Phenomenology
I backed into this study through seeking to understand how I process experiences in motorcycling. I’ve been attracted by adventures as a pre-teen — as family experiences and in solo adventures.
At the age of 10, my parents volunteered me to live and work as a ranch hand for an elderly couple on their 100-acre ranch in Washington state. Lee Anderson was 70-ish at the time, and had been a working cowboy decades earlier. I milked cows, drove a tractor to spread bales of hay, fed chickens, cleaned farm implements, and enjoyed my daily reward of saddling and riding a beautiful palomino throughout the forested portion of the Anderson ranch.
At home I rode my bicycle alone into Washington’s countryside to fish and eat handfuls of blackberries. Even at the age of 10, I enjoyed the experiences.
I’ve fought in karate matches, ridden a dirt bike in jungles in the Philippines, served in the Air Force, and authored more than 100 issued U.S. patents teaching medical devices. I’ve owned and flown 2 airplanes. I am married and was so twice before. I am a father, and raised my Son with sole custody since he was 10. He was drafted by an MLB team as a right-handed pitcher; but decided not to sign. My father taught me to ride a motorcycle and was my flight instructor.
The things my eyes have seen…Experiences, thousands of experiences.
Last year, I sold my beloved Cessna Skywagon.
I sold my 23-year old Harley and bought a new BMW motorcycle, an R1300RT.
For the past few months, I’ve frequented a nearby motorcycle gathering spot, the Rock Store. I arrive early on Sunday mornings — it’s Church. I’ve met several guys who have ridden for weeks, spanning thousands of miles. I became curious to learn why people ride for long hours on two wheels. I began to unpack the complexities of what I enjoy about motorcycling and its human-powered relative, the bicycle. I bought Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance for the second time in 50 years.
There are far fewer summers ahead than behind me.
I discovered phenomenology, a study of the experience of the experience.
I’ve found a book.
My objective is to sharpen my senses to appreciate the experiences ahead in motorcycling while my body continues to obey my mind. The two have occasional arguments.
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