After 20 years of providing the latest riding info sprinkled with localized flavor, Midwest Motorcyclist will no longer be found on the counter at your local dealer. Like so many in the world of print magazines, the time had come to let the ink dry for good. Luckily, Random Ramblings of a Rarebird appears in […]
Midwest Motorcyclist
If you like what you’ve read here, I also have a few new pieces in my “Random Ramblings of a Rarebird” column in Midwest Motorcyclist. You can even find a bit more family sentimentality- with motorbikes, of course- in the September issue! As always, thanks for reading. Appreciate you stopping by! -mike
Work Sucks, Enjoy the Ride!
Digging deep in the digital bag of motorcycle bits, I found this bit of early work for Midwest Motorcyclist, printed September 2007. It was written at a time I was attempting to use the bike as an economical, year-round alternative to the car as much as possible in the largely unpredictable NEOhio weather. A bit […]
Scooters…
I taught a Basic Rider Course this weekend, and one of the young ladies in the class was there just to be licensed for her scooter. This, of course, led to a bit of classroom discussion concerning “real motorcycles” vs. scooters. Based on the discussions, I thought this might be a good time to pull […]
The Running of The Buells (1st Published December 2007)
Anyone who has talked motorbikes with me knows I’ve been a fan of Erik Buell’s 2-wheeled creations since the beginning. I’ve owned an S1 Lightning, an XB9S Lightning, an XB12R Firebolt and an XB12X Ulysses, and, despite their flaws, loved riding every one. I’m even hoping to add a TT or Lightning Long to the […]
The Other Side of the Basic Rider Course… (Published March 2009)
The beginning of each riding season brings a whole new group of riders -or those hoping to become riders- and as well as a constant need for new instructors. Several years ago, I decided I’d stopped by to watch enough Basic Riding Classes, and it was time to actually become an instructor. How tough could […]
Beer, Bikes & a Beautiful Ride (Published March 2013)
It’s a beautiful, sunny day on the Great Lake Erie here in NE Ohio. Unfortunately, it’s also brutally cold with far too much ice and salt on the roads- so the motorbikes are staying in the garage today. That means it’s time for another favorite column to bring a bit of virtual riding and, hopefully, […]
Highway Mental Floss (Published Oct. 2008)
As we close out 2014 with a final post, I’m continuing with a few of my favorite columns through the years. This appeared in Midwest Motorcyclist in October of 2008. As an aside, the friend I mention in the article has gone from novice to accomplished rider and motorcycle adventurer. You can find a bit […]
Minimum Mileage, Maximum Effect (publ. Sept, 2009)
This is one of my favorite pieces, appearing in Midwest Motorcyclist September 2009. The story reinforces the importance of finding adventure and escape wherever you can- even in your own backyard. Enjoy! -mike Minimum Mileage, Maximum Effect What a strange summer this has been for me. All plans for time on the bike seem to […]