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Fun, Fun, Fun

For guys like me who developed a real passion for motorcycling somewhat later in life, there is almost nothing that compares to motoring along a smooth stretch of curvy back road devoid of cars, pedestrians and other things non-motorcycle. Ear-to-ear, all day long grins notwithstanding, give almost any motorcyclist a couple hours for a Saturday morning ride with one or two riding buddies and the rest of their day is duck soup.

There is a sense of adventure and accomplishment that comes from gliding effortlessly through long sweeping curves; an adrenaline rush as you safely negotiates a series of hairpin switchback turns, then accelerate smoothly into each straightaway; and a strong sense of community and easy camaraderie truly unique to motorcyclists around the world. For those in the fraternity of two-wheeled locomotion, it simply doesn't get any better than this.

Laser Focus & Relaxation Go Hand-in-Hand

For many of us with families, jobs and precious little time for fun, "hectic" and "stressed out" aptly describe most days at work and sometimes even at home. Picture a typical day in the life: pressing work deliverables, meetings and crushing deadlines at the office; rushing home to prepare dinner, carpool to soccer practice and then work with your child late into the evening on that science project you knew absolutely nothing about, but is due first thing in the morning. Whew!

When a motorcyclist takes off on his or her bike for a ride, whether through a mountain pass, a stretch of lonely desert or along the coast, something wonderful happens: stress flees the body almost immediately! Once a person is in the saddle and moving, the smiling starts, the senses become keener, and awareness of one's surroundings more acute. It's hard to explain this to non-riders, but the all-consuming focus required to ride a motorcycle safely and successfully actually RELAXES you! Put another way: there is simply no time for stress, because you're too busy riding and enjoying the experience.

Motorcycling Builds Relationships

Motorcycling provides for us riders the very best of both worlds: developing and building strong personal relationships AND having fun. Motorcyclists are constantly meeting friendly people, be it fellow riders or proprietors of small coffee shops and eateries. And people are truly what make riding so much fun!

My wife used to occasionally ride with me as a passenger on 30-90 minute local weekend rides. While she didn't particularly enjoy it (more than once falling asleep on the back!), she knew I enjoyed the time we were spending together. Then, during a one hour ride late last spring, she not only fell asleep on the back of my BMW R1100RT but became slightly car sick through some back roads. That did it; once home, she got off the bike, took off her helmet and declared, "I'm so done riding on the back with you. I want you to get me my own bike!" This was, of course, music to my ears; discretely pumping my fist and whispering "YYESSS!", I immediately started a search for the perfect starter bike for her.

Now, my wife and I enjoy riding our own bikes together, and the friendships we've developed from riding. She has on more than one occasion said that she can't believe she waited so long to become a rider, because it's so much fun. Most importantly, we're doing something together we both enjoy. Now, if only I could learn to play those complicated card games she loves, as quickly as she learned how to ride a motorcycle. . .

Learn more about this author, Brad Bowen.
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