For Auld Lang Syne

Each of us seeks adventure for different reasons. Some enjoy experiencing new cultures and landscapes. For others, it’s all about the speed and challenges of mixed surface riding. While I’ve met a few international rally racers who are crazy enough to love both, do these facets of adventure riding remain the same to us forever?

When I was younger, single, and into sport-touring on my trusty Bandit 1200S, it was easier to take chances. I got a kick from high speeds and 20-plus hour riding days, even completing an Iron Butt Saddle Sore 1000. But over time those interests evolved, and I’m not alone. It’s a topic that keeps popping up in correspondence with our ADVMoto readers.

Dealing with the difficulties of aging, raising a family, or making a living are all typical reasons that bring the revs down a notch—and that’s not such a bad thing. Some lament the loss of their youthful exuberance but, like focusing on the exit of a turn, we can see it as a chance to evolve. Although I didn’t know it at the time, this lesson was taught to me over 20 years ago by a chance encounter.

It was my first long-distance ride with a group of Honda Sabre and Magna (SabMag) riders on the Blue Ridge Parkway on the way to the legendary TWOS (Two Wheels Only) campground in Suches, Georgia. While stopped at an overlook, an older gentleman came putting up on a Honda Helix scooter. It turned out that he was David Willett who’d ridden over 400,000 miles around U.S., Canada, and Mexico on a Harley. His immaculate maintenance logbook, and bike, “Ole Charlie,” are on display at Harley-Davidson’s museum in Milwaukee.

Offering to sign a photo, he asked what I’d like it to say. “How about some words of wisdom?” I replied, whereupon he wrote, “Ride Safe, Have Fun.” I use that signature to this day on every Editors Saddle I’ve written for ADVMoto because it was true then, and it’s true now.

David passed away last year at 88, but his memory lives on, and when I ride, part of him rides with me. He found a way to embrace life’s changes, stay riding, and in about 15 minutes gave me some wisdom that I’ll carry and share for the rest of my life. No matter what stage of your riding career you’re in, know that as long as you have the passion, it will always have meaning for you and others.

If you’ve had chance encounters on the road that changed your life, let us know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Ride Safe, Have Fun,

Carl Parker

Publisher