Warmer weather is here and that can mean the sounds of motorcycles roaring around us. It seems that many people are either pro, con or maybe even somewhere in between on the subject of motorcycles. I don’t really know much about them to give an honest opinion, however, it’s a great topic to discuss now that summer is approaching.
DEFINITION:
A motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or trike if three-wheeled) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar from a saddle-style seat.
[1][2][3] Source:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle
WHEN WAS THEIR START?
The 1885 Daimler Reitwagen made by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Germany was the first internal combustion, petroleum-fueled motorcycle. In 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmüller became the first series production motorcycle.
[4][5] Source:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle
The only time I personally was on a bike was almost 40 years ago when I was in my, well, let’s just say I was a lot younger then.
Our family friend, Michael Michael Motorcycle, as we nicknamed him, was visiting for a brief time and I mentioned I needed to go “uptown”, to purchase a small item. He suggested I be adventurous and take a ride with him on the back of his bike. I gave it much thought, as I was apprehensive about the idea. He eventually wore me down and off we went. I didn’t know when taking a turn on a motorcycle, you were to lean into the turn and my body wanted to go in the opposite direction. Of course, I couldn’t hear anything he was saying to me above the roar of the engine.
When we arrived at the store, he got off the bike and shook his head at me and THEN explained about the leaning. It didn’t matter at that point because I was shaking so much from being frightened, nothing he said made a dent in my brain. I’m pretty sure he had marks on his body for weeks after the experience from my fingernails that I dug into his skin during the trip.
When I hear a bike driving by my house, I often think about that day, and I feel a bit jealous. Why? Because knowing the person behind the helmet isn’t as afraid as I had been, and is surely enjoying the transportation he or she chose on a beautiful summer day.
In June, Johnstown has a three day event called “Thunder in the Valley”,
https://www.visitjohnstownpa.com/thunder-valley where motorcyclists from all around the area, and far away, come to the city and visit surrounding parts of the county. For many, it can be truly spectacular to see the amount of people the event brings. Not only the motorcycles, but also vendors, retail stores, hotels, and restaurants join in the festivities. For those that love bikes will happily see thousands of them lining up the streets, and will certainly hear them cruising through the county. What a feeling that must be, to feel the fresh air on their skin, while riding through our beautiful state. For those that mention the noise is more of a nuisance, it’s not that I do not understand, like I hinted, I’m not as young as I once was. Ok let’s just say it, I’m old now and noise does bother me, however, I also feel it’s a short lived time that others REALLY enjoy.
I have a daughter who rides with her husband, and many younger friends who enjoy riding in groups. It may not be for everyone, but I am respectful of the many men and women who do enjoy the sport and hope when you see a motorcyclist, you will be respectful too.
ACCIDENTS:
They can happen anywhere and to anyone. Whether you favor or don’t favor bikers, motorcyclists, or motorcycles, please remember that the people on the bikes are someone’s family, friends, and loved ones, and they want them to come home. Please do not drink and drive and keep your eyes open this summer and always!
For those of you that enjoy motorcycles, I wish you a happy and safe summer of ridding!
