I ride because it is who I am, not what I do.

by Lorine
(Seattle, Wa)

I started being on bikes when I was two years old. When my family went trail riding, I would sit safely nestled in my moms arms on the front of her bike. The rhythm of the motorcycle would lull me to sleep and she would have to stop and wrap my dads belt around her and I so I would not fall off. This proved useful while camping, she would put me on her bike and go around the campsite and I would instantly fall asleep. And yes, I have broken the sleeping while biking habit!

My family's weekends were dedicated to riding with my dad and older brothers racing and with my mom and sister participating in poker runs (not to sound sexist by segregating these styles of riding, but it was the 70's =-)). I started riding on my own around 10 (my mom says younger). I rode my dads 1972 Suzuki 200 racing bike (which my nephew completely restored a few years ago.)

I have ridden dirt bikes and quads since then. In my twenties, I had a 450 rebel and sold it when I did not have a place to safely store it. I swore when I turned 40 I would buy another street bike. And that is just what I did two weeks ago; I bought a BMW 800 ST. With the rains in WA State, I have not had a chance to ride it much since my 300+ mile bike trip back from Portland where I bought it. However, in a few weeks I am planning on a small but fun road trip with my partner, sister, bro-in-law and nephew.

I am sure whoever has taken a hiatus from riding street bikes knows the feeling to get back in the saddle and ride, ride, ride!

We ride because it's who we are, not what we do.

This ain't no bike b****! ;-)