Wow! Just wow!
Stan Brein
Robson Communities Texas held their Open House for Clubs on March 5. It was an opportunity for residents to mix, mingle, and learn about organizations. During the past two strange years, there was a reduced number of folks moving into our fine community. For those who did, many usual activities and events were suspended or pared down. So, this was both a homecoming and breakout event—a new beginning.
I had the privilege of staffing the Robson Ranch Motorcycle Club table for a while, along with Ron Bane, Keith Breiner, Reggie Rother, Dennis Dotson, and Dave Riddle (among others). There was a steady stream of folks cruising by, many stopping to chat for a while. The large monitor (thanks, Ron) and great pictures and videos (Vicki and Scott Baker and Mike Conley) were the reason. Spectacular views and vistas, fluid movement, beautiful machines, people having fun. It was like a hypnotic magnet.
We found out how many more riders, past and present, are out there embarking upon the next stage of their lives at the Ranch. But the best part was listening to people telling their riding stories from days past. Eyes would drift into the distance, and there were more smiles and laughs than not. We heard stories of childhood wonderment on little dirt bikes, teenaged hijinks surrounding unauthorized adventures, and pride and parental scorn when picking up that special date on two wheels. There was a consistent theme of riding a bit until the children came along, then putting those impulses aside to tend to life. But, clearly, the spark was still there. We signed up a number of new members during the Open House and look forward to spending time with our new riding buddies.
How about you? Have you given it a thought? Why do we ride? We ride for Fun. Food. Camaraderie. Adventure. We ride for the opportunity to Do Good for others (and, simultaneously, ourselves). We ride to sooth the soul (wind therapy). There are more options available today than ever before: Can Am Spyders, Harley and Gold Wing Trikes, scooters, sidecars, even Polaris Slingshots. The number of three-wheeled vehicles in our club is increasing and approaching the number of two-wheeled motorcycles.
There are risks in riding. There are risks in all activities (talk to your paddle sports friends). They may be more apparent in motorcycling, but we take appropriate measures to first understand what they are, assess our ability to deal with them, and then take appropriate steps to mitigate those risks through training, learning, clothing, and maintenance. I consider myself to be a better motorcycle operator than car driver. I have no choice in the matter.
This past Sunday was an interesting Robson day for me. I went from a Memorial Service for a softball buddy at 3 p.m. to an 85th birthday party at 5 p.m. for a motorcycle buddy.
See you on the road!
Beware of cagers, and keep the rubber side down.