Spring 2026 Newsletter.
   Lynn is out of town for a few days, and I need to catch up on some writing. This newsletter is due out, and I thought it might be interesting to capture some thoughts of the spring season from years past.

2018: It has been suggested that riders who want to experience bikes from the 1970’s may be ‘aging out’. For RetroTours, this means bringing on some models from the 1980s.  For you, the person reading this newsletter, it means: sign up for a tour now, before it’s too late. You’re not getting any younger. You don’t need to go half way around the world and spend a small fortune. The back roads of America beckon, and when you “Ride a Piece of the Past on the Path Less Taken” you will experience motorcycling, the countryside, and the people who live there, in an enlightening way: as things were before GPS, smart phones and Tweeting. Not that there is anything wrong with technology, and of course the world will never go backwards, but isn’t it possible that something is lost when something’s gained? Please go to www.retrotours.com and reserve a spot now.
“Is it hard?' Not if you have the right attitude. Its having the right attitude that’s hard.” …. R. M. Pirsig

2020: (Early pandemic) Take positive steps now to maintain your emotional well-being: PLAN TO RIDE!
I was thinking that the full-face helmet may be the ultimate face mask. Wearing a full-face helmet greatly reduces face touching. Riding along at 50 mph, even in a group of other riders, there is little chance of sharing droplets should someone, God forbid, cough or sneeze. Amazon and Walmart may be out of face masks, but there are still plenty of helmets to go around for those who choose to ride. Riding can be a way to get out of the house safely and engage in a sporting activity while minimizing exposure. Furthermore, of course, riding is FUN.

2021: Motorcycle riders are like plants. The longer days and warmer temperatures cause hormonal and behavioral changes that stimulate us in a variety of ways. In spring, when melatonin production eases up so does depression. You may find that you need less sleep and have boosted energy levels. You may even become slightly manic. Getting outside more means you will have more exercise. Even during a pandemic, it is difficult to be a pessimist when in the morning you can once again hear the birds sing and other sounds of nature as you lie in your bed, fully awake at the crack of dawn with the open windows ushering in a waft of delightful fresh air. Your mood is elevated, optimism reigns, you want to ride.
And you should ride.

   We sometimes grow so accustomed to our precious routine that deviation is uncomfortable. Over the past 12 or 14 months, social distancing has become our norm. At this point, some of us may live out our lives socially distanced from others. As for me, the time is near (if not here now) to come out of that shell and once again ‘share the ride’ in the company of like-minded individuals. How about you? Spring is here, today is Earth Day. The planet is greening again. Come smell the flowers.
MENTAL HEALTH IS ONLY A MOTORCYCLE RIDE AWAY.

2022: The past 24-30 months have been a tough time for most of us. The f*%#ing pandemic, inflation, war in Europe, mass shootings (3 in one weekend!). Still, there is hope. There HAS to be hope. Don’t we all deserve a break? How about taking a few days off and let’s go on an adventure. I can’t promise that no one will crash. I can’t be certain that none of the bikes will break, and yes, it will be somewhat physically demanding, but whatever we encounter, we will put our heads together and deal with it. I swear to you that you are not too young or too old, not too poor, and not too busy. Do this for the thrill of it. Do this before it’s too late. Get your motor running. Head out on the highway looking for adventure. And whatever comes your way, revel in the (motor)cycle of life.

2023: I know a rider, nicknamed “The Ditch Rider” who has a gorgeous Honda Shadow Aero. Due to some physical issues, ‘Ditch’ no longer feels comfortable riding his 2 wheeler. He tried adding a sidecar, but when this proved to be impractical and/or beyond his means, he hired me to install a Voyager Trike Kit. This kit adds outrigger wheels to the motorcycle, which actually is then a 4 wheeled vehicle, but in looks and handling, it closely resembles a conventional trike. The kit was not too difficult to install, and I was quite impressed with the quality of the kit and the comprehensive installation instructions. I test rode it 20 or 25 miles and it was a freakin’ blast to ride, and as stable as can be. I have plenty of sidecar experience, but not much on trikes. It got me to thinking, maybe one day I will be physically unable to handle a two wheeler safely. Like ‘Ditch’. Come to think about it, there is no maybe about it; we will all get to that point if we live long enough. What then are the choices? One could stop riding. A sidecar unit might be another choice. A trike or a conversion kit like the Voyager might appeal to some. I have often thought that a small motorcycle, like a 250cc, or even a motor scooter might be the answer. Hey, I’m not proud, I just want to ride until a ripe old age.
You don’t stop riding because you become too old. You become too old because you stop riding.

   More details about the 2026 scheduled rides will be posted to the website soon. People have been reserving spots, and a few rides are already nearly filled. Starting this year, due to township regulations, I will not be charging for RetroTours. Your read that right! NO CHARGE. I will suggest an appropriate voluntary contribution, but it will be left to your discretion.

Sure, sometimes we find ourselves in the middle of nowhere, but sometimes, in the middle of nowhere, we find ourselves.