Rite of Passage
Brian Catterson hit the nail on the head in his column "Rite of Passage." The United States Grand Prix experience is about getting there, not just watching the race. I realized a few months ago that 2008 will be 20 years since the first USGP at Laguna Seca, and I was there. That was the first motorcycle race I'd ever seen, and I was immediately and permanently hooked. I decided that I must make the pilgrimage next year, and I must go on a motorcycle. Although I live in Kansas now and am "between bikes," I intend to buy a motor-cycle in California, ride to the race and then home. I could save a bunch of money, not get sunburned, avoid frustrating lines and see better coverage if I watched it on TV, but where's the fun in that? It's about the complete experience: the sights, sounds and smells-although I'll certainly miss the distinctive sound and smell of the two-strokes.Tim GrahamTopeka, KS
So, by way of apologizing for maligning the Midwest in his last Laguna Seca editorial, Catterson maligns the Midwest again? Is there some sort of Kool-Aid Californians drink that realigns Copernican Physics to put the Golden State at the center of the known universe? Good news: The USGP will stay in California. Bad news: There will be another in Indiana.
OK, we get it: California has nice weather and because of the mountains it has twisty roads. You know what I think? I think that makes y'all tedious. Try and remember that most people do not live in the rarified air of California. And they like it that way.Peter SpinaleSt. Paul, MN
Point taken, except what's so rarified about smog? -Ed.
Act Your AgeAs I read Tim Carrithers' column "Act Your Age," the grin on my face grew wider. I'm getting very close to the 60 mark and still love the feeling of tickling the footpegs from time to time. Granted, mileage and gravity have deemed it necessary to find a steed a bit more friendly to the old bones, but with the current list of good sport-touring bikes it's not hard to find something that is comfortable and still can satisfy the need for a bit of fun. My advice is to stay healthy and no matter what, don't listen to those that might advise you to grow up.Calvin LunsfordSouth Beloit, IL
It seems you are getting practical advice from your doc, to whit: Grow up. I have different advice: Never stop playing. Don't give in. I ran across a Timothy Leary quote that seems appropriate: "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity. One lick and you'll suck forever."Nataraj Hauser Madison, WI