6 months ago, I purchased my first motorcycle helmet. I enrolled in the Basic Rider Course at Trident Technical College and two weeks after graduation, I purchased a 2023 Moto Morini 650cc Scrambler: my first motorcycle. Writing this blog post in late December, thinking about the past 6 months of my riding experience, I am honestly a bit amazed at what has transpired. I am more confident in my riding ability and have venture to many parts of the Lowcountry by two-wheels. Even during my local rides, I always find something new, and these discoveries make my heartbeat faster with excitement. It is the discovery and adventure that makes motorcycling so unique for me. Considering that 6 months ago, I did not know how to start a motorcycle, I now can honestly say I feel I am coming into my own as a motorcyclist. But there is more to learn and many more roads to travel.

I distinctly remember the first time I rode down Camp Road at 35 mph and thought how damn fast I was going! I immediately turned off onto a residential road to catch my breath and get my heart rate down. It was fear but that fear is what keeps me alive. After a few weeks of traveling around James Island I set my goal to commute to work by my Moto Morini. This brought new obstacles and a completely different vibe. For one thing, I had to figure out what to carry for the workday. I purchased a 40-liter dry bag to bring my work clothes and other essentials for my commute. The AM commute presented me with the crazy morning rush hour, which teaches me how to handle my motorcycle in traffic. Of course, my ego feels wonderful with I arrive at my office on two-wheels. Looking out from my cubicle at the parking lot and seeing my Moto Morini waiting for me, is something that NEVER gets old. Flash forwards a few months, I have learned to leave for work earlier which makes the roads to North Charleston less congested, and I no longer bring a bag. A quick reminder of how much progress I have made.

At the heart of my motorcycling experience is a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and knowledge how delicate life is especially when riding a motorcycle. As I look back at 6 months of highs and the lows in my motorcycle career, I honestly feel a bit overwhelmed. To think that in my mid-40’s I would begin a new life. A life of motorcycling that makes me cry out in triumph, as well as bang my head in disappointment. Some highlights of the past 6 months include the first time I rode the historic highway 61 to Summerville, traveling to Kiawah Island during the dead heat and humidity of summer, or the first time I visited The Battery in downtown Charleston. Not to forget, how I have transformed my mom’s garage into a workshop to keep the Moto Morini running in great shape. Add to the fact the fantastic gear wall I have assemble that meets all seasons of riding, I truly feel blessed. I am excited for the next 6 months of riding my Moto Morini.

What has it been like riding the 2023 Moto Morini 650cc Scrambler the past 6 months? Wonderful. When I went to purchase my first motorcycle, I did not know what I wanted. I did a bit of research and found out I had no clue as to what I wanted. Luckly, I did have an idea that the bike I would buy, would be able to ride the streets and off road. Thankfully, Dana, at Charleston Triumph knew what I would like, and kept me within my budget. Today, I love my Moto Morini just as much, maybe more, than the day it arrived at my mother’s home. Throughout the past 6 months I made a few changes and have been able to reduce weight as well as change the appearance of this amazing bike. Gone are all the plastic parts and a few parts are painted to really give this bike a strong look. Overall, the engine has performed great, and all the fluids are holding with no leaks. I will need to get new tires on this machine in early 2025 as well as an oil change. In the Spring I plan to dump the coolant and replace it before summer kicks in. Yet overall, this bike runs well, is fast (for me), turns amazingly, and handles itself well in traffic. Having reached speeds above 75 mph on a 650 engine is life changing. The Moto Morini handles high speeds well and is steady as a rock. Being a scrambler, which is a type of naked bike, wind blasts are expected. I have learned to embrace the wind hitting me it all types of directions. It is another skill set I am developing. Honestly, I feel my Moto Morini found me that hot and humid day in August when I test rode this bike in an empty parking lot two weeks after graduating from the MSF Basic Rider Course. And maybe it was faith that summer day. Looking back, I couldn’t think of a better first bike for myself. Looking forward, I will ride my Moto Morini into 2025 full of confidence and eager for new adventures to come.

To close out the past 6 months, I feel rewarded. I am alive! Which is very important so I can ride another day. As fun and addicting as motorcycling is, I have learned to take breaks and step away from riding for a few days. It is important to have balance with anything new. This is very important for me. Writing this blog, reading, and going for runs all helps me refocus myself before I hop on the saddle again. And thank you for reading this post. I don’t know where this blog will evolve too, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences over the past 6 months, and maybe, just maybe, inspire you to start practicing the Art of Motorcycling.

Rolf

There is something magical about the changing of the seasons. Maybe it’s about how time has passed, and a new season brings renewed focus and enjoyment. I felt this renewed energy Saturday morning as I eat my breakfast. I am an early bird so I managed to welcome the Winter Solstice with a small dance outside my mom’s garage while drinking a hot cup of coffee around 4am. I hadn’t thought of riding till after breakfast. As I am learning more about myself and as a motorcyclist, the more I enjoy the early sunrise ride. Maybe it is from riding to work on my commute that have alerted me to how light the traffic patterns are and how much of the time I am alone of the big bad public roads of Charleston. There is something to this that I love. Plus, arriving home before 10am, gives me a wonderful feeling throughout the rest of day. Not bad for someone who use to come home from parties and bars at sunrise. My, how times have changed.

Looking at the clock, it was a bit after 5am when I finished breakfast, when the lightbulb went off. “I could be on my bike by 6am” I thought. A huge smile crossed my face, and I immediately got ready for my ride. Temps were not too bad. But now that I ride with an open face helmet the brisk cold wind sure did wake me up. As much as I love my lightweight gloves my fingers were numb about 20 minutes into my ride. I did manage to work on some slow speed maneuvers. This helps warm up the engine and me. Once finish with some practice, I immediately rode my bike to a local gas station that had all the amenities. After a cup of coffee and a second breakfast meal, I decide to visit the Charleston Battery for the sunrise. I couldn’t have asked for a better spot to see the first sunrise of the weather season. It was truly remarkable.

As I learning to ride with more confidence, I am also learning that much about the Art of Motorcycling is finding moments that really make you happy. Maybe it’s completing a long ride through some difficult roads, surviving rush hour, or for me, seeing the sunrise while parked on my 2023 Moto Morini. Life is really about the little things and enjoying them tremendously. As I inch closer to finishing up my first 6 months of practicing the Art of Motorcycling, I so thankful for those sunrises, traveling through the busy Lowcountry traffic, crossing big bold bridges, and above all finding peace after a day on two wheels. Honestly, there is nothing like it. God is Great!

Rolf

So much of life is A-B-C. Meaning, we follow a particular path and do our best to stay on that specific path. Either with work, family, relationships or down time, our path leads us as we follow along. Since I have started this blog, the Art of Motorcycling, my path now is different each time I roll the throttle and cruise the public roads of the Lowcountry. If it’s a work commute or my favorite, weekend rides, I do my best to not plan where I am going and let the path I decide to travel, lead me in new directions and experiences. What I am learning from riding my 650cc Moto Morini is that life is short, and you must FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. Sure, not ALL of your dreams will work out. Trust me I know this well. But dreams evolve as you evolve in life and motorcycling is breathing new life into my dreams. One new aspect I have taking a risk with is wearing “open face” helmets for my rides. I still have my “full face” helmet I purchased over the summer, yet it is falling apart, and I honestly don’t feel safe wearing it anymore. Recently, I went online and purchased two new open face helmets. As the pictures above demonstrate, the face of these helmets is open. And yes, risk is higher for injury but my, what a difference it makes riding my motorcycle. The full scale of riding is felt through my open face helmet.

I was a bit scared to turn to an open face helmet at first, but I am very happy I did. Today, I wore my “Hard Chargin’ Rolf” helmet style and loved every second of it. The feeling of the cool air rushing against my covered face was life changing. Add to the element of rain during my commute and what an experience this made while wearing my open face helmet. My vision was better. And I will admit the feel of wind blasting your face is awesome!

Motorcycling, from what I am learning, is so much about WHO you want to be out there riding your bike. How do you want the public to see you, or in my case, not see you LOL. I will be honest, that the ten-year-old Rolf, lived his dream of becoming a character in the Mad Max movies with my hard chargin’ style. I still remember seeing the original Mad Max on VHS tape with my uncle Tim and just being floored by the whole vide of that movie. Today, I became a character in the Mad Max universe and I not coming back.

If your dream is be a character from a movie while doing an extreme activity like me, then DO IT! Time is short on this planet and no one I know can tell us what lies after death. So, follow your dreams and see where it leads you. Maybe an open face helmet will get on your own path that you create today.

Rolf

sss

This Sunday, as I was eating my breakfast about 5am, with no desire to return to bed, the lightbulb went off. What if I went for a ride? I quickly finished my egg, cheese, blackberry jam, and bagel sandwich. Then I cleaned up the kitchen and got dressed. Honestly, I knew I would ride on Sunday, but I thought to wait till the temperature outside warmed up. “It will get warmer,” I thought. Regardless, I opened the garage door, felt the brisk cold air hit in the face and I started my stretching routine before sunrise. Part of my reasoning to start my ride so early on Sunday, is to fine tune my early morning pre-ride work commute routine. This past Thursday morning I made a commute to work by motorcycle and to be honest, my pre-ride routine was shit. A complete failure. Now I did manage to get to work on time, but I had many issues occurring during my pre-ride routine that made me want to fine tune this process on Sunday morning. And I did.

What happened after I left my neighborhood, is amazing. No, I didn’t set any new speed records. In fact, the entire riding experience Sunday was very conservative. Maybe this is because I have had some close calls recently on the public roads that had me easing off the throttle. That is a good thing! I honest felt no need to go beyond my limits so I channeled my inner Keanu Reeves and had two amazing, chill, rides this past Sunday.

My AM ride focused on an early departure with a few minutes of slow speed maneuvers. Then a stop at Starbucks to warm up. Though I do love the chilly weather for riding, the brisk cold air does create the need to find a warm spot and good hot cup of coffee. I decided on Starbucks for this AM session. Once I finished my cup, had a bite to eat, a bathroom break, I turned my motorcycle in the direction of Folly Beach. Folly Beach has always held a special place in my heart. Heck, 20 years ago I lived at Folly for about 6 months. And this was during the “off season”. Returning back to Folly during the off season is when I love the beach the most. Arriving at “The Washout”, the famous Folly surf spot, I immediately parked my Moto Morini and walked out to the beach. It was around 8am Sunday when I arrived and sleepy Folly on Sunday made for a brief moment of isolation on the beach. Only a handful of other people braved the windy chilly conditions like me, and I had time to feel, see, and take in this amazing view. Leaving Folly, I snaked my way home through some back roads working on my countersteering while leaning heavily into some turns. One of my goals for 2025 is to take part in a track day. Using the twisting back roads of James Island, I definitely felt compelled to envision myself on a racetrack rolling the throttle on my Moto Morini through some turns. Not a bad session and best of all, I got home safe.

The final session on this epic Sunday was a brief afternoon run to one of my favorite burger spots while learning to handle myself in traffic. Riding in traffic is just part of life as a motorcyclist. Having recently read a web article on “exposure therapy”, traffic is a living beast that takes victims all the time. There is an ebb and flow to traffic, and I feel the more I “expose” myself to traffic the more confidence I will have to navigate this madness. Lucky for me, Sunday traffic was not too bad. After my burger and pork sandwich LOL, I cruised back home again, favoring back roads and rolled the throttle as much as I could. How wonderful!

I didn’t travel too far South but the traveling I did was amazing. Add to the fact that I rode twice in one day I feel very fortunate to be able to do something like this. This epic Sunday gave me the boost mentally I needed for the busy upcoming work week and a bit of exercise for my body. What is best, is I woke up the next day, Monday, ready to ride again.

Rolf

Humbling. That is the best way to describe my experience reading David L. Hough’s book “Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well”. I purchased this book a few weeks before I started my motorcycle career. I felt compelled to really invest in educating myself on the understanding of how to be a proficient motorcyclist. There are so many nuances to motorcycling that are just not covered in the MSF Basic Rider Course and watching hours of YouTube videos on motorcycling, which I have LOL, don’t fully prepare you for this life changing experience. Following the advice of a YouTuber I trust, I ordered myself a copy and spent the next five months reading and taking notes from Proficient Motorcycling. What I have learned, after finishing this book, which is over 200 pages, is that this book is a MUST READ for any motorcyclist. I will go so far as to say, if you read just one motorcycle book in your lifetime (I really don’t know how you could do that LOL), David L. Hogue’s Proficient Motorcycle is the book I recommend.

To begin with the book itself is large. Reminds me of one of my art books I have. Throughout the book there are beautifully crafted illustrations and amazing photographs to really push David’s points. The book is broken down into 7 chapters covering all aspects of motorcycling. My personal favorite chapters are, Chapter 2: Motorcycle Dynamics, Chapter 3: Cornering Tactics, Chapter 4: Urban Traffic Survival, and Chapter 6: Special Situations. Each chapter itself takes the reader on a deep dive of situations, scenarios, and how to handle yourself and your bike. Some of the nuggets of gold made me smile and realize how simple David summarized his points. A great example is in Chapter 3: Cornering Tactics, David emphasizes Slow, Look, Lean, and Roll. This tactic I use every ride, and I am happy to say that I don’t have to think about this tactic too much as it has become second nature to me. This is just one example of many that Proficient Motorcycling provides the reader.

I know that reading this book has made a lasting impression on me and my motorcycle career. I feel more confident riding the public roads now than when I first began riding in August. Is there direct evidence of this book supporting my growth? I don’t know. But I do know is I recall specific parts of Proficient Motorcycling during my rides and that makes me very happy. So, yes. This book WILL make you a better motorcyclist and maybe, just maybe, save your life. Trust me.

Rolf

I think about stretching before my motorcycle ride usually when I am riding my motorcycle LOL. Seriously, though, I must confess that stretching is major part of my pre-ride checklist. I spend about 10-15 minutes doing various leg, arm, wrist, hand, back, and ankle stretches. For me, I have learned to stretch through the different sporting activities I have done in my life. As simple a process that stretching is, the benefits are really impactful to me. What I have learned, is that I must stretch outdoors to help my body adjust to the weather, which I will be riding in. Stretching indoors, is a false narrative. You need to be in the climate you will perform in. So, outside my Mom’s Garage is my favorite stretching spot before a crank up my Moto Morini.

As I wrote at the beginning of December, in the blog post “COLD Weather Riding”, cold weather requires a much different approach. This impacts my stretching. Today, while beginning my work commute on my bike, I quickly realized I had not stretched yet. My 30-minute commute is a bear, and I knew I needed to perform some stretching before I arrived at the office. So, I stopped at a local James Island gas station, bought a cup of hot coffee, and did a few simple stretches in the parking lot. This was a great move because the temperature was in the low 40s. Riding my motorcycle for a brief mile proved to be a good way to warm up my body, mind, as well as my bike. A quick stop at the Circle K provided me a space to do some stretches before I continue on my ride to work. Cold weather keeps your muscles tight so a brief warm up before stretching in the cold weather will do you a world of good. Maybe a few jumping jacks or a quick run around the block is all beneficial to getting the muscles warmed up BEFORE you stretch. As with any advice I provide, it is really up to YOU to decide what works for YOU. Please remember, DON’T FORGET TO STRETCH!

Rolf

There is something so unique about riding a motorcycle in cold weather. Maybe it’s the fog created from my hot exhaust. Or the fact that my eyes water immediately after I lift my visor on my motorcycle helmet during a ride in lower temps. I can’t place my finger on it exactly, but I do know that the brisk chill from a motorcycle ride during the fall/winter season is unlike anything I have experienced before.

Compared to the hot and humid season in the Lowcountry, that feels like it lasts 8 months out of the year, the colder weather is a welcome experience to me. This is my first season riding in cold weather, and though the temps have just started to fall, I must express how wonderful a seasonal change it has been for me. Though cold weather riding does offer new unpleasant experiences like numb fingers, a wind chill that can cut through you above 30mph, I must suggest every motorcyclist give cold weather riding a try.

The cold weather can really make your ride special. If you are like me, I love an early morning ride and since the sunrise is so late this time of year, a few minutes before 7am East Coast time, watching the sunrise happen above the marshes of the Lowcountry is spectacular. I recently experience this as I crossed the James Island Creek bridge. A deep orange glow rose from the horizon as I crossed this old bridge and made me smile. After which, I cruised to my favorite local coffee shop for a big ass cup of coffee with two expresso shots (a redeye for those affluent in coffee lingo). As I drank my coffee in the warm interior of the coffee shop, I took notice of my cold weather gear. What I have noticed and felt is my hands take a beating in the cold weather. I purchased some glove liners and fit into my leather gloves which has made a huge difference. It is not a full protection, but I can haul 10 miles in brisk weather and still feel my fingers LOL. My touch is a bit heavy with the glove liners, but it more than makes up for it as I ride my motorcycle over 40mph.

It is especially important that those, like me, who ride in colder weather, must follow the “layering” technique with clothing. I wore “wicking” fabrics in layers, which started with a light tank top. After which I put on a long sleeve compression top, added a wicking t-shirt after, and finally, placed a loose-fitting wicking long sleeve before I finished off my layering technique with my motorcycle jacket. This prevented wind from hurting me and once I arrived at my location, my body temperature started increasing immediately and a light sweat occurred. Soon my hands felt warm, and I knew my years of “layering” for hiking trips played a part in my dressing for the day. My feet were protected by my big heavy boots, which I wear in any season, but for this cold weather ride I wore some wool compression socks that made toes happy!

As of this blog post, I have ordered a pair of compression pants that will fit wonderfully under my heavy-duty motorcycle jeans that I love to wear on my rides. Though my legs felt good, adding a layer of compression pants similar to the long sleeve compression top I wore, will make a huge difference! And I have learned recently that the layering technique I used isn’t just for fall/winter. This is also a great idea for summer. That I will try when the temps start to rise.

Finally, my head. Yes! Must keep the brain and face protected LOL. For my head I added a cap and full balaclava. This fit well under my helmet. I was pleasantly surprised to notice my head felt great. Other than my eyes watering up once I lifted my helmet visor during my ride, everything was good to go. I wear a balaclava each ride but adding a thin cap before I place my balaclava on made a huge difference. I highly recommend a balaclava to every motorcyclist.

The riding experience in cold weather does provide different situations than the warmer climate. The biggest thing I noticed was how much the cold brisk wind chill can really knife through you. For me, I made more frequent stops. Ride for 30 minutes, then break for 10-15 minutes. Allow my body temperature to warm up and not allow my hands and fingers to go numb. Yet, with anything about riding a motorcycle, it is really up to you, the rider. You must figure out what works for you. Because at the end of day, it’s you who must survive and live to ride another day.

Rolf

Rest. This is the best advice I can give to myself after a weekend of riding my Moto Morini motorcycle. As a new rider, riding a motorcycle on the public roads of the Lowcountry is amazing and at the same time very overwhelming. When I first started riding in August, I didn’t allow myself to ride multiple days in a row. While this standard held for a few months, I soon became more confident in my riding abilities and started riding back-to-back days. This is especially true during the work week when I will commute to work by my motorcycle 2 or 3 times during the week. I love to ride consecutively, but I know my limits. That is why I impose mandatory “rest” days after a few riding sessions.

Rest is so important. Not only does rest allow my body to heal, but my mind too. Rest gives me a chance to focus on maintenance on my Moto Morini and give my bike a bath as well. Rest helps my mind process all the new information I learned from previous rides, and I can critique situations which will support my effort of improvement when I do ride again. And that is what is really important. Living to see another riding day. When I am tried, mistakes occur more often when I ride and thus, I have decided that once I ride 2 or 3 days in a row, I impose mandatory “rest days”. I even go so far as to not even look, sit, or touch my beloved Moto Morini during rest days. This is so helpful. So, when I do ride again, I am fresh to actively ride my bike to the best of my ability.

I am also understanding that rest becomes very important if the previous riding day covered more than 20 miles on my motorcycle. I know my limits in terms of mileage. Reaching 50 miles on my motorcycle during a ride is about as much as I am physically and mentally able to do at this point in my motorcycle career. And that is OK WITH ME! I have read articles in print and on the web about long distance riding eclipsing over 100 miles in a day. NO SIR! Not for me. At least at this point. I am more than happy to cruise throughout the Lowcountry as a “Cafe Racer” and enjoy a 3- or 4-hour tour on my bike. And knowing my limits at this point in my motorcycle career is how I live to ride another day.

Rolf

I love mantras. I love repeating a mantra during stressful times to help me relax. So, when I began practicing the Art of Motorcycling, I knew I would discover specific mantras to help me focus and stay safe on the public roads. One of my first mantras I spoke to myself was “slow hands”. Repeating “slow hands” allowed me to isolate my thought process to what I was doing in the present moment. Like putting on my motorcycle helmet. I would repeat “slow hands” to focus my mind on the ride ahead and not allow my thoughts to think about what “might” happen. Instead, “slow hands” mantra created a present experience for myself that put me in tune with the present moment. Thus, I could slowly and purposely focus on what I am doing “now”. I spoke the mantra “slow hands” during rides as I pulled in the clutch and rolled the throttle to make my riding experience as smooth as possible.

Though I still repeat “slow hands” mantra, lately I have been practicing the mantra “Slow is Smooth, and Smooth is FAST”. This is a powerful mantra I repeat before I ride, during my ride, and after my ride. The mantra “Slow is Smooth, and Smooth is FAST” allows me to know that taking my time in everything I do with motorcycling, is not only creating a safer riding experience, but a faster one. And who doesn’t like going fast on a motorcycle? I can’t remember how it manifested within me, but I do know this mantra is very helpful. Not only does this mantra slow me down but creates a “present” experience and helps me to focus on what is happening in front of me. My mind can wonder so quickly that speaking this mantra calms me down and focuses my mind.

The benefits of using a mantra during motorcycling is wonderful. I highly suggest that other motorcyclists use a mantra of their own or follow this mantra, “Slow is Smooth, and Smooth is FAST” to discover a new riding experience.

Rolf

This past work week, I decided to commute to work three days out of five by my Moto Morini motorcycle. This is a new personal best for me and something I hope to be able to do 5 days a week in the future. But for now, 3 days of commuting to work and back home after work is one of my best achievements in my young motorcycle career. It takes a lot of confidence to be able to commute the busy Charleston roads by motorcycle during AM / PM rush hour. To make the AM commute as easy as possible, I decide to be on the road before 5am. That’s right, before 5am, LOL! Nothing beats riding out in the early morning darkness on isolated roads. To be able to ride my motorcycle on public roads with little to no vehicle traffic was amazing. I ended up traveling long patches of big bad public roads with very little cars around me. I felt like I was on an empty racetrack at times. I highly recommend to other motorcyclists to do the same. Your motorcycle engine will thank you.

PM commutes back home were a different story. For two of the three motorcycle commute days, I went straight home after work. This made my riding experience brief, and sense I arrived to work before 6am, I didn’t have much traffic to navigate on my way home. My riding time was brief allowing me to recover quickly and get back on the bike in the AM for another commute. The third day of my motorcycling commute from work to home, I decide to visit The Battery in downtown Charleston to spend a little time relaxing after work. I enjoyed my time at The Battery, but being stuck in 4pm Charleston rush hour, pushed my limits of riding my Moto Morini. Yet, it is great training to navigate my way through heavy traffic and get home! But, after the third day, I knew I needed to rest and recover. Prep myself mentally, physically, and emotionally but my big Sunday ride. Hats off to those who are daily commuters by motorcycle. Y’all are inspiring!

For me, the thrill of riding my Moto Morini into work in the early morning felt amazing! I got to work fully alert. Eager to drink coffee and start my workday. Plus, being blessed to arrive to work in one piece, thanking the heavenly Father above, lit a fire in me throughout the day. Motorcycling is workout for sure! I recently learned that motorcycling could help you burn 300-500 calories per ride. I would agree with that because I was very hungry when I got to work LOL. Finally, daily commutes by motorcycle are not for everyone. I don’t recommend this type of motorcycling activity to everyone because of how risky it is. But boy, is it a hell of a lot of fun!

Rolf