Friday, July 18, 2008

BOYS AND THEIR TOYS



Ian came over the other day to show me his new motorcycle. He rides it back and forth to work every day. He has customized this one with these pipes. It is loud...but, he likes it that way!
People ask me often if it bothers me that my boys and Don ride. The answer is no. Since they were little boys and learned to ride a bicycle, they have been riding. Their Pop has taught them well...and Joy's girls, too. He would take them to ride in the loose sand, so they would know how it felt. He taught them to ride in mud and on wet grass and loose gravel...all kinds of surfaces. This was so when they encountered that surface, they would already know how the bike would respond. That is the cause of so many accidents when an unexperienced rider hits an unfamiliar terrain. They have worn helmets from the beginning. They have never been allowed to ride without them...even in the yard! Also, they learned to ride in proper attire...long sleeved shirt, long pants, sox and shoes and helmet! This is the proper way to avoid road burn if you fall. And they have fallen...and got right back on. There have been broken things, and sprained things and burned things...but, it has always been due to driver error.
Because they grew up on motorcycles, they have learned from the beginning, that you have to watch 10 times more closely than if you are driving a car. You HAVE to watch the other drivers and anticipate them doing something stupid...or anticipate them not seeing you at all. That is why they always ride with lights on. Actually, because they learned to ride a motorcycle, and learned the road rules to get their license, they are much better drivers in the car. That same teaching follows them as they drive. BTW...Pop is still riding at 82...but only with a buddy!
I have never wanted my boys to be afraid to try new things or be afraid that they might 'get hurt.' Life is full of bumps and bruised...even breaks...but if you never get out there and try...look at all the fun you miss. Now, I must hasten to say this. We were very strict about the way they behaved on their motorcycles. Doing 'show-off' things and acting the fool were never tolerated. One of the boys decided to test whether we meant that or not. He had begun riding to school and of course since none of the other boys had driver's license yet, he thought he was 'big stuff.' We caught wind of something he did...they always said we had spies out everywhere...and he lost all riding privileges for a month. Quite a lesson to go from Mr. Big Stuff to Mommy Drives Me To School! Lesson learned.
Adam and his Pop took a 1600 mile trip on their bikes when Adam was around 18. I do not know who enjoyed it more...Adam or Pop! Ian took his to school with him and rode back and forth to Dothan and around Birmingham. He rides a lot now...and is getting some riders groups meeting together since he is back in town.
May, I remind you...as you tool around in your car...Please look out for motorcycles. They really do have as much right to the road as we do in our cars. Don't think you can pull out in front of them just because you are in a bigger vehicle. Be careful...it could be one of my boys and certainly some mother's son or daughter.
BTW...I rode a motorcycle to school when I was in High School,too. Yes, I was the only girl doing so. Yes, all the boys were envious. Yes, I though I was too cool. Yes, it was a Stud Magnet...not that that mattered to me...:). I also took a bike to school when I was in Birmingham. Lots of fun. I gave up riding when I began to have children, but now Don and I love to ride. And we are fortunate that many of our friends enjoy it also. We love to all get together and ride somewhere for dinner. We went up to the mountains a few years ago and it was a blast. But, now, I get to just sit back and chill out and leave the driving to Don.
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Oh! My! Goodness! Look what I just spied in the back of Don's truck! Kayaks! I guess boys need their toys for as long as they live.

Looks like more lake time coming up!

8 comments:

windycorner said...

Ha Ha! What a surprise...kayaks!
I'm glad your boys have learned to look out for other driver's mistakes. I used to work in the emergency room in a large hospital in Atlanta so you can imagine what we saw as a result of drivers not seeing motorcycles. Very often it was an elderly or drunk driver who made the terrible error. Let's pray to keep angels all around your sons.
Holley

LivingTheLife said...

Ok...I must say I'm impressed...you used to ride motorcycles...WOW! I knew you were a cool chick! I can tell you I've only had one experience on a motorcycle...I was the passenger...he was my brother's friend...I had a huge crush...he was just humoring me by taking me for a little ride...I was too embarrassed/shy to hold on to him...there was a strap on the seat...I held on with the death grip... huge blister ensued...lasted weeks...hurt like hell...that was the end of my motorcyle riding days. I stuck to riding horses...I knew how to do that!! However I did think a few guys I knew that had motorcycles were just too, too cool!

You rock...my friend...and thanks to your Pop and you guys for teaching your sons the correct way to ride a hog...well, you know...a motorcycle! It will thankfully keep them much safer...and hopefully, by their example it will teach everyone who drives a car or motorcycle to watch out for one another.

Blessings...
Teresa

Sharon said...

Hello,
Pleaseeee go to my web site I have a surprise for you. Read and you'll see.
Blessings to you my sister
Sharon

Robin said...

I can just see you riding right now ! You go girl...Those boys with those toys..I bet they think all our stuff are toys too,,,

Justabeachkat said...

Yep, it doesn't matter their age (even your Pop at 82), boys will be boys! And boys need their toys!

Hugs!
Kat

Angela Baylis said...

They sound like they are very smart motorcycle drivers. You were that girl in high school? You are too cool! Thanks for the reminder to watch out for the motorcycles. With the gas prices it seems there are more and more of them out there! I have a kayak and LOVE it!
Much Love, friend and congratulations on your award on your last post! You totally deserve it!
Love you,
Angie xoxo

andi said...

T-jator!!!!! YOU RODE A BIKE TO SCHOOL????@@@!!!!
I am not surprised! You love life and live it to the max... love ya for it. Makes me a nervous wreck, it would STRESS me WAY out if my guys rode. In fact, I tell them when they see one that they are never allowed to ride one, even when they are grown ups. :) I might be a little type A. Oh, by the way...I hit a man on a bicycle once. He wasn't following traffic rules and came the wrong way down the street. Thankfully he was ok. He wanted to get in the car with me to take him home?! I opted to call 911. WHEW...all that to say, I'll be extra careful. :) love ya!!!!

Jill said...

Fun. Love the new bike. Boys and their toys indeed...