Men, motorcycles, and women

Men, motorcycles, and the women in their lives often make for some interesting dynamics. The AMA put this question on the April Backfire feature of their website and got some pretty typical women-related replies from male readers:

You know you’re a real motorcyclist if:

• you forget your anniversary but remember the day you bought your bike.
  
• you scratch your head in confusion when you see a want ad that reads, “…bike for sale. Wife says it’s either her or the bike.”
  
• The principle reason you stay with your current girlfriend is because she rides her own Harley, and has an air compressor to boot!
  
• Your wife is always asking you why you are going out for milk.
  
• If your wife thinks that motorcycles are like rabbits. Every time she looks in the garage she says “ANOTHER ONE!?!”
  
• Your wife declares, “It’s the bike or me,” and you find yourself talking to a lawyer!

Tomorrow morning, I’m picking up a used ’99 Montesa Cota which I’ll ride this weekend in our club’s 2-day trial. I proposed a barter with the US importer, Martin Belair, and he agreed. Thus begins a reinvigoration of my 36-year love affair with motorcycles and especially the sport of observed trials… and a test to see how it goes with my marriage. I think we’ll be ok, as the ol’ ego seems tame right now. But I’d better keep vigilant.