The Call of the Open Road, Again.

Editors Note: I wrote this post June 2010, but the site it was posted on no longer exists, so I’m resurrecting it here since the weather is turning again and thoughts of enjoying the open road are back.

Dream Manfully and Nobly, and Thy Dreams Shall Be Prophets.

It’s happening again, I’m thinking about bikes…again. My timing really sucks. When I was living in beautifull, perfect riding weather, curvy, hilly southern California, I wasn’t interested. Now I’m back on flat, insanely hot and humid Florida, and I’m looking at bikes again.

What sort of bike, one might wonder? I learned to ride on a friends Yamaha FJ1100. It was a big, fast bike, more standard than racer/crotch rocket, though. The rider is sitting more upright. I like that, still maneuverable and sporty, but you’re not always bent over resting on your arms.

I also had a Honda CB750-K that I bought for $50. It was in boxes, and was a fun adventure to put back together. Nice riding bike, too.

I’ve noticed Harley has some nice cruisers now. Yes, Harley. Hard to believe, I know. I think I might like a cruiser if it’s not too low and laid back. I rode a shadow once, and found the whole thing unstable and unnerving.

But that was a long time ago, and before this renewed obsession becomes a problem, I’d better put some limits on it. To add a bike to my future, I need to do the following:

• pay off bills first. No getting a bike till bills are all gone.
• take a driving course again. Last time I was on a bike was more than a dozen years ago.

Stuff I can do in the meantime:

• shop around. Nothing wrong with looking.
• buy a new helmet. Got to love shopping.

This is all just a fantasy at this point, but maybe… Just maybe. :-)

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2011 Update

A coworker just got a great deal on a used bike. It’s awesome! Sigh. Makes me want to ride again.

Evidently, all the cosmic cards lined up just right, and Allstate sent me an email last night advertising their New and Improved Allstate Rider News newsletter.

Good thing it’s raining…otherwise I might be out looking for a new bike.