"The Muse"

June 2, 2004

Gary Houglan

Recently I introduced myself to Phil Floria (via email) by writing about my return to motorcycling after a LONG layoff. Phil realized that anyone obsessed enough to write two articles about their motorcycling experience, must be one pencil short of a full pencil tray. Recognizing that he had a "born again biker" on his hands (who was experiencing "after glow"), Phil asked if I would be interested in contributing to Biker eNews on a regular basis. I wouldn't say I jumped at the chance, but he asked on Thursday and I'm writing this on Tuesday (Memorial Day weekend riding delayed my response).

Following Phil's sage advise for an introductory article, I thought I'd give you a little background. Born in Kentucky, raised in North Carolina (I've been told that bourbon and tobacco weren't the only cheap products to came out of these states). The fact that I finished in the bottom 25% of my high school class should have made it obvious to me that my college efforts would be short lived (one year). Telling my mother that I had to see a man about a boat, I joined the Navy (1971). Gave the Navy a try for 4 ½ years and decided studying wasn't as bad as it had seemed. So, I went back to school and then got a job on a Fire Department in NC (3 years). Realizing that my "wanderlust" for new places hadn't been satisfied, I accepted a commission in the Navy (1982) that lasted for 19 years. I retired in July 2001. During those years, I met my lovely wife (una senorita de España) and was blessed with two of the best looking, smartest, and well-behaved (they'll read this) children I know.

Back to motorcycles!!! I have recently bought a Honda Sabre (1100). It is my fourth bike. I started with a Suzuki 90 in 1973, moved up to a Honda 360 in '75, and had a Yamaha 400 ('79 - '82). I sold the Yamaha when I went back into the Navy. With the exception of a Honda scooter I owned ('89-'92) during a tour in Bermuda, it has been 20 years since my last bike. My return to bike riding has been like meeting an old friend I hadn't seen in years. You know, the kind of friend that you feel comfortable with even when you have nothing to say. It was this rediscovery that lead me to write Phil. He thought it might be interesting to hear from an "old" new rider on a routine basis. Jumping at the high pay, instant fame, and the higher calling for "truth, justice, and the American way.... (OK, I watched Superman as a kid)", I quickly accepted his offer.

So, what will this new column be about? Since my mechanical abilities are limited to pumping gas and putting air in the tires, it won't be about the technical aspects of motorcycles. Having a limited understanding of physics, I won't be able to provided much insight into performance riding. And, since you already know that my riding experience is 20 years old, I'll be worrying more about my own safety than giving out safe riding tips. After a little reflection, I realized that the famous philosopher, George Costanza (Seinfeld's friend) had the right idea. The column will be "about nothing." There isn't a consistent theme or storyline. I thought I'd write about the people, places, and thoughts that I encounter on my motorcycle.

My first challenge - What should I name the column? I decided on "Muse from the Rest Area." In looking up the meaning in the dictionary, muse can be used as either a verb or a noun. There appeared to be two aspects to its meaning. First, "To consider or say thoughtfully; to be a source of inspiration." Unfortunately for the reader, I think I'm better suited for the second aspect, "To stand with muzzle in the air; to be absorbed in thought, hence, absence of mind."

I hope to illustrate aspects of riding that have become "second nature" for experienced riders, but are new sensations for beginning (or returning) riders. Of course, I want to explore those everyday riding experiences that have always puzzled riders, like, "Do squirrels have a conspiracy against inexperienced bike riders?" (More on that topic later!). The reason for including "from the Rest Area," is that I have always done my best thinking on the "throne". What better place for grand thoughts about bike riding to originate then from the highway throne - the Rest Area. So until next time, if you see another rider at a Rest Area (scenic overlooks count), offer him a soda, its part of his compensation package from Biker eNews.

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