Above is a picture of a gift from my mother. I've received many presents like these over the years; one of my favorites is a motorcycle pocket watch my father bought me. The fact that he approved and encouraged my interest in motorcycles is a comfort to me whenever I receive a reaction of horror...
"Now why would you want to jeopardize yourself that way?"
"They are DANGEROUS."
"Death machines."
I don't deny it. Actually, I often feel hard-pressed to argue the point. The statistics seem stacked against me - "Between 2001 and 2008, more than 34,000 motorcyclists were killed and an estimated 1,222,000 persons were treated in a U.S. emergency department" ("Motorcycle Crash-Related Data"). The cards are generally in the opposition's favor. But though I may appear to concede the point, I nevertheless continue to dream about leather, balance and a windowless ride. And that is why, despite the persuasive cases presented to me by caring friends and family (and thank you all for your concern), I plan on attaining my motorcycle license this year.
I will not go about it stupidly. The few books I've read advocate a training course. Knowledge of motorcycles mechanics is also recommended. And a Yoda of sorts - a master to whom I can be an apprentice - is preferred. Not following these safety precautions could cost me my life, and really I'd rather spend it roaming the roads. So for the months ahead, I will be researching. I will learn the differences between four-stroke and two-stroke engines, I will gather information related to defensive driving techniques, and I will find my Mr. Miyagi who can help me to "learn how to stand before I learn how to fly."
Works Cited
"Motorcycle Crash-Related Data." CDC. 26 January 2012.
<http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsMotorcycleSafety/>.
