Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Like Father like Son?

Back in 2009, I was working in the garage and my youngest son Miles who was 9 at the time, was "helping" me.

Back then, it was Maria, my 2004 BMW R1150RT, that was my sole motorcycle.

After we buttoned her up, Miles asked about being able to ride a motorcycle...even though he couldn't reach the pegs on Maria.

The full details here on the blog link:  LINK


Since then, I'd not given the above conversation much thought.  When asked about riding by Miles after he'd gotten his driving license, I told him: Make it through two years of car driving without an accident and we'll see.

Well, it's been over two years and no accidents per se.  His car has been hit twice, in a minor manner, in parking lots but that doesn't count.

So this past Sunday, Miles swung a leg over a motorcycle at the Basic Rider Course given by T3RG; the same folks who trained me over 11 years ago.

Here's some snippets from Monday, when I stopped by before lunch:


Dang it, he can reach the pedals now....

We're now in the process of getting him his own, proper, riding gear and helmet because he will be ATGATT, or else.

Tuesday afternoon after work, Miles and I went out for a diagnostic ride.  He rode Brigitta, my '87 R80 Beemer and I followed behind him on Scarlett, my 2014 Ural Patrol sidecar rig.  We were using the Sena intercom headsets to communicate as I gave him instructions and advise when needed.

I wanted to see how well he'd absorbed the material from the BRC and I must say he did pretty well actually.  Some rookie mistakes but nothing major and he learned a few things I think.

Best of all, he didn't drop Brigitta!

More such rides to follow, both to increase his and my confidence levels on his ability to ride safely.  We're looking for his own motorcycle of course, something at 500cc or a bit lower for insurance and power purposes.

He wore my regular riding gear until we get him his own, and he'll be sporting a full face helmet and real moto boots very soon!


15 comments:

Andy & Laura said...

My how the years have flown by. Great to see that you've passed your passion on to the next generation. He's had a responsible and competent role model to learn from and I'm sure he'll follow your example for safety first in his riding.

Troubadour said...

Great head turns Miles! Keep practicing what you learned, and have fun!

redlegsrides said...

I really hope so Andy and Laura, I will do my best to ensure he learns and follows safe riding habits.

Trobairitz, they were pretty good head turns weren't they? His u-turns are better than mine were at that stage of riding!

Anonymous said...

I hope to have this same opportunity one day with my son...or daughter! Enjoy the moments and ride safe!

redlegsrides said...

I am sure you'll have the opportunities motoventures....

SonjaM said...

Dom you did pass off the talent. Well done, Miles. Ride safe, ride often and enjoy the open roads.

redlegsrides said...

I hope you're right SonjaM.... :)

Trobairitz said...

Awesome! Congrats to Miles and to you for gaining a riding partner. Be sure to let us know what he decides on for his first bike.

redlegsrides said...

Thanks and will do, Trobairitz....

Canajun said...

Nice to see the next generation pick up the torch. Well done, and many, many happy miles to both of you.

redlegsrides said...

Thanks Canajun!

CCjon said...

Looks like you and Martha have raised Miles well. Responsible, smart and enjoying this father's passion for riding.
Congratulations

redlegsrides said...

Thanks Jan, we'll see how it all pans out. Now to get him some riding gear and a motorcycle of his own to practice with....

Unknown said...

Too cool, Dom, too cool!... Enjoy that shared interest. :-)

redlegsrides said...

Thanks Ry Austin...