for road food.

Not that we wouldn’t find somewhere to eat while we are out enjoying a ride anyway, but there are some places where I just never stop to eat, except when I’m on the road with a group of riding friends.

They aren’t all the ‘traditional’ definition of roadhouses, either. Some actually have linen tablecloths and (gasp) matching silver wear!
continue reading "Road Food is Our Friend"

As Spring warms the roads and the population of two-wheeled conveyances multiplies rapidly on Northwest byways, it may seem ridiculous to need to find a reason to throw a leg over and go for a ride. Yet, in every club, Chapter, group, or loosely held-together bunch of people who ride, there are always rides that have some kind of theme.

It’s almost as if we really NEED a reason.
continue reading "The Ride’s the Thing"

Being a long-time gear head and motorcycle rider, one might expect that I would have picked up a few pearls of wisdom along the way. And you would be correct.

Some of these gems of knowledge have been quite obvious, others more arcane. And, a couple have probably saved a life, or at least a major carpet stain.

For, example, I learned, long ago, that it is not a good idea to try jumping a 150 cc motor scooter over anything, even though Evel Knievel could do it over busses. Things like that almost always have a bad end.

continue reading "Things I Have Learned"