THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: motorcycle


by Leave a comment

Walk or Ride

I like how pictures I take sometimes inspire me to post. I saw this street sign and biker combo and thought of myself. I walk now, but I used to ride. And did I enjoy that. I learned on an 82 Suzuki GS 250 Twin if memory serves me right. Might have been a 450 but I think it was just the 250cc.

Graduated to a larger 1100cc 85 Honda Shadow after that. I wasn’t a daily rider except for short stretches of time. Things have gotten more dangerous around here since I road. Lots more traffic volume and of course lots more people taking chances. If I road now it would be with a group. Most drivers aren’t stupid enough to piss off several bikers, old or not.

I read where sales of new motorcycles have been declining. And the average age of the rider has gotten much older so when these guys stop the numbers will be even worse. An article said the average age of the rider today is 47 and when I got my big bike in 1985 the average was 27 years old. To me that tells me young people are not buying bikes and as these older riders go will a younger generation emerge or will the art be limited to a few.

Then again, the way some states maintain roads you may need a motorcycle to get around in the future.


by Leave a comment

2 by 2

Given the warm temps some bikes are out today but you won’t see any leaves on the trees like this. Winter is here and there are rumors of snow in early December.

Some days I miss my bike. I miss the experience. But better to leave it alone now than chance it. No offense to those who ride. I’m looking out for you. Can’t speak for the rest of them.

My better half said the roads are nuts. I don’t plan on being out much at all this weekend. For those of you braving the highways, take your time and be safe.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • If I pretended, I was under more pressure I might get more done. But why pretend.
  • A constant dilemma, read more or write more. Shoot more, edit more.
  • Looks like it’s time to break out the heavy winter coat after today.
  • There are a few things I’d like to get framed. Haven’t done any of my work in frames in many years except as gifts. Time to change that.


by Leave a comment

Risk without regret

Describe a risk you took that you do not regret. – The daily writing prompt wants to get into the risk/reward area of life.

I rode a motorcycle for a number of years in my life. It was a great time, and I had a ton of fun on the bikes. Taking pleasure rides often and commuting to work on a nice day. I’d still be riding today but it’s just too dangerous on the overcrowded highways in this area now.

First the risk seems minimal. But that quickly changed with the close calls that checkered rides. I never went down on the bike but that doesn’t mean many didn’t try to put me on the ground.

Size matters on the highway, size is everything. I’ve learned that from driving motorcycles and a small convertible. People will tailgate you, run you off the road, cut you off and pretend not to see you.

I always wore a helmet, even when there wasn’t a helmet law in our state. But those things don’t help much. People either don’t see you or don’t care. I’ve had people look right at me and then merge on top of me. Lots of people don’t think you deserve an entire lane.

I once stopped at a light for a right turn. Oncoming traffic prevented me from turning when I noticed a car coming way too fast from the back. As soon as I heard his tires start to skid trying to stop I knew he wasn’t going to be able to. I quickly turned onto the small shoulder because cars were still coming. He slid right through the spot I was in and into oncoming traffic barely avoiding hitting someone else.

Just one of many incidents I’ve had out on a bike. I stopped riding years ago. I thought about another bike about a decade ago, but I also knew my reactions weren’t as good as when I was younger. Plus seeing the number of people killed on bikes was starting to register with me.

I’m a firm believer that LOUD pipes save lives. They might not see you, but they sure can hear you. Those were stock pipes and they were loud enough. Plus, I liked the look of one on each side from the V-Twin.

Jeez, just writing about it has me thinking about throwing my leg over the saddle again. Point it east, till I hit the ocean. My right wrist still has a nasty twitch in it.

My old therapist. Give me that 1100cc shot doctor. Photo by Mike Hartley


by 1 Comment

Tanked

My tank is full and ready to go. It would be nice to ride a bike again, but those days are probably behind me now. But my mind is ready today and regardless if the body wants to cooperate or not, I’m about to release the clutch.

I saw this beautiful color tank in Westminster Monday. Photo by Mike Hartley

I do have to squeeze in some chores for the yard and home, but the cameras will be out again today. It’s a bit cool and windy but I won’t let that deter me.

Random Thoughts of the Morning

  • There is a fine line between relaxing and laziness.
  • The clouds are moving faster than I am this morning.
  • 2 realities being spun is one too many.
  • Love regardless of the situation.
  • I know I shouldn’t cook that pack of bacon. But I can’t resist.


by 1 Comment

JuMp

Oh this shot made me pause. The thought of throwing my leg over the saddle and cranking a V Twin makes me drift back. No time to waste reflecting on the past when I can ride into the future. But my ride is different. Oh, I can still ride a bike without issue, but I know I don’t have the reflexes or balance I used to have.

And while those might not be needed 95% of the time, the 5% they are, they wouldn’t be there. And that is bad news on 2 wheels. I believe Mr. Eastwood said it best in one of his movies – “A man’s gotta know his limitations.”

Leaning over a balcony is always fun. Photo by Mike Hartley

Things are jumping at the homestead this morning for me. A good workout started and finishing some editing. I probably added over 100 photos to various galleries yesterday and I hope to double that today.

I was just about to grab the flashlight and head outside to see how thick the ice is. Looks like the surrounding school systems are all going in 2 hours late today but our county closed schools last night. I think someone responsible for the decision just didn’t want to get up early or go to work today.

Random Thoughts of the Morning

  • Time for a photo print paper order.
  • I’m adapting and overcoming better lately. I need to make it a trend.
  • I would give some people a warning but those people wouldn’t be listening or care if they did hear it. And it’s very important to know who those people are.
  • I’m not a fan of rain but the sound of it falling on a dark morning well before sunrise is nice.


by Leave a comment

Ocean Bound

Sometimes beach traffic on Rt 50 looks different on weekdays than on the weekends. I was behind this farm train coming through Easton last Thursday morning on our way to the beach.

I’m pretty sure my car can drive under that. But I’m too old to play fast and furious. Photo by Mike Hartley

The drive to the shore has always been an enjoyable one during weekdays. No traffic jams and people are not in a hurry. We get to stop at our favorite (Wrights Market) a chance to say hello and enjoy the sights of the many farms being tended.

The scene below is what I see when I’ve spent a day at the beach by myself and I’m about to head home for the night. The Route 50 drawbridge leaving Ocean City. With the sign saying Sacramento California 3073 miles ahead. Luckily I only have about 150 miles at this point.

Looking westbound from the Atlantic Ocean to another beach on the Pacific. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’ve seen enough bumper-to-bumper on this road over the years so we travel at off times when we can.

As I noted earlier, Bike Week starts Wednesday 9/11 I believe in Ocean City. I used to love the ride to and from the beach and spending hours up and down Ocean Highway and up to Bethany and back. Please be safe and give each other some space. And have a grand time.

It’s bike week. Love the plates. Photo by Mike Hartley

A great week ahead with grandiose plans. Lots of things accomplished for a Monday already. Let me keep it going and ready another post. Have a safe evening.

When I say it’s Bike Week, I’m guessing this is what my granddaughter pictures. Photo by Mike Hartley


by 1 Comment

Missing it

I do miss riding a motorcycle. The convertible is very nice but that openness of a bike and nimbleness is a special feel. Each time I see a rider with a big smile on his face it takes me back to rides on local roads or when I’m heading to the Eastern Shore of Maryland the feeling of crossing the Bay Bridge and the open roads leading to the shore.

The smell of the salt water as you cross the Route 50 bridge into Ocean City. The quick temperature drops of a few degrees as the water-cooled air filters over you.

Rider entering Mikey and Mel’s cruis’in. Photo by Mike Hartley

It’s a delicate art of riding a bike. Lots of awareness is needed especially in this area. The power in those machines will test the rider’s skills if pushed. Road conditions have worsened. And the fact that due to Covid when everyone returned to the roads, a significant percentage forgot how to drive.

So while I long to throw my leg over a bike, put the kickstand up, twist the throttle, and go, I’ll just use my memories to satisfy that desire.

To those enthusiasts who continue that passion, ride safe, enjoy, and smile. I’m actively looking out for you. But always remember, play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Stay upright, and live longer.


by 1 Comment

Refuel and Triumph

Refueled and ready to obtain victory today. I’m off and ready to go after a slow start to the morning. Probably the effects of being with friends, for the Lakers game, and some late-night work.

Hopefully, there’s time to fit in a bit more photography today. A few early afternoon errands and then grilling out later today.

It’s all in the tank. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’m excited about the coming week. I’ve set some hard goals and will work hard each day to complete them. The first task is to complete a pastel piece I started a few weeks ago. I’m also going to finish 1 charcoal piece.

I have a few hundred images to upload to the photo site today. I hope to go through the pack of 50 sheets of paper I just loaded into the printer and maybe more before tonight. So off I go to the hobbies I love.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Reaching out is risky. But it’s always worth it. For nothing else than your peace of mind.
  • The right time is now. Regardless
  • An opinion is just that. Now a strong feeling is something to think about.
  • A very cool day in late April is not to my liking.