The Dry Commute

 

 

Just like years past, this year I’ve decided to commute to work on my motorcycle every day this summer. No exceptions! Actually, I plan on selling my car in the near future, so I really won’t have much of a choice. This does force me to have some rain gear always packed and can cause some extra planning when I need to carry things that are difficult on a motorcycle (i.e. tools, extra work clothes, donuts), but for the most part this is an extremely easy way to always enjoy my commute.

 

The strange thing about this year is I haven’t had to wear my rain suit yet. It has rained while I was home and at work, but never on my ride. The funny thing is that in the past I’d always check the forecast before my commute and if there was rain, I’d take my car. At least half the time I would’ve stayed dry if I had ridden. A wasted opportunity!

 

I don’t even think you need to be as extreme as me to enjoy more rides to work. I think having a rule that you’ll ride as long as it’s not raining when you leave your home is good. You will need to have rain gear, unless you don’t mind getting wet on the way home, but you’ll definitely get more quality riding for your commutes than you would paying attention to the forecast.

 

“No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.” - Winston Churchill



Family Fun

 

 

If you’re intelligent about it, spending time with your kids doesn’t need to be a zero sum experience, meaning that you both can have a lot of fun. Now, I know that you’re supposed to cherish all time with your kids, but let’s face it, watching Disney movies gets old! I find that my son and I both have a great time when we ride on his XR 70. He is still too small to ride it on his own, but he is still small enough that we can ride it together fairly comfortably. I have a blast because, even though it’s small, I’m riding a motorcycle. I know he’s having a great time because he talks for the entire time we’re riding.

 

We ride on the trail we have on our property. I discussed making this trail in a previous post. A great thing about riding with him in the woods is that he is beginning to become less anxious about it. At first, he’d repeatedly ask about bears, deer, or other animals in a very nervous tone. Now he almost seems to look forward to seeing an animal if it may cross our path. I’m not trying to say that he should be wanting to run through the forest by himself, but having just a healthy respect for the possible danger is much better than all out fear.

 

Another awesome effect of us riding is that he spends much less time playing video games. My wife and I enforce daily time limits on gaming and it ends up being a battle every time we say it’s time to stop playing. I’m happy to say that just mentioning the dirt bike will get him to shut off the video game and run to grab his helmet. So, if you’re a parent who loves motorcycles, get your kids involved. I promise it’ll be great for your entire family.

 

“You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.” - Desmond Tutu