Excuses, excuses.

Reading Ozzy’s blog recently reminded me how much I want a bike.

Now, even though technically I used to have a bike, I can’t call myself and actual biker. For some reason, I think you can only call yourself a biker, when your bike can be heard at least two blocks away. It should also have a deep, throaty growl.

The ‘tortured lawn-mower’ sound my old 150cc scooter used to make, just doesn’t have that sort of credibility.

Now, as anyone who owns a bike out there knows, the hardest step in getting a bike isn’t coming up with the cash or passing the test. It’s convincing your significant other that getting on is a good idea.

You see, there are plenty of arguments against motorcycles. They’re much more dangerous than cars, you can only ride them at certain times of the year, and taking one out in the snow is tantamount to suicide.

Then, the other day…my brother in law gave me the perfect excuse.

You see, Sunny’s car is probably gonna give up and die within the next year or so. We also really need a truck. A bike, at this point, would be little more than an expensive toy.

Then my brother in law came along.

We were talking about my difficulty in finding work.

“The other big problem right now,” I said, “is they’ve changed the rules on the driving test. You have to have your permit for at least six months before they’ll let you take the test. Even if I pass the written exam tomorrow, I’ll still have 6 months before I can actually drive to work.”

He looked thoughtful for a moment.

“You know,” he began, “If you get a permit for a motorcycle, you don’t need to have anyone with you while you’re riding.”

He made an excellent point. A motorcycle permit is to all intents and purposes, a license that you just have to renew every six months.

Unfortunately, I was out maneuvered by the missus.

“That sounds great!” She said. “So as soon as you can come up with about 5 grand, you can go ahead and get one!”

Stupid money…why can’t I just get everything for free?

I deserve it.