July 8, 2006 11:10 AM
Biker guys and chicks - senior style
I mentioned that our trip home on Skyline Drive was perfect for lack of traffic. But the funny thing was that everyone out there seemed like senior citizens - and many, many of them on motorcycles.
I snapped these pictures at an overlook:
Three couples from Kentucky out for a three-day spin through the Blue Ridge Mountains. What a life!
This is Richard and Brenda. I noticed their helmets had Christian symbols on them, and so I asked if they belonged to the Christian Motorcyclists Association. They do! And they handed me a card with all their info, which promised "Here When You Need Us!" I've tucked it away because when I finish these books, I want to do an article on them.
This is Bob and Willie, who've been married eight years after losing their first spouses. Bob is 77 and has been riding for 65 - that's right, 65 years. He bought his first bike (150 cc) from Western Auto for $140 in 1941. This slick red version is 1800 cc and tricked out as his is - worth about $25,000.
I've only ridden on a motorcycle myself twice - and never will again. I am terrified of being that vulnerable - especially with someone else in control. When I asked Willie if she was ever scared - since she just started riding eight years ago when she married Bob - she said no, and that she had told him if he ever scared her she wouldn't ride again.
This is Jim and Pat. I didn't find out as much about them because the boys were sitting in the car patiently waiting for their crazy mother who can't pass up a good interview :)
One of the best parts of being a writer is the wonderful curiosity it's given me about people. There are so many different kinds of people in the world! I love asking questions and finding out what makes them tick. And being a writer, I can always excuse myself when asking a question like "How much is that motorcycle worth?" with "Just my curiosity as a writer. . . . "
Comments
I too belong to the Christian Motorcycle Assoc. here in Novato. We meet once a month for a meal, prayer and a ride. It is a great witness when we all have our jackets on or stickers (of Jesus) on our bikes. It is a great way to start-up a conversation. I even rode (with my Dad) in a gay parade in SF. I didn't know it was until I got there. But, what a witness that was! Oh the joys of riding.
Take care.
Posted by: Debby | July 10, 2006 10:33 AM
