By Talya Adams

Hello, and welcome back to my interview with Mike. If you missed the first part, please be sure to check it out and learn about his positive experience buying a motorcycle on Craigslist. In part two of my chat with Mike we get into gear and motorcycle security. So, let’s jump back in.

T: What is your favorite piece of gear?

M: Gloves. I have this hand phobia, and they’re so easy to injure. So,  if I ever fall, I just want to make sure my hands are safe.

T: What kind of security do you have for your bike?

M: There’s a low-jack on it.

T: You’re in a pretty safe living situation, but do you ever get nervous in certain neighborhoods when you have to park your bike?

M: I have a lock for the front tire. But I poke my eye out the window where ever I’m at. For the most part I try to have a good idea of where I’m going so I can assess how much I’ll be looking out for my bike.

T: If you had to compare riding in LA versus Miami, what would you say the biggest difference is between the two motorcycle cultures?

M: In Miami, it’s more dirt bike culture. It’s more riding through neighborhoods. It’s definitely not riding on a motorcycle as a means of transportation. It’s recreational. During Christmas, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, you’ll definitely see motorcycles, scooters all come out. Versus LA where it’s more of a commute.

T: Given the dangers of riding a motorcycle. What makes you put your helmet on, what makes you want to get out and ride your motorcycle?

M: When I first got my bike it was more for fun. Now, it’s about the smooth commute, and if I feel like hanging out I can just go ride around.

T: Studies have shown that when you ride endorphins get released. When you ride do you feel better afterwards?

M: Yeah, definitely. I mean you’re not constricted by the flow of traffic. If I want to get on the freeway and just ride until I’m ready to relax it does that. And because I put a lot of focus in on riding, making sure I’m shifting, paying attention to traffic, whatever real issues I’m having off the bike just kind of goes away because it’s not as important as getting where I need to be or safely riding.

T: What would be the biggest piece of advice you’d give to a new rider?

M: Just watch everyone at the end of the day. Try to just watch for all the blinkers, watch for all the brake lights, look through people’s side mirrors, make sure they’re not on their phones. Just do whatever you have to do in order to get where you’re going safely. And don’t expect other people to do it for you.

T: Thanks so much for chatting with me.

M: Thanks for having me.

I hope you all enjoyed this insight into Mike’s riding experience. It was a pleasure sitting down with him, and learning new things.

As always, stay safe in these streets!