I've been riding a motorcycle for almost two decades. No, I didn't start as a Sunday biker trying to get back to some kind of freedom for as long as the Sabbath is long. No, I didn't start as some urban professional looking for kicks and adventure to counter-balance my dull life of corporate returns. I admit my life is a big snore - but my riding started as pure necessity and has remained an expression of need and efficiency.
College grads in Los Angeles -- especially if they've just graduated from a state school in Lubbock, Texas -- don't have many options. I took the only job I was offered and buckled down on my expenses as much as possible so I didn't have to shack-up with friends or family. I was able to keep my costs low by using a motorcycle as my primary means of transportation.
No, it wasn't always easy. It's no fun biking into work when it's 40 degree outside or when it's pouring rain on the 405 freeway. But I did it. And I like to think I did it with a touch of flare and hint of panache. After all, this is LA we're talking about -- flare and panache can go a long, long way.
When I straddle my Triumph Scrambler, and wrap my flying ace scarf around my neck, I'm ready to bring all the facets of my life together for as long as it takes to make it across this capital city. Yeah, I turn heads, and yes, I may come across as an aging hipster on a very hip bike, but, by George, I've been doing this, on this same bike long before it ever became hip or trendy.
While I've never had reason to call a motorcycle injury attorney, I've seen plenty of friends and rivals have to make the ride home by way of the nearest emergency room. When you're on a bike you never know when the road will decide to take its literal pound of flesh. You just pray when it does, there isn't a car behind you or a semi barreling towards you.
If you've had to put your bike down, or if you've had to swallow asphalt and spit out teeth, you need to make sure you've got a qualified motorcycle injury lawyer on retainer to sort out the legal ramifications.
