ALT-2 How to tell if Riding a Motorcycle is for you
This question can only be directed at those who haven't had the experience that is riding a motorcycle. Like your parents would say, don't wrinkle up your nose until you try it, you might like it. A motorcycle is convenience, thrills, freedom, scary but most of all an experience. There is little to compare with riding on a motorcycle but the decision to do so whether once or repeatedly is never to be taken lightly.
The reasons to get out and ride range from economical commuting to just doing it for the love of it. No matter the reason the experience is the same; "getting there" is transformed from a nice view to an unmatched experience. A pleasant car ride will let you see new things, every bike ride lets you see, smell and often taste the journey. Recently cut grass, flowers in bloom, freshly made coffee and donuts are the nice ones offset by the occasional barnyard or unlucky skunk, but unlike a car, the smells don't linger.
The more adventurous bikers will describe the thrill of carving through switch backs where every curve presents as the next challenge. They will boast about the ability to master the balancing act of (wo)man over machine.
Even those who end up on the lesser side of that equation will mount up again to try and even the odds. For those who appreciate a more moderate pace can experience the same feelings when the occasional blind turn sneaks up on you.
Riding a Motorcycle gives you instant membership with no cash dues, everyone on two wheels are part of a community. Passing another rider will elicit a wave or a nod of acknowledgment. Conversations will start up at stop lights and parking lots for no other reason than you out on two wheels. There is security knowing you are never really riding alone, should mechanical gremlins find their way to you it likely won't be long before another two wheeler is at your side prepared to lend a hand or knowledge.
Motorcycle reliability is increasing and the places your cell phone won't work are decreasing taking with it the reasons for not venturing out on a motorcycle.
The question then becomes what type of motorcycle to ride. The answer is as much personal taste as function. Bikes come in all shapes and sizes to serve all manners of riding. Scooters and small well balanced bikes make getting around town and finding parking a relative breeze. Large displacement motorcycles with big comfy seats and equipped better than your average car make short work of long cruises. There are equally as many debates about how to accessorize, you will hear the less is more argument countered by the occasional bug off the forehead or the unpleasant after taste of a swarm of gnats, both will make you appreciate a windshield.
The reason for staying in a car and just using your imagination ultimately boils down to your mortality. The dangers of riding a motorcycle are multiplied by a factor of 10 or more given that you share the road with vehicles that outweigh you by 10 times or more and the number of them increases daily. Not paying attention in a car will get you a honk, a rude gesture or a body shop repair bill, not paying attention on a motorcycle has much more dire consequences. Those risks will either forever cage you or intensify the rewards you receive when you feel the wind around you and truly take command of a vehicle.
I hope you pick up on my bias and not deny yourself the opportunity if it presents itself. When you push your apprehensions aside and choose to embrace the experience, don't ever forget the risks. Ride as though you are invisible because you probably are and your life depends on it. The best ride is one where you get to experience all of the sights, sounds and smells but most importantly arrive alive.
