[Jeff Higgins]

There was a time (when I was in school, then starting my first "real" job) that all I owned was a motorcycle. I had to get everywhere I had to get on that damn thing. I still have it, for some reason...

Anyway, I ride for fun these days. I don't mind the rain, but I will typically not leave the house in it. Getting caught in it is one thing, or leaving for an extended trip in it. I just won't head out in it for fun.

I don't like commuting on one anymore either. I will on the odd day now and again, if I'm planning on riding after work or something. But to make a habit of it, in our traffic? Suicidal, IMHO. Commuting in the rain, in the dark, in our traffic? Russian Roulette with five chambers full and one empty. No way.

My worst motorcycle wreck was under just those conditions. Going to work in the rain, in the dark, a pickup truck cut in front of me and knocked my front wheel out from under me with his step bumper. I belly-flopped onto the highway at about 65 mph and the bike bounced back up, then slammed into the guardrail. All I could think about was all of those cars behind me, as I was skipping down the highway like a flat stone on water. Never again. One of those perspective-altering moments...