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Once again, I find myself behind in my motorcycle journal. The only excuse I have is "I didn't get around to it." My writing dry spells usually result from riding dry spells. That isn't the excuse this time.

Since my last article, I have actually been doing motorcycle stuff. Not as much as my understanding boss, "El Jefe," but enough to remind me riding season is still with us. My problem seems to be that the "stuff" I've been doing hasn't been my normal writing inspiration. I guess I was waiting for the next BIG ride to happen so I'd have something to write about.

Rest Area Wisdom II

October 18^th, 2006

muse@bikerenews.com

After lamenting about not being able to break the bonds of responsibility for a long weekend, I started to reflect on the "Stuff." The last time I engaged in a little reflection, I ended up with some Rest Area Wisdom. So what the heck, I decided to take a closer look at my motorcycle activities to see if I was just going through the motions, or learning something about my two-wheel life style.

CLUBS and ASSOCIATIONS:

I attended a couple of Club meetings with the Red Knights. As a duly elected Secretary, I try to keep up on meeting minutes, emails, and some of the Club goings and comings. While my style is more suited to the Lone Ranger approach to riding, a Club offers some advantages. We're able to get together and argue about what we're doing. I'm able to tell my riding stories to people who APPEAR to be really interested in my adventures. Of course, I'm required to APPEAR to be really interested in their adventures. And occasionally, we get together for an outing. In short, it's like any dysFUNctional family that is long on the FUN and short on the good sense to come in out of the rain.

I also attended last month's TAMA meeting. I continue to think that anyone who complains about the number of events (especially those non-biker events trying to turn a quick profit off the biking community) should learn more about how some of the local Clubs and Riding Associations are trying to support worthy charities, while not stepping on each other's event (See TAMA in the Clubs Section or their Calendar ).

STAFF MEETINGS:

In September, The Biker eNews Staff held another of its corporate meetings. Like many meetings I attend at work, the Staff meetings in general have no agenda, no timeframes, no stated objective or purpose. I'm sorry; the last meeting started with a purpose. However, when we got together we realized that we had been mistaken, and decided to do something else. A typical Staff meeting involves generally showing up at some designated place at a generally designated time. We are careful not to rush into a ride. We have to go through the ritual coffee / coke toast, the sage biker commentary, and the mandatory sea stories (whether sea duty was involved or not). After a couple of hours of intelligential conversation, we take a ride around the countryside in hopes of finding a place to eat. After lunch, depending on the time, we ride a little more or head for our respective homes. If this sounds boring, then you're not Biker eNews material. These Staff meetings have been the best group rides I've been on.

EVENTS:

While this may sound strange, I went on two rides that I didn't go on. What? You heard me. For your information, rides are what you make of them. While charity is a consideration, the overriding reason I decided to participate in an event is because I think I'll enjoy it. Also, I believe my ability to think out of the box is a requirement for time constrained riders. The normal approach to a ride is to register, ride the circuit, show up at the finish, and hope for some good food or even a prize.

I, on the other hand, believe meeting some pals for breakfast and early morning lies, riding together to the registration point to pay my money (I'm no free loader), and kicking some tires is a great way to enjoy myself. I "didn't" attend the TNT Thunder and Charlie Fisher Rides just like this. I wasn't able to spend the day riding my bike, but I was able to get in a little fun with some folks I like to be around.

Of course, don't get me wrong. Participating in an event that highlights the countryside we enjoy in the southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina is a great way to spend a day. I was able to participate in the Red Knights NC Chapter 8 ride in September and thanks to our unanimously elected Road Captain, it was a great ride, supported a good cause (NC Burn Camp), and I got a free bike wash from the down pour that broke loose on the ride home.

INTERNATIONAL FAME:

I am lucky enough to know Mr. Phil Floria. Phil being a Motorcycle fixture in the Hampton Roads area is occasionally invited to neat events. I, as an underling on the Biker eNews Staff, have been known to receive a perk or two from my association with this Two-Wheel Legend. The latest adventure into fame was being asked to accompany him to the Best Local Radio Show about Motorcycles hosted by two guys named Mike and Mark, called "Motorcycle Mania." We were warmly received and managed to make it through a whole hour of talk radio without embarrassing ourselves, or being bleeped. We may not be up for a Grammy or an Emmy or even an Oscar, but I'm sure we were the best two Biker eNews Staff members to appear on a local talk radio show about motorcycles hosted by a couple of guys called Mike and Mark who ride Harleys. Thanks for having us.

A SAD REMINDER:

Sadly, LT Jerry Jones, Firefighter with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Fire and Rescue Service was killed on October 2 while riding his bike on Shore Drive. The most common of motorcycle tragedies happened when a car turned in front of him. While I did not know Jerry personally, it was an honor to attend his funeral along with representatives from Red Knights Virginia Chapters IV, VI, X, Red Knights North Carolina Chapter 8, and the Long Shoreman's Riding Club. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Fire and Rescue Service gave Jerry full Fire Service honors. It was obvious that the service was done with gratitude, respect, and more importantly love. Jerry leaves behind a 10-year-old son. If you're interested in helping, you can find more information in Biker eNews' October 3 article, "Local Red Knight hit by car on Shore Drive."

It would be easy to rage about cagers that don't look before turning, or the lack of respect that the law shows toward injured riders. It is easy to see that riders can never be too defensive or alert. This crash reminds us that we have to have our heads in the game whenever we are riding. Unfortunately, the law of gross tonnage puts bikers on the losing side in most crashes.

However, the "take away" for me from Jerry's crash and his funeral, was the way I looked at my family when I got home that afternoon, the hug that lasted a little longer and tighter than usual, and the way I had to fight back a tear when I kissed them good night. I was reminded that I never ride alone. I have three loved ones that I carry in my heart whenever I go for a ride. I was reminded of how many stone cold salty sailors I've seen reduced to a puddle of tears upon seeing their families during a ship's homecoming. It's not the crash that is the worst part of LT Jerry Jones's story. It is the lost of his human connection. Take a minute to remember your connections. Ride Safe.

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