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* Well, kids, I’m buying a motorcycle. Yep, you heard me right! A 1979 Yamaha DCOH 750, in basic black. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a few years now, and with things developing the way they are out here, and the sunny weather and layout of LA, it just makes a whole lot of sense, in a senseless, reckless sort of way.

* Benefit #1: 300 miles per 5-gallon tank of gas. Need I say more.

* Benefit #2: Parking is easy almost anywhere.

* Benefit #3: It looks absolutely bad-ass.

* I could go on, but you get the picture.
* Now I know everyone is thinking about how dangerous motorcycles are. I am not taking that lightly, and I will not make any lighthearted jokes about it. There is an increased potential for injury. But I plan to take the California DMV Motorcycle Safety course (they teach riding from A-Z), and also take lessons from the man who is selling me my bike. I will wear a helmet and full leathers, and do everything I can to drive safely. I don’t even plan on going onto the interstate, as that can scare me even when I’m in a car sometimes.

* We shall see, as I always say. But I am excited about this, and will keep everyone posted with pix. Learning to ride will be an adventure, and there is a whole lifestyle and culture that goes along with motorcycles that I am interested in exploring a little. Not the trashy roadhouse bars full of scary fat dudes… I’m more interested in the adventurer/explorer crowd, people who talk about feeling more free and yet more connected to their natural surroundings when they ride. And burning that much less gas has to be somewhat better for the environment than a regular car. I can’t confirm that, but it seems like the case.

* Anyway, wish me luck, and I’ll keep you posted!