What kind of rider are you?

I’ve been giving a lot of thought lately about what kind of rider I am and what I aspire to do as it’s related to motorcycling. The label of motorcyclist encompasses a broad spectrum of activities and interests.

I attended a track day this year. I learned that I was not that kind of rider.

I‘ve seen several blogs and stories about people riding to Alaska. So many, that it doesn’t seem as unique as it should. Not on my short list. But not ruling it out.

Recently a story hit the forums of a man who rode 10,600 miles in 7 days. The Iron Butt Rally is 11,000 miles in 11 days. Let’s see I did 9,000 in 35 days…no, I'm not that kind of rider.

My trip with Lisa was big. I am very pleased that I can inspire others with my story. But it’s done; it isn’t something I’ll be repeating year after year. Lisa told me she wants to do it again when she’s 21. I’ll put that on my list. Parent riding with child...I'm that kind of rider.

I’ve not been on a dirt bike since I was a teenager. There are many dirt roads in NH & VT that I think would be fun exploring. Dirt may be on my list of things to do. I don’t aspire to do it with a $16,000 precision engineered German motorcycle. I want a scrappy small bike that I can pound on and not worry what it’s going to do to my insurance.

Traveling outside the country. A couple years ago, I went on a trip to the Alps. I had a smile stuck on my face for the whole week. I want to go back. I want to spend quality time in Italy. I just loved what little I saw. Europe is on my list, I'm that kind of rider.

What kind of rider am I? Is the motorcycle just incidental to the joys of nature and exploring this country or the world? Are the things I aspire to do motorcycle centric? I have no answer, but it's something I like to think about when the road ahead is long and straight.