macfly
August 9th 2009, 18:11
My Dad turned fifty when he bought his first BMW bike, an R60/5. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was the first in a long line of BMW's two wheelers he, and I had. We did some great family holidays around the north of France on the bikes, and he rode like the wind, always giving us kids a run for our money. He rode almost everyday until he passed at 82.
Lately I'd been missing him a lot, and as you know was thinking about getting an XK140 as a way of sort of reconnecting with his spirit, he always used the draw pictures of XK's when I was a kid, but never had one. Anyhow, I went up to San Luis Obispo to look at a couple of cars, and on the drive back along the magical 58 I passed loads of bikers, and that was when I really started to think that if I really wanted to reconnect with my dad it should be on two wheels, not four.
I'd given up bikes in my 30's because I was worried that they weren't safe, all the usual stuff, but now, fifteen years later I realize I can't live the rest of my life in fear, and close the door on one of the best experiences that is available to us on planet earth. Yes, riding motorbikes really is that good!
Anyhow, I got myself another BMW twin, I'd had many of them back in the old days, but this new one is on a whole nother level. I just got back from my first three hour ride through the Malibu mountains on roads our regulars will recognize, and all I can say is "WOW!!!" The boxer twin has come on a hell of a long way in the time I've been away at the track going round in circles on four wheels.
Lately I'd been missing him a lot, and as you know was thinking about getting an XK140 as a way of sort of reconnecting with his spirit, he always used the draw pictures of XK's when I was a kid, but never had one. Anyhow, I went up to San Luis Obispo to look at a couple of cars, and on the drive back along the magical 58 I passed loads of bikers, and that was when I really started to think that if I really wanted to reconnect with my dad it should be on two wheels, not four.
I'd given up bikes in my 30's because I was worried that they weren't safe, all the usual stuff, but now, fifteen years later I realize I can't live the rest of my life in fear, and close the door on one of the best experiences that is available to us on planet earth. Yes, riding motorbikes really is that good!
Anyhow, I got myself another BMW twin, I'd had many of them back in the old days, but this new one is on a whole nother level. I just got back from my first three hour ride through the Malibu mountains on roads our regulars will recognize, and all I can say is "WOW!!!" The boxer twin has come on a hell of a long way in the time I've been away at the track going round in circles on four wheels.