LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I just finished reading Eric Trow ’ s “ New Year ’ s Revelations ” ( Riding Well ) in the January issue . It really hit home , and I could relate to all of it . I had to laugh at your reference to now having your dad ’ s spindly legs – how true . We ’ re all aging on wheels . That ’ s a good thing , but it does bring its changes . Take care and keep riding .

TOM , Menlo Park , CA

C . Jane Taylor ’ s splendid article about her and her husband ’ s journey through Colorado (“ From the Rockies to the Ruins ,” December ) brought back many warm memories of this New Mexico rider ’ s adventures touring that area . However , I noticed that the map on page 26 incorrectly places the town of Dolores east of Durango along U . S . 160 instead of 30 miles west of Durango along State Route 145 . Great article and always a great magazine in any case !

RJ MIRABAL , via email

Thanks for your sharp eyes , RJ . In the meantime , we ’ ll be out in the woodshed . – Ed .

“ Confessions of a BMW Addict ” ( Exhaust Note , December ) is a wonderful article . Thanks so much to Moshe Levy for writing it . I reside in Appalachian Ohio and ride a 2015 BMW R 1200 RT , the most enjoyable bike I ’ ve ever owned , with only one caveat : its weight . I wish BMW would make a downsized , fully equipped Boxer model in the 450-lb range and more like a modern R 60 . Bikes are getting so large and heavy . I don ’ t want to be forced to revert to chain-drive Japanese bikes that do not have the sophistication and incredible experience of riding a Beemer . BMWs are great bikes for those who place more value on the ride than on being seen or heard .

GARY FREY , via email

For many years , I drooled when I saw a BMW on the highway . I thought I couldn ’ t afford one . Then two years ago I purchased an R 1250 RT and

6 / FEBRUARY 2024 / RIDERMAGAZINE . COM wondered why I waited so long . I love it and ride every chance I get .

CARL GRAHAM , via email

Dear Quinn Redeker ,

I don ’ t consider myself an expert rider , maybe advanced . I ’ ve been riding off and on for about 30 years . I learned to ride on a pull-start minibike , but I really cut my teeth on an ’ 84 Honda XR200 , then an ’ 84 XR500 , then a Suzuki DR-Z400 , then a DR650 – that is to say , mostly dualsport and enduro machines and mostly in the dirt . I learned to cover the front brake with two fingers (“ Cover Me , I ’ m on the Move ,” Motor School with Quinn Redeker , November ). I recently bought a used 2004 BMW R 1150 RT , and even with the linked ABS brakes , I ’ ve found myself covering the front brake with one or two fingers . The brakes on the 1150 are definitely better than the brakes on my old XR200 , and I feel confident to haul the bike down from speed with two fingers . Thanks for bolstering my confidence that I hadn ’ t learned a bad or unbrakeable habit ( see what I did there ?).

JEREMY JOHNSTON , Kalispell , MT

Jeremy , I appreciate the feedback , and absolutely keep doing what you are doing ! And while we ’ re here , allow me to thank you for bolstering my confidence in this new endeavor of writing about motorcycle training and techniques . Take care , buddy . – QR

I would like to remind Carly Becker to ride your own ride (“ Wandering Around West Virginia ,” August ). Do what makes you comfortable . Just because other riders want to play tough , if you have spent a day on the road , in the rain , and are tired or wet , take a break and spend a night in a motel . Being warm and dry and taking a shower will do wonders for you the next day . Your attitude and enjoyment of the trip will be much better . This old fart traveler with a few miles under his tires speaks from experience .

TERRY HERR , South Haven , MI

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