Regarding Greg Drevenstedt’s column (“Hundred Year Highways,” First Gear, January) about the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and the 113th anniversary of the Lincoln Highway, I’ve ridden sections of both highways. I live in California’s East Bay area. The western terminus of the Lincoln Highway is in Lincoln Park, on the northwestern coast of San Francisco. That gave me a good excuse for an afternoon ride.
Steven Kesinger, Fremont, CA
Thanks, Steven! Lincoln Park was dedicated to Abraham Lincoln in 1909, a few years before the Lincoln Highway was established in 1913. It’s fitting that the highway named after our 16th president should end there. –GD
Greg, I read your column “Reelin’ in the Years” (First Gear, February). Welcome to the aging club! Yes, your joints start talking to you and each day brings something new and different to your physical challenges. Regardless of age, if you are fortunate enough to continue riding a two-wheeler, it’s still all about the ride. Motorcycling is always an exhilarating experience – rejuvenating, therapeutic, and mentally refreshing. Enjoy the ride and cherish it!
David Karol, via email
David, thanks for your note. Mae West, who lived to 87, once said, “Getting old isn’t for the faint of heart.” Now in my sixth decade, I’ve doubled down on my fitness and nutrition. We can’t slow the hands of time, but we can maintain vigor and vitality as we get older. I absolutely want to be able to continue riding for years to come! –GD
After reading “Taking the Long Way Home: A summer ride through Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana” and “Top 5 Motorcycle Roads in West Virginia” (Favorite Ride) in the April issue, moments from decades past came rushing back. Children running to the porch window on U.S. Route 250 east of Moundsville, West Virginia, to wave at me on a Suzuki Bandit. A dip on a sunny road between Ohio cornfields on a Honda CB750K. A starry midnight ride near Athens, Ohio, on a Yamaha 800. I’ve tried to explain these moments to friends who don’t ride, but they don’t understand. This morning, I rode to work with the temperature barely above 32 degrees and yes, it made me feel young again. Thanks for writing about the ride.
Steve Warner, Elkins, WV
Steve, thanks for sharing a few of your moto memories. I see you live in Elkins, West Virginia. We’ve published several travel stories about your area that make me green with envy. I’d love to get out that way some day and experience it myself. –GD
Regarding Linc Gurley’s observations about his BMW RT (Response, February), I know what he means. My R1150RT is delightful but also tall and heavy. I’m considering a Honda Rebel 500 as an alternative. Giving up shaft drive would be hard though. My ’83 R100/7 is lower and lighter than my RT, so that helps. The editor’s comment about retro bodywork and Linc’s wish list brought another bike to mind, my ’61 R60/2. It doesn’t have heated grips, cruise control, or an electric windscreen, but it’s 600cc with shaft drive, manually adjustable suspension, and a manual clutch. Think of it as a retro RT from 65 years ago!
Dave Anderson, via email
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