The weather forecast for the last couple of days of 2021 are a disappointment. Not good for riding. So, the mileage numbers are pretty much complete for the year, and that is somewhat disappointing also.
I decided to analyze my riding to see if a pattern emerged.
The first thing I noticed is that I rode my 2020 Moto Guzzi V7iii Rough twice as many miles as my 2017 Suzuki V-Strom 650. Really? Yes, really. The V-Strom is my third DL650, and I have loved each of them, but the Guzzi has overtaken the mileage. It is so easy to ride, to throw a leg over. And frankly, it is soulful.
I decided to look back to 2008 for motorcycling mileage. That’s when I bought the first V-Strom 650, and really started to really travel on two wheels. I put 66,386 miles on that yellow bike before trading it on a new 2015 V-Strom 650. That first one took me to many places and most of my 48-state rides.
In 2013, a distinct change occurred. I had one long tour to the southeast to work on my fill-in-the-states map, and that was one of my worst travels. I rode 2,400 miles round trip, five of the six days in rain. I was charged by a pit bull while taking a picture of crossing into the Georgia state line. Missed being involved in a multiple car accident by split seconds in Augusta, Georgia, because I was in the right lane and could take to shift to the highway shoulder. Took a bee sting in the face while traveling at 75 MPH next to a semi-truck and trailer on I-75. There were other incidents, but by the time I arrived home, I told my wife, “It was horrible. I’m selling that bike.” In her wisdom, she told me to wait a while. Smart woman.
In 2012, I started volunteering with an organization that serves disabled Veterans. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., is an incredible asset. The program teaches disabled Veterans all aspects of fly fishing—fly tying, casting techniques, rod building, and takes them fishing. As a Vietnam Veteran myself, I could relate. I got involved serving others. Sometimes, I would ride the motorcycle to events. It’s clear in my analysis that PHWFF was more important than long-distance motorcycling. I served for nine years, six as the program lead for Cincinnati.
Then there was covid and the pandemic. We hunkered down, and got our vaccinations as soon as we could, but we still practiced caution and did little traveling or socializing. Thank God for Zoom to stay in touch with motorcycling friends.
I started riding at the age of 15 in 1965 on a Lambretta scooter that my dad bought. More than 50 years of motorcycle ownership, and one at a time. There were a few years of non-ownership. I owned a 2004 Honda Shadow when I wrote a few articles for Road Runner Magazine. Since purchasing that 2008 V-Strom, I have owned a total of nine motorcycles, but never owned more than two at a time. Here is the list in the order of purchase and the miles I put on them:
- 2008 Suzuki V-Strom 650 (66,386 miles) (traded)
- 2014.5 Kawasaki KLR 650 (2,117 miles) (traded)
- 2015 Suzuki V-Strom 650 (12,303 miles) (traded)
- 2017 Suzuki SV650 (2,626 miles) (traded)
- 2017 Suzuki V-Strom 650 (7,059 miles)
- 2018 Kawasaki KLR 650 (4,600 miles) (regretted trading)
- 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 (3,509 miles) (traded)
- 2019 Moto Guzzi V7iii Special (2,296 miles) (traded)
- 2020 Moto Guzzi V7iii Rough (3,001 miles)
My current rides, the 2017 V-Strom and 2020 Moto Guzzi V7iii.
So, here are the numbers. Since 2008, I have ridden 103,897 miles on two wheels. The years 2008-2012 totaled 57,434 for an average of 11,487 miles per year. The years 2013-2021 totaled 46,463 for an average of 5,162 miles per year. The year with the most miles was 2010 with 13,637 miles and the worst was 2015 with 3,551 miles, the year my Mom passed away.
Clearly, something or life choices made a huge difference in my motorcycling starting in 2013. Was it that horrible tour to the southeast? Or, was it refocused interest. For the most part, I think it was life choices and the opportunity to serve others that replaced my long-distance two-wheeled travel.
Now What?
Good question. Now what? At age 71, I am not ready to quit riding. I have ridden to and through all 48 states—all on V-Stroms. Looking at the numbers, it does not make sense to buy a third motorcycle when I would just be splitting miles with three bikes. And now that my PHWFF duties have changed, I have more time to get away. The easy decision is to make smaller two and three day rides and fishing trips, and that would be perfect for either of the bikes currently in the garage, the V-Strom and the Guzzi. In fact, I really want to take the Guzzi for a tour. It’s the perfect bike for two-lane highways.
See you on the highway.
Brent
It was 1998 on my 50th birthday with my arrival to Cincinnati that I bought my first HD Fatboy-never strayed from the Milwaukee firm and in spite of their nefarious reputation, they have performed well enough in my personal 2 wheeled history.
I read something several years ago by a fellow rider who was a long time motorcyclists and also getting older. He wrote “Somewhere along the way turned from being an enthusiastic motorcyclist to a motorcycle enthusiast.” I realized myself that
they are not the same thing. I was at a point were I was as happy to go to a vintage bike show and look at stunning old motorcycles as was to get on my own bike and ride. Wandering through a good motorcycle shop was still fun even though the desire to buy a new motorcycle was mostly gone. I love motorcycles, can’t quite imagine not having one, but my feelings for the sport have evolved with the passing years for reasons I don’t really understand but with which I can live.
Exactly! Doug, you hit it right on the head. Thanks for your comment. –Brent
I wanna be just like you when I grow up
Marilyn! It’s been too long. Hope all is well with you and that you will have plenty of motorcycle adventures in 2022. –Brent