I ride a motorcycle.  It’s sold as a scooter, but the size of the engine would have been considered good sized back in the 1970s.  I think of it as a step-through motorcycle.

One group I participate in is PNWriders.  Members go for rides, get together for dinner or other events, and generally just share some good-natured fellowship revolving around our two-wheeled steeds.

My daughters don’t get it.  They think I’m in some kind of bike gang.  I find that awfully amusing.  The folks in PNWriders span a wide range of ages, experiences, and approaches to life.  There is a great energy within the group, and I learn a lot every time our little section gets together.

So girls, it isn’t a gang.  It’s just a bunch of men and women connected by their enjoyment of motorcycling.

“Bike night” was at Apex Karting in Tumwater.  What is bike night?  It is an informal get together at a restaurant or other venue, loosely organized, occurring sometimes weekly and sometimes not. Participants are local motorcyclists of all ages, drawn from the ranks of PNWriders, a regional motorcycling club of sorts.

Apex Karting is “an indoor go-karting experience” with open wheel karts that can reach speeds of 40 miles per hour.  Full face helmets and neck protectors are required.

At least 25 bikes and riders showed for bike night, and we had a blast. It makes sense to get ride of some of that Speed Racer juice on a track in a controlled setting, rather than on a motorcycle on public roads.

What I really enjoy about this group of people is the friendly rivalry, their irreverance toward all things, and the respect and compassion they show when someone needs help.  It’s a spicy group, full of life and laughter.

Even though I did not get a handicap on my track time when I showed my AARP card, I didn’t come in last…just next to last.  But I did shave a full second off my lap times in the second race, compared to the first race.