You Only Live Once...
If you knew you only had a year to live, what would you do during that year? OK, now what if you had 10 years to live, 20 or 30? At some point, you've got to decide the things that are important to you. You've got to make a bucket list. Because, if you have specific written goals, you're more likely to accomplsih them rather than saying, "Gosh, I'd really like to..." And if you're a biker, the following should definitely be on your bucket list. Because somebody's got to hit up Sturgis.
1. Take a motorcycle trip of more than 2,000 miles
Day trips are fine, and a lot of fun, but you truly become one with your bike when you live on it for days at a time. When riding becomes as normal to you as walking you've reached a whole other place.
2. Attend a major motorcycle rally
It is an amazing feeling to look in any direction and see 10 times as many motorcycles as any other type of vehicle. To be the majority, rather than the minority.
3. Ride these amazing roads
The Beartooth Highway – Cruise for miles above timberline surrounded by snowy peaks.
US 1 through Big Sur – One of the most gorgeous roads in all of the country.
The Tail of the Dragon – US 129 at Deals Gap, in North Carolina, has 318 curves in 11 miles.
Trail Ridge Road – The highest continuous motorway in the U.S., through Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Blue Ridge Parkway – 469 miles of scenic beauty.
4. Take a trip abroad
There is no better way to really see a place than from the saddle of a motorcycle, and there are tour guides ready to take you anywhere you want to go.
5. Do a track day
Just for once, go as fast as you possibly can with no worries about speeding tickets or hitting gravel at high speed on a turn.
6. Ride a dirt bike
Sliding that back wheel around on the dirt will make you a better street rider. Plus, it's fun!
7. Put more miles on your bike in a year than on your car
Sure, there are days when the bike is not an option, particularly in winter. All the more reason to choose two wheels the rest of the time and make getting there the best part of the trip.
8. Put at least 200,000 miles on your bike
Ride whenever you can and make riding an indispensable part of your life. Don't ever quit.
9. First and foremost, get a motorcycle and learn to ride It
For many people, the item on their bucket list is simply to ride a motorcycle, period. Take that first step and then put together a whole new bucket list.
Originally published February 9, 2010.
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About The Author
In addition to writing for Rum Bum, Ken Bingenheimer writes for The Examiner, as well as other publications. A lifelong writer, and a longtime biker, he figures that writing about motorcycles is the perfect job.
