It's the Ride,
Grasshopper

June 8^th, 2005

muse@bikerenews.com

After watching BIKE WEEK on the Discovery Channel a few months ago and catching Phil's favorite new show, BUILD OR BUST on Speed TV, an interesting revelation came to me. Despite my attraction to cruisers, leather, and bandanas, I am not now nor will I ever be a Bike Builder. While I may start an overhaul project sometime in the future, I have come to realize that the guys (and gals) working on those beautiful mechanical pieces of art have dedicated years (if not decades) to perfecting their skills (and their workshops).

Shot from Build or Bust Russell Mitchell from Exile Cycles star of Build or Bust

I'm lucky to have cleaned enough space out in that storage room called a garage to find a place for my bike. More importantly, the last time I was actually able to perform any kind of mechanical repair was back in 1969 when I had to change out the clutch on my Mustang for the third time in two years (the good old days weren't always so good).

The revelation is that these characteristics are not negative traits, but just statements of fact. And, the fact is that I'm OK with it. Despite the fact that I started my reentry into motorcycles hoping that it would lead to a tricked-out custom chopper with a neon light reading GARY'S on it, the truth is that I'm in this for the RIDE. Yeah that's right, it has dawned on me (duh...) that it's the riding that I enjoy and keeps me saddling up on my bike.

Indian Larry Indian Larry tribute bike

A funny thing seems to have happened on the Virginia roads. I occasionally forget what type bike I'm riding. It may seem strange, but I'm so new at rediscovering the riding experience that top end highway speeds, mid-range country road touring, and slow boulevard cruising seem to be within my bike's ability to deliver.

I know that the purists out there are saying, "This guy doesn't know the difference between a dragster, a chopper, or a sport bike. What's he thinking?" Well the answer to that is I'm not thinking. I'M RIDING. When I'm riding, I'm not thinking about rake or horsepower to the rear wheel. While trying to be ever mindful of the hazards around me, I'm waiting for those "riding endorphins" to kick in and to become "one with the bike". It appears that sex and bike riding have a lot in common. It's more about the mental state than the state of the equipment (remember I'm an older guy).

I'm not forgetting about safety (mechanical or riding), that's a constant for any ride. I'm talking about the experience of riding and there is no one best experience. Otherwise we would have all parked our bikes after the last ride. If I didn't find myself looking forward to the next ride, then I wouldn't be long for the biker experience.

Mikey and Vinnie

Despite the Zen-like nirvana described above, I still check myself out in storefront windows as I cruise past just to make sure my image is in tact (Who is that stud on that SABRE?). I occasionally ride a little more humped over to reassure myself that my stock Honda could be turned into a custom bike with just a few modifications (More Rick James than Jesse James). And, I still have my other fantasies. If I can just get over not being able to play a musical instrument or sing, it's still not too late to make it as a Blues Star (I guess Blind Boy Biker isn't the best name).

Until we meet on Biker Build-Off (or in my case - Biker Bolt On), enjoy the bike shows, but remember to put down the remote and take a trip to a rest area.

Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. The Tuttles of OCC fame

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