08-22-2006, 04:54 PM
I think that's the nicest thing Chris has ever said about me. I feel all warm and fuzzy.
I think Chris hit the nail on the head. I've "been riding" for two years, but I know other guys who have been riding for two years that haven't put on the mileage that I usually do in a month. Take Rob, for example (sorry to throw you in front of the train)... in however many months he only rode 300 miles and he was making mistakes that I'd expect a first few weeks rider to make.
In a car you get in, you drive somewhere, and get out. It's a non event most of the time. On a bike, though, you can pretty much bet that every time you throw a leg over you're going to have your abilities tested in one way or another at least once. You learn to adapt to the conditions that attack you or you end up not riding for very long - you're dead, you're a passenger on the tardkart, or you just give up because it's too much. When something goes wrong you've got less time and resources to deal with whatever it is than you usually do in a car (nevermind the consequences). Drop a wheel over a low shoulder on a car and if you're a half decent driver you'll probably keep going, feeling a little stupid. Drop a wheel on a bike, though, and you're going to hit the ground.
Saying "I've ridden a lot" is aking to letting folks know how comfortable you are on your machine. It probably does sound a little like dick swinging, and I'm not too ashamed to admit that I'm proud of how much I ride.
... and is it just me, or does the kid in the adidas shirt look like Matt?
I think Chris hit the nail on the head. I've "been riding" for two years, but I know other guys who have been riding for two years that haven't put on the mileage that I usually do in a month. Take Rob, for example (sorry to throw you in front of the train)... in however many months he only rode 300 miles and he was making mistakes that I'd expect a first few weeks rider to make.
In a car you get in, you drive somewhere, and get out. It's a non event most of the time. On a bike, though, you can pretty much bet that every time you throw a leg over you're going to have your abilities tested in one way or another at least once. You learn to adapt to the conditions that attack you or you end up not riding for very long - you're dead, you're a passenger on the tardkart, or you just give up because it's too much. When something goes wrong you've got less time and resources to deal with whatever it is than you usually do in a car (nevermind the consequences). Drop a wheel over a low shoulder on a car and if you're a half decent driver you'll probably keep going, feeling a little stupid. Drop a wheel on a bike, though, and you're going to hit the ground.
Saying "I've ridden a lot" is aking to letting folks know how comfortable you are on your machine. It probably does sound a little like dick swinging, and I'm not too ashamed to admit that I'm proud of how much I ride.
... and is it just me, or does the kid in the adidas shirt look like Matt?
When it comes to Ryan Jenkins, the story ends with me putting him in the wall.
2009 Speed Triple | 2006 DR-Z400SM | 1999 CBR600F4 | 1998 Jeep Cherokee
-Ginger
2009 Speed Triple | 2006 DR-Z400SM | 1999 CBR600F4 | 1998 Jeep Cherokee
-Ginger