Comments on: Look What Came in the Mail

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 14:02:20 +0000

Dear Mr. Riepe: Mature on a German motorcycle… That’s an interesting perspective. It assumes the natural order moves from Vespa upwards to the BMW. But perhaps it’s the other way round and the evolutionary path leads over the horizon from the K bike or airhead to the Vespa.

Denialism is strong among Teutonic warriors. They allow appearance to stand in the way reality— the Vespa may well be the Yoda of the riding world…

By: Jack Riepe

Jack Riepe — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:12:32 +0000

Dear Steve:

No one needs a GS... And they are as ugly as a pile of road apples... And no one needs to really go far. But you didn't have any riding habits before you got the Vespa. Who's to say they won't mature on a German motorcycle?

Now, imagine this.. "Oh Kim, I'm going to look at a rare rock formation in West Virginia... Yes, I know it is more than 600 miles round trip... But I will be back before dark... And if I see that antique lamp you want, I'll be able to stick it in the right pannier bag..."

I was amazed to find your post today. Amazed, because I am onto a far more modern BMW GS, with real brakes, less mileage and the kind of lighting system that makes the darkness cringe. It's out by your way too. I've lost your email address. At least take a look at this. Reach out to me at jack.riepe@gmail.com.

I just filed my June column yesterday. Too bad I didn't know about any of this. I will dedicate my July column to you. (See if I don't.)

Too bad you live way out in Pennsyltucky. I know you ride alone, but if you were in closer, I'd follow you around and tell folks I was your sidekick. By the way, remember that note you posted about the BMW Rider's Diet, it took a giant step toward reality today.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 22:18:49 +0000

Dan: It’s your fault I joined the BMWMOA. That and a desire to read Riepe in print. Once I have the magazine I can get his autograph if I ever run into him.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:48:33 +0000

Conchscooter: I've ridden both the shaft drive and chain driven BMWs. Both pretty nice.

The Vespa is nice too!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:47:17 +0000

ToadMama: I’m looking forward to seeing the material from the BMWMOA. Should be fun.

By: Dan Leri

Dan Leri — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:48:08 +0000

bout time ya read some good material. Welcome to safety central. Now you get a monthly dose of Jack the Riepe. Great mag, great folks, and a comforting anonymous network while on the road.

By: Conchscooter

Conchscooter — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:06:31 +0000

May your driveshaft bearings never explode! I don’t suppose they will until you actually buy a BMW. Unless you get a Chinese built chain driven one which sounds a lot better. My Thai assembled Trumpet runs better than Meriden’s products ever did…
I am with Groucho Marx/Woody Allen on clubs.

By: ToadMama

ToadMama — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:35:51 +0000

Welcome to the club!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:59:56 +0000

SonjaM: You only missed the erratic planning in my head. No Beemer in the garage.

Maybe the membership will lead to one??

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:58:04 +0000

RichardM: There are no secrets between Kim and I when it comes to riding. Or motorcycles. She's well aware of my desires...

Mike: No bike. I'm just fulfilling a suggestion of a friend and BMW rider that told me I must join the BMWMOA even if I didn't have a bike. So here I am a member of an organization with a lot of cool benefits. Could hardly believe they had a deal with MedJetAssist. Where the heck do you BMW riders go???