Whatever it takes....

[redjay]

I remember talking to a salesman at a motorcycle dealership in the U.K. He told me the average mileage for a motorcyclist in the U.K is 3500 miles a year.

[mick56]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

Not all roads are straight here Mick.
We have many great roads here in my state and awesome scenery.
Mountains and lakes to ride around.I will grate you some states have long straight roads with no curves, I stay away from those when on a trip.

I am looking forward to the day when i can come over and ride a few of them mate.But my old man aint showing any sign of keeling over yet though.

[mick56]

Originally Posted by redjay

I remember talking to a salesman at a motorcycle dealership in the U.K. He told me the average mileage for a motorcyclist in the U.K is 3500 miles a year.

A lot of them dont do anything like as much.A sunday ride to the local Harley dealer is about it for some.

[redjay]

I have a buddy in the U.K who rides about 400 miles a year. I have done a lot more than that in a day.

[smokier]

What RedJay said...

Two unoffical Iron Butts (1k) and several 600 ~ 800 mile days.

Ride safe,
Smokier

[mick56]

Originally Posted by smokier

What RedJay said...

Two unoffical Iron Butts (1k) and several 600 ~ 800 mile days.

Ride safe,
Smokier

It seems to me that Americans judge their prowess as a "biker",on the mileage travelled.If i understand it correctly,an Iron Butt is all about covering as many miles as you can,in a given time..Is that correct ?

[redjay]

I believe that is correct.

[Top Cat]

You are correct Mick. I'm not into iron butt rides.
I like to enjoy the scenery I'm riding through.

[smokier]

Originally Posted by mick56

It seems to me that Americans judge their prowess as a "biker",on the mileage travelled.If i understand it correctly,an Iron Butt is all about covering as many miles as you can,in a given time..Is that correct ?

Miles per year, per day are popular measuring sticks.
Curious, what measuring stick of motorcycle prowess do others use?
(Not trying to be a smart-a$$, really.)

Ride safe,
Smokier

[mick56]

Originally Posted by smokier

Miles per year, per day are popular measuring sticks.
Curious, what measuring stick of motorcycle prowess do others use?
(Not trying to be a smart-a$$, really.)

Ride safe,
Smokier

It was meant as a humorous comment mate.But to answer your question.It seems some use the amount of badges on their jackets, others,on how high their ape hangers are,or how many chromed skull parts they have on their bikes.I personally dont consider myself as a "biker" at all.I am just a bloke who rides a motorbike.

[Chuck A.]

I'll second that Mick.

[mick56]

Hey Redjay.I got your comment in my email alerts,but dont see it here ?
Not sure if i am the only one.So here it is.


"I am a motorcycle enthusiast if someone asks.

A proper term would be motorcycle addict. I got addicted at 16 and I am still infected".


It got a hold on me a bit earlier than that.There were several blokes blatting around on bikes where i grew up.Mostly on old British twins,but a few Ariel Arrows amongst them.I remember as a 5yr old,hearing them coming,and running out onto the road to watch them go past.At about 8yrs old,me & my brother started helping the old man on his mobile fruit & veg round.At that time (1964 ) people were becoming more prosperous,and could afford cars.So the old bikes that they had used to get to work on,were just put in their sheds.We used to see them when we delivered,and got the chance to sit on a few.As soon as we could,my brother and me pooled our 2s & 6d a week wages,and bought a Royal Enfield 125cc,2 stroke,flying flea for £2 i think.That was me hooked for life.Best £2 i will ever spend.In fact it will just about buy half a pint of beer today.

[redjay]

I was interested in bikes in my early teens. There was a school around the corner and one night a week there was Youth Club and a gathering of bikes outside, mostly Triumphs and Beezers. I would have a walk to the school and ogle the various bikes.
At 10pm the Youth club closed and the bikes would go past the end of our street at full throttle. They were in a hurry to get to the pubs that closed at 10.30pm. In later years I got to meet some of those bike owners. There was Froggy, Moggy, Pongo and Daft Dave. Everyone had a nickname back then.
Moggy lifted my Rickman Bonneville off my leg when I dropped it in a pub car park. By that time Moggy was driving a Ford Consul with a V8 stuffed in it. As soon as I was 16 I got a Honda 50, closely followed by a Triumph Tiger 100. I have been hooked ever since.

[mick56]

Great memories mate.I went through my fair share of hedges as a young bloke.A bit too lively with the throttle i reckon.I put it down to too much wanking over Playboy as a young bloke.It must have given me ridiculous amounts of power in my right wrist. How we got away with cuts & bruises,and a few broken bones, baffles me.

[redjay]

I spun my Ford Classic on a country road heading to a restaurant from the pub.
I was racing 3 of my mates in their cars. The following day I noticed my front license plate was missing. I found it in the hedge that I drove into the night before.