City Riding
There are certain things that are well-established elements of the motorcycling mythos...
Freedom, the open road, wind in your face, the lure of the canyons, Easy Rider and the Wild Ones. I rarely if ever hear of anyone extolling the joys of an urban environment. I come across all sorts of riders that think riding in the city is just too dangerous or something to be avoided at all costs.
I'm coming out here and now to say I really enjoy riding in the city. I love cities in general, their energy and vibrancy. Riding a motorcycle through a city is a great way to stay connected with the city itself. It may not be my absolute favorite kind of riding but its pretty far up on my personal list.
This isn't a relaxing ride, certainly different from a sedate cruise down country lanes. It's a high adrenaline thrill ride. I love being able to slice through traffic, it's like Frogger but without a restart button. Running through the gears while accelerating away from a light and leaving the traffic behind is one of motorcycling's simple pleasures.
Being on a bike lets you connect with what's around you; I can smell the Thai barbecue as I ride by, I can hear the ranchero music from the truck next to me. For me being on a bike is one of the best ways to feel the heartbeat of the city. A car shuts you away from so much, you are merely traveling through rather than a part of it. Insulated from the ever-changing swirl of cultures, colors, sounds and smells.
Get out and ride, join the carnival.
