Conflict of emotion

[Chuey]

Regarding letting your son ride a motorbike, here are some thoughts I've had regarding similar dilemmas. First, it is somewhat sobering, the thought of letting your kid ride a bike. It's just one more scary aspect of being a father. To me, it seems logical to let him buy his own bike. There is a certain rightness to not buying a kid a vehicle. It is a step toward adulthood. The consequences of his choice are of such importance in character building that it would be a shame to interfere. A motorcycle, any motorcycle, is pretty intoxicating to a young man. A father often feels that his experience and wisdom can avert a lot of heartaches for his son. In fact, that experience and wisdom is his own and can be imparted only in small doses. His son needs to earn his own experience and wisdom. Then, it will truly be his own.

As you know, I fix and sell bicycles. There is something about bicycles that I have identified that I think few people see. Riding a bicycle is the first time most people leave their parents on their own terms. There is a primal connection to the emotion that blossomed when we took those first few bike rides. It was true freedom. We could fall but it was worth it because we were on our own, in the air, defying gravity. I can say that I am sure that motorists are envious of bicyclists.

There are some parts of that freedom that are shared by motorcyclists. Some sensations are magnified on the motorbike and some are not even there. The thing is, a bicycle, and/or a motorcycle is a metaphor for life. We can only offer encouragement and advice from the sidelines.

It's tough to be a man. It is much tougher to be a father.

Chuey

PS Your son's good bike handling started with his bike riding and/or skateboarding, skiing, etc. He looked very good on the bike. Of course, it is traffic that requires wisdom.

[ME 109]

What a fine post Chuey. Thanks.
And thanks to youse other guys too.

I'd like to see Jordan buy his own bike ......
I also want him to attend university if that is his wish.
That puts his earning sufficient coin in a hard basket at the moment.
An r65 could be 'my' bike ? as there is another son 3 years behind.
Not saying I can just waltz out and buy an r65 either. I already have a dependent bmw

[Sibbo]

Good snaps and thanks for posting ...one year , but I don't know which one !

Any fun on black ice heavy laden ?

[ME 109]

Any fun on black ice heavy laden ?

No slips for me fortunately but one of the GS's did. Not a slip off mind you but a slip nonetheless.
Dry road, go hard. Wet corners, be wary.
Can't remember if Charlie and Doug found any ice (other than their mustaches).........and they were out in it Friday night!

[Doug]

No black ice.. well none that I noticed.. visor was too fogged up!!..
I'm heartened to learn that it wasn't as cold as it could have been!

[Sibbo]

Shadow on the road in corners ? I don't know anything about the stuff , we hardly even frost up here .It just looks wet ?

It's not frost but ice that's formed from rain frozen there ? I may sound dumb, but it's because I am !

[dougie]

It's not frost but ice that's formed from rain frozen there ? I may sound dumb, but it's because I am !

Mother Nature is a very nice lady most of the time, but once in a while, for her amusement , she likes to knock us about with some weather (she doesn't have TV).
"Black ice " is one of her favourites.

[Ross]

1983 or 1984 it was -5 when I was at the Apline when it was in the Brindabellas. My FT500 with frost/ice on it at the Alpine.

[Sibbo]

I'm going to have to get Tilly starting better in the cold before i venture to an Alpine Rally ,I'd have to leave her there the way she is at the moment .

[SteveD]

I was happy to let my young fella have a go on a bike. He was about 8.

Small bike, right size, gear on. Show him throttle, go up and down the paddock a bit showing him the throttle on, throttle off...

He's ready. On he gets, starts off and rips open the throttle the the bike takes off! Straight for a tree. Slippery grass saves the day, and he's down before hitting it. He got up, brushed himself down, took the helmet off and walked away.

Hasn't show much interest since. He's close to 13 now.