Mike Landess' Blog: Tune Up Your Riding Skills

DENVER -- This is one of my favorite snapshots taken in the parking lot of the old Mile High Stadium back in 1985.

I like to describe it as being 23 years and 23 extra pounds ago. Do you recognize the guy standing with me? That's none other than William "Willie G." Davidson, grandson of the H-D founder and Vice President of Styling. He styled the bike in the photo; a 1977 XLCR Cafe Racer. More about that later.

Let me tell you where I'm going with this trip down memory lane.

I recently located and re-purchased this old Harley. I'm planning to ride it every chance I get this summer but the Colorado Department of Transportation’s recently introduced Live To Ride program has me thinking I need a riding tuneup.

The statistic that really stood out to me was the number of motorcycle fatalities doubling in Colorado from 1995 to 2007. Most of them were men and nearly half were over 45 years old. Maybe an old biker dog NEEDS to learn some new tricks.

Now back to my old scooter. I sold the bike in '86 and through a series of contacts and phone calls, I found it again here in Colorado. I've got my friends at 2-Wheelers going through it (new dealers aren't much interested in working on 'old' iron) and hope to be riding it soon. And when I tune up the old bike, I’m going to make sure I’ve tuned up the old' rider.

We’re working on a report right now and I’ll let you know when we’ll be airing it.

In the meantime, "Keep the shiny side UP."