I really miss "riding". I think it's been like 4 years now since I really rode. Sure I climbed on a few dirt bikes, a few snowmobiles, but to really get out on a bike and ride seems like "forever ago"..

I got my first "mini-bike" in 3rd grade. I had that "1 day" and it was stolen (I lived in an apartment in Flint Michigan- they stole that, and during my time there like 5 bicycles got stolen too).

For some reason, motorcycles became my life. They were all I thought about, all I wanted. I'm still that way today.

In 5th grade, my mother and stepfather got me a brand new "Suzuki RM 50" for Christmas. They knew how much I liked motorcycles. From that point on (until about 4 years ago) I always had at least 1 motorcycle. Sometimes 4 or 5, and a collection of parts.

When I was real young, my family seemed to support my passion for bikes. I started having frequent accidents, and they "turned" away from giving me any help with my passion. I understand it now(why), I didn't then. I was having very frequent trips to the hospital. I've ruptured my spleen, slipped a disk in my neck, broke ribs, broke my hand twice, broke my foot, shattered teeth... and alot more. For awhile, I was at deaths door.. nobody thought I'd live. So, they kinda tried to "push" me away. The funny thing is... if someone "anyone" has a REAL passion for anything.. don't push them away. It won't work! I still love "Motorcycles", I always will.. the only reason I don't have one now is "money".. but I will get one.

The picture above is my last bike(and me). It's a Yamaha Virago. I like ALL bikes. Some peeps think (if it's not Harley, it's crap). I work with Bikers alot, and no I don't buy into that myself. Jap bikes outperform a Harley anyday. But they don't retain the value, they don't last as long. I like each bike for what I "see in it". I love "Harleys" (don't get me wrong).. but I like all bikes.

Exception would be these new "Chinese" Quads, and small mini-bikes. Yes, I love the "Jap Technology".. smart little slant eyes.. but the "Chinese" have a bigger slant. They are trying to make "bikes now". The thing is, the Chinese excel at making crap at cheap prices. Hell, the only reason we let them sell anything in this counry is "WE NEED DOLLAR STORES"! Where else can you get a BIG looking crap gift, for like a buck? They can do it.. labor is cheap there (forced).. and they can copy most anything us or the Japs make. Just with cheap materials, and.........

Sorry, went on a rant. My main point was "I miss riding, and I hope to resume soon".. Second thought.. don't buy "Chinese Motorcycles"! If you want to buy anything from China, make sure it's a gift for your "inlaws"... This is America afterall!!

Gary :)