Growing up, I loved fast things. While I definitely loved the original Star Wars movie, Smokey and the Bandit was a much bigger movie for me at the end of the 1970s and CHiPs was one of my favorite shows (I wanted to be Poncho playing on big wheels up and down my street). At the time, I just knew I was going to have fast cars and motorcycles when I grew up. The only problem was that while I did end up with some sporty cars, the big wheels that transformed into bicycles never transformed into motorcycles.
In the years leading up to 2017, I would occasionally get an itch to get a motorcycle.
Every time, three things happened:
- No classes were available right away (did I mention I’m not a patient person?)
- I convinced myself that I would not ride enough
- (corollary) I convinced myself it would be a waste of money
Then, in August 2017, four amazing things aligned:
- An MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) training course was available right away that weekend and the next
- I was getting a bonus from work about the same time
- I convinced myself to try something new
- (bonus) My wife said “ok”
And thus, on August 18, 19, and 20 I spent time in the classroom and in the parking lot learning how to ride a motorcycle.
Duuuude! Chips was my thing growing up also. To this day, when we ride together my brother Norbert (the one right after me in age) and I will pull the simul-turn that Ponch and John would do in the movie. Love the blog. Cool handle. Keep it up.
Love the “Bonus” comment. That one is important. Good for you on going after something you wanted to do!
Thanks for sharing! Timing and the power of an open mind are everything. The way I hear you talking about your motorcycle gives me the impression you’re pretty happy about your decision!
It has been a great decision, and I think ultimately, the right timing for me (younger me might not have taken it as seriously from a safety standpoint).
Midlife Crisis Or Just Getting Around To It? Creative subject line. It is an attention getter and also caused me to reflect on my life. Yes, I remember watching CHiPs. I had a crush on Ponch. I call my adventure “To Do List”, my “Bucket List”. I’m looking forward to going Ziplining, SkyDiving and traveling to see Mt Rushmore, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone Park to start. Much success with all your endeavors.
I really like the point you stress the training before you started. I believe that could make an impression on others thinking about this and you show you can still be ‘cool’ to take formal training – Happy riding!
That reminds me of how I ended up getting my motorcycle. I don’t remember for sure when it was, but around spring of 06-07, and I was again watching all the motorcycles that were coming out of storage and getting out on the road, and kept saying to myself, “I wish I had a motorcycle”.
Eventually, I got sick of listening to myself whine about it, and decided that I needed to do something about it, or quit whining. After doing some research, I decided to take the MSF Rider Safety course to learn how to ride, and if I enjoyed that, then I’d see about buying a motorcycle.
As it happened, I did enjoy it, and I did buy a bike, and I have never regretted that decision.