I’ve always thought the BMA’s “Why Ride Alone” slogan was a bit off the mark. I ride alone because I love the freedom to go where I want, stop when I feel like it, explore where-ever the twists take me. Can’t always do that with the group. Unfortunately, I found myself riding the same routes over and over again. It got dull. I joined the BMA mostly to learn where the good roads for local rides were. I expected to ride with them for a year or so then take off on my own again.

Expectations don’t often meet up with reality. What I found at the BMA was a group of enthusiasts who were happy to welcome an new rider. At the lunch stop on the first ride I joined them for, at a restaurant in Big Chute beside the Marine Railway, I started getting to know a cast of characters. Learning their stories, their motorcycling history and their personalities. The people were almost as much fun as the ride. And they had a lot more to offer than just routes.

It’s been five seasons now. I’ve learned lots of great routes for my weeknight rides. I’ve learned to be a better rider. I’ve learned to do a lot of my own bike maintenance. I’ve learned to lead a ride. There might be more work to do on that one. I’m still learning. And I’m happy to still be here.

But I still love to ride alone too.

Back