by Dan Gayle
Contributing Writer

I ride a motorcycle. You don’t. I get free parking. You don’t. I have a nice parking spot next to most buildings. You don’t.

But don’t worry, you do have an added benefit that I don’t: you get to park in the Sears lot and catch a shuttle every morning!

Oh, pooh.

I SO wanted to have to catch a shuttle.

Okay, I know I’m being an ass, but the principle of the thing is sound. It REALLY is more convenient for me to ride a motorcycle. I should know, because I’m a convert myself.

I’d slogged through the parking mess for two years until my trusted rusted Volvo finally decided to call it quits. When that happened, I decided to entrust my transportation to the #5 Metro Bus from Downtown Seattle.

(Never, never, never again. I actually like riding the bus, but the #5 is an exercise in futility.)

Last spring, I decided that enough was enough. I went down to Lake City Powersports and bought myself a nice, midnight blue Kawasaki, and let me tell you, I’ve loved every minute of it.

Sure, there are some downfalls of riding the ole’ Kow. The rain, for instance, sucks. But get yourself some wet weather riding gear and you’re set. Speaking of gear, make sure it’s warm, because you won’t be enclosed in a cozy, warm cage like the rest of the birds (automobiles) hogging the roads.

Ah, but the benefits! As I already mentioned, your parking problem is no longer a problem. Your wallet will also remain considerably heavier, since you can go 100-200 miles on $12 worth of petroleum. (Compare THAT to your rust bucket car, I DARE you.)

By riding a motorcycle, you get to see more sights, hear more sounds, smell more smells and generally have a good time alone with your thoughts. (Ed. Note: Unless you’re like our dear Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Lavigne, and you’re AFRAID of the voices in your head.) Get yourself a motorcycle and some warm riding gear. I guarantee that you won’t have to hustle for a parking spot. Plus, when it comes to being on time, anything beats the good ole’ Metro #5.