Like Old Times

My son Brian and I used to ride and race dirt bikes together for quite a few years, starting when he was a child until just a few years ago when family obligations took precedence.  Just like when I taught him to ski, he ended up a far better rider than me, but we still had a lot of fun together.

Now he is approaching the "empty nest" phase of life, with more time and funds available, and he has decided to get back into motorcycling.  Not exactly dirt bikes this time, but the relatively new category of "adventure" bike.  These are like SUVs in the four-wheel world......capable of some off pavement travel, but basically a road vehicle.  I can accept the concept, but am a little turned off by the trendiness of it, just like SUVs are trendy, and for little old men like me they don't work......too tall and too heavy.  My KLX that I sold a couple of years ago was as close as I came to an adventure bike, but it was called a "dual sport" because it was more dirt oriented.

Anyway, Brian bought the bike last week, and we met up today midway between our houses so I could take a look at it and we could go for a little ride.  It turned out to be a bit colder and wetter than predicted, but it was great to be riding with my boy again.  Here is a picture of him and his new bike with his friend and co-worker Albert, who came along on his KTM adventure bike.  Brian is on the right on his Triumph Tiger 800 xcx.  Part of "adventure" cool is having the right gear, and they certainly tick that box:

I look forward to many more rides together.