Sometimes I find myself just sitting in the garage and staring at my bikes.  I became obsessed when I was 8 years old…..

I remember falling head over heels for a 1980 Honda CR80.  It was a red little 2 stroke screamer that I found at an auction in Penticton where I grew up.  My Dad and I would go to the local auction every Tuesday where he would scrounge around for good deals.  When the bike came up for bid I waited with anticipation as my Dad bid on the bike.  The bike sold and the auctioneer called out “Sold to bidder number 81”.  I looked around the hall to see who bidder number 81 was.  I couldn’t tell and slumped back in my chair to wait for the auctions to end.  About ten minutes later my Dad nudged me and with a big smile on his face showed me his paddle with the black number 81 on it.

From that day on I was hooked on motorcycles.  I tried to get unhooked but it didn’t work.  I road that 80 for hours on end to my neighbours dismay.  It was loud and like all premix 2 strokes, smoked like crazy.  I sold it when I was 12 and it wasn’t until I was 16 that I bought another bike.  I fell in love with a little café racer Yamaha Seca 400.  That parallel twin was the perfect bike for a 16 year old to learn street riding on. 

Fast forward to being 20 I had worked in a gold mine for the last two years and managed to sock away some money.  The mine closed in May of that year and in after a fruitless search form someone take me on as a Heavy Duty Apprentice I decided that I was just going to take the summer off.  Now Penticton is a small town and I had a serious crush on a rare bike.  I opened up the classifieds of the local paper and unbelievably there was a 1986 Intruder 750 for sale.  The bike was beautiful, I mean stunning.  It was a deep burgundy with gold pearl, mag package in mint shape.  I loaded it into the back of the truck and headed to the shop.  A quick swap of the plugs and charge of the battery and it fired right up.  Unbelievable.  Away I went to spend 2 months living off the bike.  Each day was a new adventure and each stop brought something new.  I travelled all over BC living off the bike.  What a great adventure.

That is what draws me to motorcycling, each time I start up the bike I am off on a new adventure.  Motorcycling for me satisfies that innate desire to explore and experience.  I truly believe that if it wasn’t for my motorcycles I wouldn’t be able to sit still for very long.  Even the smallest jaunt to the store turns into an adventure.  You never know who you will meet in the parking lot. 

I am a bit of a purest when it comes to motorcycles.  As much as I love the new technologies showing up in bikes, my heart lies with bikes that are rudimentary in nature and offer a true and pure experience when riding.  Triumphs are the bikes for me.  They are filled with character and a British charm that is addicting and can’t be ignored.  The naked appeal to me more than any other bikes out there right now so a Bonneville and a Speed Triple sit in my garage, a brilliant contrast of old and new. 

I am really looking forward to the 2010 riding season.  My goals are to expand the RAT group and to really get more people out there on their Triumphs enjoying each other’s company.  Hopefully you will join me out there for a ride and a pint.  Remember, you meet the nicest people on a Triumph.

Cheers,

Michael