What am I if I don’t have a bike?
I’m currently in a bit of an emotional pickle being sans bike for the first time in ten years, after writing off a Ducati 899 Panigale I had owned for just two days. It feels unpleasant that I’m no longer the living adjective that once so comfortably defined me as a person. I recently found myself stuttering and didn’t know what to say when a colleague asked me what I was riding. My lament is self-inflicted so I’m not moaning – you see I couldn’t bring myself to add to my already substantial loan so the bike cover currently lies neatly folded in the shed. I’ve decided to save for a bike and pay cash for the first time in my life next Spring. While the crash wasn’t serious, it has knocked my confidence a touch, which is the first time I’ve ever really appraised my decision to ride a motorcycle. Maybe the decision to save is really just a manifestation of my fear of getting back on the bike. Regardless, I can’t say that I like this much and I’m hoping it’ll pass as bikes have dominated my life ever since I first rode one. If I’m not a motorcyclist when someone asks, then what actually am I?
Chris Taylor, email
Chris, situations like this show why you need more than one bike. Lose one and you’re still a motorcyclist. How about a pair of tyres to start the healing process? HW