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I just recently met Ken when he came into our dealership, Monmouth Cycles, and he goes ahead and asks me if I could write an article for the site. I have no idea what made him think I was qualified to do so after only knowing me for about 10 minutes and between you and I, I’m probably not , but said “sure, why not” anyway.
So, what should the subject be? I started thinking, perhaps something technical; maybe the physics behind some aspect of machine design or an advanced riding technique. How about sharing some of my past riding experiences, whether out on the open road or on the racetrack. Ooh, a story with a lesson in it, people love those! Maybe a rant about oppressive laws and oblivious cagers, get everybody all riled up. What to write, what to write?
In the midst of all this thinking I had to take a last minute trip over seas to tend to some family matters, so all this had to get thrown to the back burner; a man has got to know his priorities. Turns out, this may have been a good opportunity for ideas, as this trip may serve to be the muse I was looking for. While there I was able to witness first hand a culture that looks at riding a little differently then us. I also had the opportunity to meet many other riders and swap some wild riding stories. I even tried to get myself a KTM and do a ride into the Sahara Desert, but alas the occasion never came up due to too many responsibilities in a very short time. But man, that would have been great!
So many ideas were just dancing in my head during the long flight home. I had a window seat so I just lazily gazed down at the world below most of the time. Eventually we came upon good old North America, and it appears you can’t just fly straight into New Jersey. Had to come in way up north and fly southward, don’t understand why but that seems to be the flight pattern. I have gone on many flights, and have always been in awe of the amazing sight below while we cruise over the land.
As we came closer to Newark International Airport we started flying in lower, and as always the earth below became closer and clearer. Suddenly out of the corner of my eye I recognized a string of roads that I myself had ridden on. It was so amazing and I started looking franticly for more. Not only did I see places where I have been, but more importantly, places and roads that I have not been to. All through New York and northern New Jersey the sight of tiny little cars and motorcycles littered on tiny little slivers of asphalt filled my window, and what a sight it was. I made a frantic, yet futile, attempt to memorize the location of the twistiest, least crowded, and apparently most adventurous of them hoping to someday ride up and find them for a little romp. One of those little romps that might lead to the fantastic escapades that we talk about, while taking a break at an old diner, for years to come.
All through our eighth grade Western Civilizations history books there are stories of great explorers and conquerors of uncharted territory, which all seem to begin with one of those little romps. The valiant efforts made in the name of discovery and expansion, given birth by the idea that there is so much more out there to see. Many a sunny day have I felt like those brave men, heading off into that unknown territory, excited about what new discoveries may lie behind the next bend. Those were some of my favorite days on two wheels, and it seems that now there just isn’t enough time for these frivolous and luxurious jaunts.
This amazing sight reminded me of those days, and how much I missed just going out and getting lost. We’ve all gotten lost before, and to some it can be frightening, but to the explorer it is an opportunity. As motorcyclists, I like to think we all tend to have a bit of that explorer in us, giving us a different outlook from the other commuters that simply trudge through the roadways. To us the destination isn’t all encompassing; it’s the excursion that harbors a deeper joy. For that reason getting lost should never be a nuisance, but an occasion for discovery and a chance to enjoy the hum of the miles that pass below our tires. It’s with the curiosity of a child, which many others have long ago abandoned, that we head down an unknown path hoping to get lost not only on the roadways but also in our thoughts, even if it’s just for a little while. I look forward making the time to go find those ribbons of tarmac, and I encourage all of you to the same; and when we come upon an intersection, may we always be as brave as Frost and take the road less traveled.
Omar Buker
Internet Sales, Monmouth Cycles
Coach #673, Team ProMotion
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