Guess who just added another set of wheels to their collection? That's right, yours truly! But before you raise an eyebrow or two, let me address the elephant in the room – yes, this is my third motorcycle in under a year. And yes, some of you might be thinking, "Is Fletch overdoing it?"
Alright, I’ll admit that this might sound a bit excessive, but when I reason it all out, it makes sense to me. First, each of my bikes are super affordable, they each have great engineering and they each have a unique purpose. Besides, I’ve seen people spend more money on one Harley Davidson than I spent on three bikes combined. So, think what you want about me. I’m too busy riding to listen to my critics!
Merced Falls Road, Stanislaus County
Welcome “Stella,” the 2024 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 in Interstellar Green. Super sleek and more powerful than my prior bikes (“Ernie” and “The Last Mango”), Stella gets me further and faster than before. There is something I have found liberating about the open road and solitude of a motorcycle ride. I have a whole new sense of freedom thanks to these bikes.
Now, let's talk about the elephant's cousin – the midlife crisis. I’ve heard the rumors. So, is that what's going on here? Well, perhaps there's a grain of truth to that speculation. After all, I'm no stranger to the fact that I'm not getting any younger. But hey, if a midlife crisis means indulging in my passion for freedom and adventure, then sign me up!
Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of my wife. Kendra has been incredibly tolerant of my new two-wheeled obsession. Though, I suspect her tolerance might have something to do with the fact that we've been riding the rollercoaster of marriage and parenting for over 30 years now. I think she has recognized that I might need a hobby to carry me into retirement someday (not to mention a hobby that gets me out of the house).
Even though she’s been on board with me getting motorcycles, that has not translated into her getting on the bike with me. She has made it abundantly clear that she won't be joining me on my motorcycle rides anytime soon. And that’s totally cool, because as much as I love sharing my passion with her, I respect her decision to keep both of her feet on the ground.
Golden Chain Highway 49 near Bear Valley
So, what's next for me and this motorcycle collection? Who knows! But one thing's for sure – as long as there are roads to be explored and adventures to be had, you'll know I’ll be chasing the tar snakes and riding the next chunk of blacktop on a motorcycle. Robert Pirsig said it perfectly in his classic book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance:
“In a car you're always in a compartment, and because you're used to it you don't realize that through that car window everything you see is just more TV. You're a passive observer and it is all moving by you boringly in a frame. On a cycle the frame is gone. You're completely in contact with it all. You're in the scene, not just watching it anymore, and the sense of presence is overwhelming.”
That’s exactly where I want to be!
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride isn't just your average motorcycle event. Click through to read more.