Ah, Spring… a time of renewing the spirit and the soul. A time of rebirth. And a time when a lot of guys consider buying a motorcycle and joining those of us who enjoy the freedom and spirit of riding the road on two motor-powered wheels. Nothing like it…

I have been riding a motorcycle since March 18, 1978. Just how do I remember the exact date 35 years ago, and how did I become a biker?

Let me put this into perspective. When I was living at home, I had to abide by Mom’s rules: “no motorcycle while living under my roof, but if you are on your own and can afford to buy and maintain it, as well as its insurance, go ahead. Just don’t tell me.”

In December, 1977, I had completed five semesters in college. I had moved to my own place — renting a room in a basement of a former neighbor. Mom was selling our house and planning a move to a retirement community. It was time to become independent. The previous two summers, I had a great job that raked in the dough, and I saved 95% of it. That paid for tuition not covered by scholarship, books, and a part-time job provided spending money. I had worked hard and saved hard — it was time to buy my very own motorcycle. But where to get one? What kind should I get? Will I really like riding when I don’t know how?

A friend at school suggested that before I buy a bike, to take a motorcycle rider’s course. He said that he did it. The first course for beginning riders provides the motorcycles to use on which to practice. Even if you have your own bike, you ride the bike they provide. My friend told me to wait to take the course before buying a bike, because I could learn from the instructors and classmates about motorcycles and motorcycling. Best advice I ever got.

March 18, 1978, was a Saturday and unusually warm and sunny. I went to the motor vehicle administration building in my home county to attend the beginner motorcycle rider’s course sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. I had always wanted to ride, but not having anyone to teach me, and having family tell me, “sure, that’s a quick way to die,” I agreed with my friend that some professional training to help me learn how to realize my dream was important.

I completed the course and while I was still nervous and afraid, it was Spring Break. I had some time, so I started motorcycle shopping. I brought along a brother who wasn’t a rider, but was great at negotiating deals on cars. I also trusted his opinion. We went to three places before deciding on a bike that was right for me — not too big, not too expensive. On March 21, I had my first bike — a Kawasaki 440LTD — delivered. I was beyond excited.

I climbed aboard, stood the bike up, adjusted the mirrors, and just sat on it for a while. The weather had changed and was damn cold, but the fire in my heart was burning. I really wanted to ride.

The only gear I owned at the time was Frye Harness boots and a leather bomber jacket. I had winter “snow gloves” so I put them on, too. I had purchased a full-face helmet, so I thought I was all set.

I climbed aboard my new iron horse, pulled out the choke, turned the valve for the gas tank to “on”, and pressed the “start” switch. The bike started right up. I returned the choke to “ride” and slowly began my first ride. It was awful — miserably freezing cold — but I was in heaven. The “heavenly dream” feeling didn’t last too long because my legs were burning by being frozen. Denim jeans do not protect from wind chill. It was frozen legs that turned me around rather quickly.

That’s when I began my journey as a biker. I began to ride that small bike regularly to school and “just around.” I bought my first pair of “real biker boots” — a pair of 17″ tall Sears Engineer boots, a pair of chaps, and a “real biker’s jacket.” I also bought several pairs of rider’s gloves of different weights.

I kept that bike through graduation and then treated myself to an upgrade — a Kawasaki 750 which I bought in Spring, 1980. It wasn’t until two more Kawasakis later, in February, 1994, that I bought my first Harley and rode that bike 80,000 miles over 14 years until I sold it and bought my current Harley — a 2008 Road King.
I can go on and on, but let me summarize with the advice I began with: regardless of your age, if you want to ride a motorcycle, sign up for and take a “Basic Rider Course” sponsored by a reputable organization. Check with any local motorcycle dealership and/or your state Motor Vehicle Department website for more information. Do that before you buy a new or used motorcycle.

Then get quality gear — sturdy motorcycle boots, protective pants, quality jacket, DOT-approve helmet, gloves, eye and ear protection. You will find that joining a motorcycle enthusiast’s riding group can give you many opportunities to ride with skilled and safe riders and learn more.

For more information on buying a motorcycle, read this post on my blog.

Life is short: Ride safe. Ride sober. Always wear a helmet and protective riding gear — including BOOTS!