Riding vs Flying -- How many here ride?

Jay Honeck wrote:
Having just returned from a 3-day motorcycle camping trip, the riding
experience is once again fresh in my mind. (Alas, I don't get to ride
much nowadays; but there was a time when Mary and I rode
coast-to-coast...)

I'm always struck by the similarities between riding and flying.
Basically, riding is 2-dimensional flying, with similar handling
characteristics and risk factors. The geometry of banking into turns
is identical, and the camaraderie with fellow riders is very similar to
that seen among pilots.

And, of course, the risk of instant death caused by someone else's (or
your own) stupidity is always present. That heightened sense of "being
alive" is something both riders and flyers seem to crave.

It used to be that most pilots I knew rode motorcycles, but that seems
to be less of a correlation lately. Wot say the group -- do you
currently ride a motorcycle? Did you in the past?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've ridden since 1968, I just learned to fly three years ago. I now fly
more than I ride, but enjoy both. Wife won't do either one, sigh...

Brad

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message

Wot say the group -- do you
currently ride a motorcycle? Did you in the past?

Haven't ridden in about 25 years - no particular reason, just other
interests predominant. Rode extensively through the 70s, particularly
mid-late. Owned 5 bikes: a '67 BSA 650, '69 Triumph 650, '72 Honda 750,
and two bikes I built in custom frames - one with a late 50s Harley engine,
one with a Honda 750. That Honda four in a low frame with a long wheelbase
was the best road bike I owned. Smooth as silk, but not much torque, so you
had to manage the powerband-not a real big issue. Crossed the country at
least once on each of them except the Harley custom, which I sold shortly
after building it. Total cross-country treks = 6, about 2/3 off highway.
Never had to lay a bike down; never had any trouble with other motorists.
Good old days.

Jay Honeck wrote:
snip

It used to be that most pilots I knew rode motorcycles, but that seems
to be less of a correlation lately. Wot say the group -- do you
currently ride a motorcycle? Did you in the past?

No way in hell. I'm afraid of heights and yes, that includes the three
feet off the ground on a bike. Waaaaaay too easy to fall off.

("Emily" wrote)
No way in hell. I'm afraid of heights and yes, that includes the three
feet off the ground on a bike. Waaaaaay too easy to fall off.


There's a Harley shirt that speaks to that very possibility. :-)


Montblack

Emily wrote:

Jay Honeck wrote:
snip


It used to be that most pilots I knew rode motorcycles, but that seems
to be less of a correlation lately. Wot say the group -- do you
currently ride a motorcycle? Did you in the past?


No way in hell. I'm afraid of heights and yes, that includes the three
feet off the ground on a bike. Waaaaaay too easy to fall off.

So why are you reading this ng? :-)

Matt

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
oups.com...

It used to be that most pilots I knew rode motorcycles, but that seems
to be less of a correlation lately. Wot say the group -- do you
currently ride a motorcycle? Did you in the past?

I still have my old '65 Beemer out in the shed, I drove it daily for 15+
years and nearly rolled the odometer over, but now I haven't even cranked for
some 20 years.

Vaughn

On 7/1/06 8:35 AM, in article
, "Jay Honeck"
wrote:

Having just returned from a 3-day motorcycle camping trip, the riding
experience is once again fresh in my mind. (Alas, I don't get to ride
much nowadays; but there was a time when Mary and I rode
coast-to-coast...)

I'm always struck by the similarities between riding and flying.
Basically, riding is 2-dimensional flying, with similar handling
characteristics and risk factors. The geometry of banking into turns
is identical, and the camaraderie with fellow riders is very similar to
that seen among pilots.

And, of course, the risk of instant death caused by someone else's (or
your own) stupidity is always present. That heightened sense of "being
alive" is something both riders and flyers seem to crave.

It used to be that most pilots I knew rode motorcycles, but that seems
to be less of a correlation lately. Wot say the group -- do you
currently ride a motorcycle? Did you in the past?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"



Yep and yep. Started on a Honda 250XL, learning out in the desert and then
once I got comfortable, to college. Imagine riding to art class with a
drawing board strapped to your back. I felt like a hang glider.

Now I own and ride a Honda ST 1100.
--
Jeff 'The Wizard of Draws' Bucchino

Cartoons with a Touch of Magic�
http://www.wizardofdraws.com

More Cartoons with a Touch of Magic�
http://www.cartoonclipart.com

In article .com,
"Jay Honeck" wrote:

It used to be that most pilots I knew rode motorcycles, but that seems
to be less of a correlation lately. Wot say the group -- do you
currently ride a motorcycle? Did you in the past?

I started flying 1987. I started riding 2004.

Flying is a passion. Riding is kind of neat and useful.

--
Bob Noel
Looking for a sig the
lawyers will hate

Bob Noel wrote:

In article .com,
"Jay Honeck" wrote:


It used to be that most pilots I knew rode motorcycles, but that seems
to be less of a correlation lately. Wot say the group -- do you
currently ride a motorcycle? Did you in the past?


I started flying 1987. I started riding 2004.

Flying is a passion. Riding is kind of neat and useful.

You simply haven't yet ridden long enough. I started riding at age 10
or so, flying at 18. Both are passions, but sometimes we have to put
our passions on the back burner when kids, mortgages and college bills
come along. But I'll be back...

Matt

("Jay Honeck" wrote)
Wot say the group -- do you currently ride a motorcycle? Did you in the
past?


New - 1978 Yahmahopper 360. (I was 185 lbs back then!!)
New - 1981 Yahmahopper 650 Special II - backrest, luggage rack, roll bar,
windscreen.

Rode day and night, rain or shine, for three years. Got hit by a (smallish)
deer on the 650. I stayed up, the deer went down - gas tank was dented by my
knee.

I rode around on a my brother's 1978 Honda CB 750A Hondamatic, this spring.
Chose not to buy it.

That was the first time I was on a bike since Nov of 1984.

Still have my bike license. Combined miles over 6 years - 36K, IIRC.


Montblack