DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Mike On East River Road

Q: Hi Mike. How often do you ride it?

A: Daily, even in winter, I'm on it in my mind. I've put on 2,000 miles since April 2011 when I got my hands on it.

Q: How did you get this bike?

A: Shortly after getting married, my wife revealed a whole other level of her awesomeness by asking me to go out and buy it--after a few months of my whining.

Q: Where are some of the places you've gone on it?

A: We've done a few regional rides out to places like Stillwater--anything along the rivers is a joy--for fun, but much of the riding I get to do is around town.

Q: Where is your favorite place that you have visited?

A: By far, the best ride was up to Lake Superior late last year: cool air, twisty roads, and the beautiful, Big Lake.

Q: Any great stories to share about your travels?

A: Nothing Homeric yet, but those are coming. I'm hoping to drive it out to Utah for Speedweek at Bonneville sometime soon and a camping trip out to Yellowstone isn't out of the question.

Q: If your bike were a person, what kind of personality would it have?

A: German, without a doubt.

Q: Do you have a nickname for your bike?

A: Nope, but I'm taking nominations.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

A: Whether or not it is true, it is my belief that I test-rode this exact bike in 2007 when it was new, but did not buy it. I purchased the bike from the same dealer where I did that ride and it was in near perfect condition. It was meant to be. I just wasn't ready.