The last six months of my life has been interesting to say the least. Back in July I decided to pull the plug on Crusty The Biker. I had reached a point in my life where changes were inevitable.My personal life was about to reach the melting point, My business was (and still is) struggling to survive like most small businesses in this country these days. The last thing I needed was more shit to deal with. So I made the decision to take a break and re-group.
I decided to concentrate more on riding, enjoying life, and attending events not as a business man, but as just another old biker. I did find out a few interesting facts and came to some conclusions about myself, life, and the state of motorcycling here in New England.
The most dramatic change in my life was the ending of a long term relationship I was in. Back in August I broke up with my girlfriend of seven years. Things had not been going well for some time. At least in my mind that is. The details are to long and drawn out, however I realized one afternoon that another Summer was half over and I’m not happy with how my life was going.
I attended more rides/runs and events in the past six months then I had in some time. I was amazed at how few people were coming out for these runs. The tough economy is taking its toll on everyone and riders are picking and choosing their rides much more carefully. Another thing I have noticed is people seem to be getting burnt out on the same old ride format. To many runs that are all the same with nothing new, exciting or fun makes it an easy choice to stay home or just ride with a buddy or two and save money. We need to develop a new ride format or event. Constantly asking riders to pony up cash for charities these days is getting old fast with the general riding public.
The upside to the down economy is that fewer yuppy squids are out there annoying us old timers. You know who I’m talking about. The contractor guy, or urban professional who would normally have a Harley parked next to his Escalade or Hummer. He would show up to a run acting like Mr Bad Ass and never shut his mouth. It’s nice not to hear as much of their bullshit, lip flapping. I really never cared how much money you put into your Road Glide, Fat Boy or Dyna Wide Glide or your trophy wife’s boobs for that matter!
I came to the conclusion that choppers are dead....THANK GOD! I wonder where all those ill-handling, rattle traps will end up? Although it was a source of amusement to count the number of parts that fell off along the side of the road at numerous runs then listen to their owners lame excuses as to why their thirty thousand dollar customs were puking parts up like baby spittle. Along the same lines, it also appears that the motorcycle industries attempts to shove "custom sport bikes" down our throats is also dying. It’s one thing to let slide a Harley that comes in for an inspection sticker if its equipped with less then approved equipment, but very few snot nosed, custom crotch rocket pilots get much sympathy when they show up for inspection stickers!
Massachusetts motorcycle inspections...UGH! The Mass RMV is dropping the ball big time and it’s a disaster in the making. It’s almost January 1st and as of today they STILL don’t have 2009 laws, rules, and procedures finalized. My certification class was canceled once and has yet to be rescheduled. This is turning out to be a major cluster fuck.
Along my travels the last six months I met someone new. She is unlike anyone I have ever been involved with before. To start with she actually owns and rides her own motorcycle. And she rides it very well! In past relationships the women in my life were always from outside the motorcycle community. This may seem strange, but that is how it always worked out. Because of this, riding and motorcycles were always some source of conflict. I can’t tell you how great it is to have someone in my life that shares the same passion for motorcycles as I do. In fact she might be even more passionate about riding due to the fact that she came into motorcycling only a few years ago and can’t get enough of it! Unlike myself who has been riding my whole life and tend to take it for granted at times.
She is also the leader of a recently formed women’s riding group. I have had a blast helping her with that. Years ago I had my fill of Biker clubs and have always stayed away from that sort of thing. I don’t have the time or energy for the politics, drama, or testosterone charged bullshit that goes on in most male dominated clubs. Watching how women interact is somewhat eye opening and refreshing. Of course there are some unique problems and issues to deal with, but I have had a great time being a small part of the process of getting a group of enthusiastic women organized. Women riders are more easy going in my opinion.
So that brings us to today. Some folks might be surprised that I resurfaced. I have been reading some of my favorite motorcycle blogs the last six months. I have noticed a few fellow bloggers have taken time off and some have even come back. Blogger burn out is nothing unique apparently! These are stressful times we are living in for sure. I’m not sure how often I will post. I’ll take it day by day and see where it goes. My life is less stressful then it was six months ago and I find myself smiling more then I have in a long time.
Ok now all I need is some good weather! -Crusty
