Man, back like 10 years ago this site was hoppin, I wonder what happened to everyone, out riding I hope. Well I thought I'd post a topic and see if we can't get some kind of cool exchange of stories and discussion going like the good ol days!
Was riding around Mill Creek Park in Youngstown Ohio with Gina the other day and it brought back a mess of memories and made me wonder how y'all learned to ride a bike. I've heard stories of dirt bikes from young age, mini bikes and whatnot. That was not my story. I spend a decent amount of my childhood around motorcycles, and rode on the back a good bit in my early teen years. When I was 16 I bought my first motorcycle, a 4 cylinder Yamaha 650 Maxim. Took it up and down the street once but it wasn't running well at all and I didn't have money to fix it up, so that first bike spent an awful lot of time in the garage. A couple years later though, my dad put me on his early 80's XS650 twin. Top heavy, worn tires, at some point laid down and rebuilt once because the headlight aimed drunk and it shook if you went over 55-60... but it's what he had. I didn't have many "lessons." He gave me the key, pointed me toward the park and said have fun (after he knew I could get it moving and stopped obviously). And then it was hours of twists, hills, stops, starts going uphill, dodging potholes, gravel washed intersections, pedestrians, critters, etc. Speeds were pretty low most of the time but man ya learn to use the clutch and brakes and how to corner and steer. And soon after that, I got my first real "hey, it runs like it should and I ride it every day" bike. I went through a couple other Yamaha's that never did work right LOL.
SO, that's my story, lets hear yours!
Never used heated gear, just leather to break the wind, face mask, windshield, etc... I use fleece lined welder's gloves in the winter and if it's real cold I take turns putting my hands on the engine block lol. Not saying it's the best idea in the world, but ya know... lol
Welcome from across the pond! Warren, Ohio here!
Sad... real sad. I absolutely always stop for a biker on the side of the road. I usually have a 5 gallon can in the truck if I'm caging it, topping it off and getting him safely down the highway is the right thing to do. Done it a few times and I'm sure I'll do it a few more. We just can't let the old school decency die...
