More and more revving up two-wheelers

Newspapers are reporting that more and more baby-boomers (read older guys and chicks) are discovering -- or rediscovering -- the joys of motorcycle riding. They also report that more and more folks are dying on these two-wheeled contraptions. Hmmm. I wonder if that means we should all be a little more careful when driving down the road in our cars and trucks.

Reports indicate that in 1994, about 306,000 Americans purchased motorcycles. In 2004, just over a million were sold. That's a big increase, I don't care who you are. And it seems as though it's not just gray-beards going through mid-life crisis that are pushing this boon. Women, corporate executives, medical professionals, lawyers, teachers and other everyday people are heeding the call to chase the wind. And it's not just about being young and carefree anymore. A recent Kansas City Star report stated that Harley-Davidson's largest customer base falls between the ages of 37 and 45. Many first-time riders are in their 50s and 60s. I'm not quite there yet, but give me a couple of years and I'll fit that demographic as well.

All I know is that, as I ride my 1984 Yamaha Virago 1000 down the highway, I see more and more bikes out there every weekend. I also see more and more folks who look my age or older riding their cruisers down the streets and roads of our county. And when I take to the road for a longer ride, such as a Labor Day trip to my old stomping grounds in Mountain View, Arkansas, it seems that more of the road is being shared with bikers than with the usual motor homes and pop-up trailers.

The riding bug has even bitten my family. My son is chaffing at the proverbial bit for a chance to ride once he turns 16 (thankfully two years away), and my wife has just taken her written test and received her motorcycle permit. If she could take the riding part of the exam on her 49cc scooter, she'd probably already have the motorcycle endorsement on her driver's license.

Like many of the folks riding today, I got back "in the saddle" after many years away from motorcycles. So far, I've been blessed. I've come out on the positive end of the few close calls I've experienced. Still, when it comes time for family members to ride, I will join the many motorcycle dealers and others who recommend they complete a training course before they get out on the road. I'll feel a lot better about it that way, and I'm sure they'll be a lot safer.

In the meantime, every chance I get I think I'll take Steppenwolf's advice to "get your motor runnin' - head out on the highway."

Keep your eyes open. I'll see ya on down the road and around the bend.