Re. Harley Hay’s March 28 column, headlined Men and the art of motorcycle madness:
This was supposed to be a humorous article, but we find it to be uneducated comment and not real humour.
So, besides sitting on a motorbike, has Hay actually gone for a ride?
Has he taken the time to ask those of us who ride the reason why we choose to ride? Sure wish he had, so he could have added that to his article.
But we will take the time to inform Hay of some of the reasons we ride motorcycles.
Both of our parents had experiences with motorcycles due to the fact they were cheap to buy “in those days” and were fuel economical, as well.
Also, motorcycles were practical then as the roads were not as advanced as they are now.
So, by natural progression, it’s understandable that we would own a motorcycle later in our lives.
Of course, Hay stated the obvious: with anything these days, you can buy the basic version or buy the enhanced.
Once again, consumers can make up their minds about what their needs are or what they just want to have, no different than a RV, boat or car.
We didn’t take purchasing our motorcycle lightly.
Hay wonders why older people are spending their hard-earned dollars now on motorcycles. Could it be because we couldn’t afford it when we were younger? We had responsibilities, like children and a mortgage.
So we started out small with two bikes, nothing fancy, and one of us could have our child ride on the back.
As we floated through the river of life, it was apparent that we would benefit from a holiday trailer. So we sold the bikes and bought a trailer.
Then three years ago, we bought another motorcycle. Now we enjoy the open road on two wheels.
And Hay, isn’t that what life is about?
When he gets older, he can spend his dollars the way he wants and we won’t say a word.
David and Penny Bates
Red Deer