In the summer of 1956, I bought a used Cushman Highlander I had located. I had to overhaul the engine, gut the muffler, and then I was ready to commence my love of life on two wheels! Although that Cushman was a far cry from the Harley I wanted, it was a start. I honestly believe I enjoyed riding as much, maybe more, than my buddies that had the Eagles, Mustangs, and even the Harleys. I sold the scooter before my junior year in high school after many miles of fun.

Barbara and I married in 1962, so I had taken on a new responsibility. In the late sixties, we had an opportunity to buy a used 250 c-c Triumph at a real bargain. In the early seventies, we bought a used 350 c-c Honda. When I sold that motorcycle, I knew I would never buy another bike until I could afford the Harley I wanted. In July of 1979, we bought our first Harley, a Superglide. Our children were big enough that we could leave for a few days without feeling too guilty. We started taking a few trips into Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, and Oklahoma. I would hate to think of making all those miles today without a windshield!

Some of our best vacations have been on motorcycles. While we are on the bike, we seem to be more in tune with nature and our surroundings. When traveling on four wheels, I tend to go from point "A" to point "B" with as few stops as possible. Traveling on two wheels makes it much easier to take time to smell the roses along the way!

There is one thing we always recommend to all our biker friends, no matter how old or how young, no matter if they are a novice at riding or if they are a weathered veteran at riding: if you have not taken a MSF rider's safety course, we strongly recommend it! We took the basic course and are looking forward to the advanced course.

It does not matter what you ride; just enjoy your ride!

Ride safe,
Lloyd & Barbara Smith

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