55+ Living Guide Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 Spring 2018 | Page 33

bike, or test riding or renting a bike at a dealership
would be a good way to ease back into riding.
Better yet, take a friend with you who owns a bike,
rent one or go on a test ride together. I enjoy a ride
alone with my thoughts, but I also enjoy riding with
someone. A friend will give you honest feedback and
encouragement along the way, and two years later will
make fun of how nervous you were when you started
riding again.
Buying a bike requires some thought. New or used?
What type of bike? A stripped down sportster or a
loaded touring bike? A Harley Davidson? Suzuki?
BMW? Indian? There are a lot of choices, but it all
boils down to personal preference. Just because you
rode a Honda Nighthawk when you were 25, doesn’t
mean that kind of bike fits you now. Bikes are different,
and so are you, just look in the mirror. Look at
multiple styles, sit on them, ask the salesmen lots of
questions, and ride the bike you are most interested in.
Many dealerships have models available for test rides
or for rent. Make the informed rather than spur of the
moment decision and you will be rewarded. Try before
you buy.
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Part of riding safely is being prepared and investing
in the right gear. A good helmet, gloves, and riding
jacket are the (bare minimum) essentials everyone
needs. I am a believer in protecting yourself as much
as possible, and fortunately, there are a lot of very good
products on the market to help you do just t hat. It’s
important to wear what is comfortable, because if it is
comfortable, you will actually wear it. You’ll be amazed
at how much is out there for your new pastime.
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Riding a motorcycle does carry some risk, mostly in
the form of distracted or inattentive drivers. It’s your
job to make your ride as safe and enjoyable as possible.
It’s true that the more you ride, the better you will get,
but consider taking some professional training. I have,
and it was money well spent. I left each class with some
techniques I could use in everyday situations. It makes
a difference not only in your confidence level, but in
your riding ability as well.
Getting back into riding has been a very rewarding
experience for me personally, and some friends as well.
I hope to continue riding until my granddaughter takes
my bike away. Take your time, do your homework,
make the right choices and the rewards will be many.
With the right bike, the right equipment and some
training, you’ll enjoy being “on the road again…”
Sorry Willie, I just couldn’t resist!

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