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| On the Honda 550 Four to the Redwoods - 1984 |
It was the 1960's, in the
hometown of my father of Red Oak, Iowa and in the backyard of his kid brother
Ronnie, that I first received my initial taste of riding a two-wheeled motor
vehicle. Now, fifty years later and multiple on and off-road motorcycle experiences,
I find my love for this activity likely greater than any that make up my
current repritrar. And possibly ... it may be my all-time most pleasurable
pastime. That is saying a lot for a guy that has enjoyed, and continues many pastimes of SCUBA, baseball, hiking,
boating, tennis, amateur photography … and the list continues.
Just to hop upon my FJR or GL1800
provides a peace, relaxation and therapy like none other. It was not always the
case. Through the 70's our family had a few minibikes and motorcycles. And in
the 1980’s I had my first street bike, that of a Honda 550-Four. Used mainly as
a commuter, Karen and I did enjoy (well, we relatively enjoyed) a four day ride
down the Oregon coast to the California Redwoods. But when I went looking for a
new ride in 2012, it had been more than twenty years since my butt was placed onto a
two-wheeled ride of joy.
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| Big Horn Mountains - 2013 'Bucket List' Ride |
That first bike in June 2012 was
a 1999 Yamaha Roadstar. This bike of thirteen years had a mere 8,000 miles on
her. Her nearly 700 pounds and 1600 cc’s would be enough for most that fear
would have quickly squashed the dream before it even began. I still remember my
good buddy Eddy advising against the 1,100 Shadow for the larger Roadstar
knowing my dream of distance riding. His, was advise gratefully received 😃
That summer until the cold October mornings, mostly while riding to work, I was
able to add 5,000 preparation miles on her. Preparation that is, for one of two
‘Bucket List' motorcycle rides.
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| Coast to Coast - 2017 ... Birthplace of Yours Truly as Well ... |
That first ‘Bucket List’ ride
added another 5,000 miles on the Roadstar and took me through Yellowstone and
Rushmore to the very place where it all began…Red Oak, Iowa. The eight days
with a very special cousin and her parents, uncle Ronnie and aunt Joann will
forever be etched into this guys heart and mind. The College World Series, they
were just icing on the proverbial cake. The return to Oregon added many
additional amazing adventures, but none greater than reconnecting with two Air
Force buddies, who had also been part of our wedding party.
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| The FJR - ABCity Tour 2018 |
In the six years since my return
to the saddle I've had countless people, friends included, reminding me just
how ‘dangerous’ motorcycles are. At times they recount a friend or story of
someone who was seriously injured or died. Yes, no doubt of this fact.
Yet, I refuse to be governed by fear. Perhaps I wouldn't be on this Boeing 737
if ‘fear' was how I measured life. Rather I choose to ‘Just keep Do…ing it with common sense and without fear.
A favorite singer/song writer as well as a favorite riding song. Thanks brother Rich!
