Some of us were green with envy, while others huddled in our man caves with pals to sketch out a plan for 2018 as the temperature plummeted below zero last week. An obscure Rolling Stones song triggered some ideas of my own. Here are six tips on how to make 2018 your best riding year ever.
Attend An Event In Another State
Old Man Winter came in hard this year, and with spring a long way off, consider booking a flight to ogle custom motorcycles in another state, especially one with warmer temperatures. The visual feast begins soon, so check your calendar and put in for vacation time.
Organize A Buddy Trip
If walking around old foundries and abandoned pickle factories looking at other people’s art-project bikes isn’t your thing, consider planning a weeklong trip with riding buddies. Several businesses rent all kinds of bikes to enjoy, so determine what scenery you want to drink in and make it happen. A few recommended destinations include Mendocino, California; Hollister, California; Kern County, California; and Baja, Mexico.
Attend A Major Race
A couple of years ago I started paying Dorna to watch racing on MotoGP.com, but nothing beats the real thing. Experiencing the sights and sounds of top-level motorcycle racing in person is priceless, and with Valentino Rossi nearing the end of his racing career, this might be the last year to see him holding fast with Marc Marquez, Andrea Dovizioso, Dani Pedrosa, Johann Zarco, and company. You can piggyback the Handbuilt Show, which runs concurrently in downtown Austin.
Buy Another Bike
There’s always room for another bike, right? Instead of sticking with the same brand or style, consider adding something that takes you places you hadn’t considered before. There’s a treasure trove of information in our Buyer’s Guide to help you count the cost before making a decision.
Learn How To Maintain Your Bike(S)
A major hurdle for many new riders is feeling overwhelmed by how much maintenance their new bike needs. Stripped down to the basic preventative needs (oil, tires, rotors, brake shoes), taking care of your bike isn’t impossible if you have the right tools and resources. Start with Cyclepedia, an online resource for training videos and service manuals.
If you lack space to work on your bike, seek out one of the many DIY shops across the country. For a nominal hourly rate, you get a lift and access to tools plus assistance from the owner of other customers. My experience at Moto Guild Silicon Valley has been nothing short of a miracle to keep my bikes rolling.
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