Returning to Motorcycling After a 30-Year Hiatus

Returning to Motorcycling After a 30-Year Hiatus

After three decades away from motorcycles, I never expected to find myself back in the saddle. Life had taken me down different roads—career, family, responsibilities—but the passion for riding never fully disappeared. It lingered in the background, quietly waiting for the right moment to resurface. When it finally did, the feeling was both exhilarating and intimidating.

The decision to return to motorcycling wasn’t made lightly. I knew that while my love for riding remained, the roads had changed, bikes had evolved, and I wasn’t the same person I was in my younger years. Gone was the fearless rider who would hop on a bike without a second thought. In his place stood someone who had a young daughter, understood the risks, valued safety, and wanted to ease back into the experience the right way.

The first step was reacquainting myself with the basics. I signed up for a riding course at my local Harley dealership, something I never considered in my younger days. It turned out to be the best decision I could have made. The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy was excellent. They go soup-to-nuts and start everyone as if they have never ridden a motorcycle before. The mechanics of riding came back quickly—like muscle memory—but I also learned new techniques, road awareness strategies, and safety measures that weren’t as emphasized when I first started riding.

Choosing the right motorcycle was another challenge. My younger self might have gone straight for the fastest bike available, but now, I was looking for comfort, control, and a ride that suited my experience level and size. Because I’m over 200 pounds and didn't want to be forced into selling a bike shortly after buying, I opted for a Harley Road King, a well-balanced cruiser that felt sturdy and manageable. This bike would force me to be careful and grow into it, allowing me to build confidence and feel stable on the open road.

Within the first week, I knew I had made the right choice. I quickly became comfortable with the size and weight of the bike, as it weighs nearly 900 pounds. The sense of freedom, the connection to the road, and the pure joy of riding were as incredible as I remembered. However, this time, I approached it with a newfound appreciation. I wasn’t riding to prove anything; I was riding for the experience itself.

Technology had also transformed motorcycling in ways I hadn’t expected. From ABS braking systems to Bluetooth-integrated helmets, cruise control, modern bikes were safer and more connected than ever before. I embraced these advancements, understanding that they weren’t just conveniences but essential tools to make riding more enjoyable and secure.

One of the most rewarding aspects of returning to motorcycling was reconnecting with the riding community. Whether through group rides, online forums, or casual conversations at fuel stops, I found that motorcyclists still shared an unspoken bond—a mutual respect and camaraderie that transcended time and space. I have since bought a second bike, a Harley Street Glide, which spurred me to open an online store at ThrottleWeb.com, where I could swap, trade, and sell parts as I worked to customize my bikes.

Returning to motorcycling after a 30-year hiatus has been one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made. It’s not just about riding a bike; it’s about reclaiming a part of myself that had been put on hold. With every mile, I rediscover the passion, adventure, and sense of freedom that first drew me to motorcycles. And this time, I’m savoring every moment.