Over the course of thousands of motorcycle miles one cannot help but learn a few things about riding, about the road, and, most certainly, about oneself. My "roads" scholarship (my sincere apologies to Cecil J. Rhodes!) began in earnest about 10 years ago. At that time I was coming off of a
self-imposed hiatus from riding that spanned the years when my
children were young and my time was gladly spent on family matters and a new career. Moreover, owning the “type” of motorcycle that would take me where I wanted to go was clearly out of my reach at that time. You see, I didn’t just want to ride, I wanted to cover some serious miles. I wanted to "see the country" (at least as much as I could) from the perspective of a motorcycle. I wanted to see the road and the country, and in a metaphoric sense, my life, through the visor.
I can't say that I have seen everything I'd like to see or been everywhere I'd like to be on my motorcycle, but I am making strides to get there. I have been fortunate enough to ride some of the most beautiful and classic motorcycle roads in the country (Deals Gap, Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Needles Highway though the Black Hills, Talimena Scenic Byway, and the Arkansas Pig Tail Highway, to name a few) but the Pacific Coast Highway, Alaska's Dalton Highway, and ALL of New England are still on my list. Despite the incomplete list, I have come to some important realizations along the way.
About Bikes...
- Motorcycles are modern day magic carpets that don't simply take you from A to B, they transport you through space and time in a transcendental fashion; and, riding one never gets old.
- There is no one perfect motorcycle for all the possibilities, but some like the BMW 1200 RT or the BMW 1200 GS (or even the 800 GS) come very close.
- Bikes are a lot like tattoos, you say you'll only get one... well, you know the rest!
- Each bike has it's own personality and character, much like your children. Treat them with love and respect and you will get the same in return, but each one responds differently.
- Motorcycles evoke strong emotional and visceral responses, often, just by looking at them.
Safety...
- Accident can happen and they will... Murphy's Law! This begs the adage "expect the best but prepare for the worst".
- Wear as much protective gear as you can bear! When you hit the pavement, you'll be glad you did! "ATGATT"
- Ride like everyone else is out to hit you! And don't think they aren't!!
- Accidents happen in the blink of an eye and ofter after a hasty miscalculation. Give yourself plenty of space and time for error and work at eliminating miscalculations!
- Never assume that motorists "see" you. Most of them are texting (arg!!!) so assume that they have no clue that you are right beside, in front or behind them.
- Every time you ride, use it as an opportunity to sharpen your skills. Time invested this way pays huge dividends!
The Road...
- The road has an allure that draws you like an unrelenting Siren's song.
- Whether the road is beautifully scenic twisting curves through mountain passes or long desolate god-forsaken stretches across an endless horizon, the thrill lies in the the moment.... man and machine, totally open to the elements, vulnerable yet safe at home in the saddle.
- Long distance riding is the perfect way to clear your mind of clutter and untie all the knots that work their way in over time.
- One of the best feeling for me is heading off in the dark, bike fully loaded, days away from a destination and an adventure in the making.
- The second best feeling is pulling into my driveway 5 days later and really ready for a hug, a shower and a soft warm bed!
The Rider...
- I am a changed person after a decade of purposeful riding.
- At the very least, I am a better rider than I was 10 years ago. I'm actually a better rider now at 60 than I ever was.
- I'd like to think that I am also a better person than I was 10 years ago (at the beginning of my Road Scholarship) and that riding has contributed to that personal growth.
- That may be a stretch but consider the fact that I have covered about 70,000 miles over that time frame and, at an average of ~50 mph = 1400 hours of riding... that's a long time to be alone with your thoughts, and considering that for the vast majority of those 1400 hours I an smiling... that must have an impact on on my soul!
-LD
