Beginnings

Where did it begin, this lifelong fascination with motorcycles?  As a kid I dreamt of go-karts and mini-bikes.  By the time I got to high school I was riding motorcycles owned by friends and relatives — my parents forbid such dangerous nonsense.  My friend Randy bought a new Harley-Davidson in 1973 (I think) which he graciously allowed me to ride.  It was my first big motorcycle.  I was just a beginning rider.

Steve McQueen’s motorcycle riding in The Great Escape is the first memory of a riding persona I have with it’s urgent sense of potential freedom though perhaps lost on my nine-year-old mind.  And then the possibility of romantic adventure in Then Came Bronson and Easy Rider.  Those stories and imagery took root and have stayed with me even though it would be another 32 years until I bought a Vespa scooter.

 Motorcycles and Scooters

I’ve ridden a lot of different motorcycles and have enjoyed most.  But at the end of the day I remain steadfastly connected to my Vespa GTS 250ie scooter.  It’s as close to the perfect ride I’ve found.  But there have been motorcycles I’ve thought about.

I’ve coveted the Triumph Scrambler despite my feelings that it’s not practical.  Pure lust at work.

The BMW F650 was a delightful ride that I could well imagine owning.

Family Support

I don’t remember the details that led to the purchase of my first Vespa scooter.  Whatever they were my wife Kim played a role.  Partner, lover, friend — she’s supported first the ride and has been patient with the blogging that followed.  Her support has fertilized my creative ability and confidence.  She knows how and when a boot in the ass is necessary.

And the rest of the family has supported, or at least tolerated, my riding adventures.

I think a lot about riding and all its attendant rituals.  I’ve always felt I’ve been searching for something and riding has helped the investigation.  Even when I come to a dead end the ride makes it all ok.

It’s a wonderful life.