Two-wheeled Tales: The Road Less Traveled
I’ve been passionate about motorcycles since I was 18 or 19. It all started thanks to a friend from high school. He had a bike, and I’ll admit, I was envious. One day, he let me take it for a spin. I only rode it straight for about 15 feet, but that was all it took – I was hooked. I managed to save up $1,000, which was a lot of money for me in 1982, and I bought my first motorcycle. Ever since then, motorcycles have been a huge part of my life.
Recently, I’ve found myself with more time to take longer trips. Just a couple of months ago, I took a ride from Savannah, Georgia through New Jersey, and into New York. It was a round trip of about 2,300 miles, and I loved every second of it. I took my time, spending a couple of days in each direction. However, I’m not a fan of riding on interstate highways. Sure, they get you where you need to go quickly, but they can be boring and stressful. The way people drive these days is enough to make anyone nervous. Instead, I prefer smaller, secondary highways. There’s something peaceful about those quieter roads where you can take in the scenery and enjoy the ride.
My bike of choice is an Indian, and it’s a real head-turner. It’s pretty common for someone to roll down their window at a stoplight or approach me at a gas station and say, “Nice bike.” I get it, too. Indian motorcycles have a unique look, and you just don’t see as many of them compared to Harleys. While Harleys have their own charm, I love the individuality of riding something different.
One of the best parts about being a motorcyclist is the camaraderie. When you ride a bike, it’s like being part of an unspoken community. At gas stations, rest stops, or restaurants, people who I wouldn’t normally cross paths with start conversations just because we both ride. I’ve met riders who are 30 years younger than me, and we’ll sit and chat about bikes, life, or whatever else comes up. It’s a rare thing these days to feel that kind of connection with strangers, especially in a world that often feels so divided.
Interview by Gregory Andrus
