Sometimes, the only way to acclimate yourself to engine noise is to take off the helmet and simply immerse yourself in it.  Of course, you might also try ear plugs—but that’s hardly very zen, is it?  And to paraphrase the Kyoto school’s Masao Abe’s “One Bird with Two Wings” parable, “chicks with decent breasts almost never ride topless with guys who do the dorky earplug thing.” —Which is something the

Often times, it is the scenic route that, by encouraging one to resist the easy path, leads most directly to enlightenment.  Which doesn’t mean, of course, it is a good idea to fly sorties into Iraq out of freakin’ Okinawa.  Because that’s just crazy talk.

When one notices an unexpected leak, one should immediately endeavor to find the source of the leak and, while the problem is still relatively minor, correct it through aggressive means.  Such action will prevent the engine or brakes from seizing up or failing completely (and the vehicle from pitching dangerously left or right, or breaking down entirely, in the worst cases), at which point you’ll be forced to embrace the

On most occasions, bumps in the road are best circumvented.  But there are certain times, times the true the initiate feels in his gut, when those bumps are worth hitting full-throttle—particularly if they are the kinds of bumps that grow emboldened by the predictable patience and tolerance of the general motoring public.

Ironically, the best way to stay completely attuned to your roadside surroundings is to remove the safety helmet and just listen.

There is no shame in admitting that the machines pulling up behind you clearly outclass your own.  Instead, the shame comes when you allow your obstinance and pride to disrupt the natural flow of traffic.

The time will come, on the road trip of life, when you will be asked to cease your leisurely ride and join the timeless race of pumping pistons and testosterone—a point at which the rush of animal instinct is sure to surge inside your jeans and cause your buttocks to clench tightly like the fist of the Buddha.  And when this happens, it behooves you to remember that the rider

Often times, the wisest means for passing another motorist is to do nothing and wait for her to get out of your way. 

Contrary to what your parents may have told you, it is perfectly healthy to rev your own engine from time to time. And no, doing so won’t cause any lasting damage to your headlamp—nor will it cause hair to sprout from your grips.

On the metaphorical journey of life, sustained, substandard tire pressure is that nasty divorce that cost you $1200 a month in alimony and all the good wedding china.