SCRC Loudoun VA Featured Member - June, 2005

Name:   Steve Backof

Nickname:   OnTime

Marital Status:  Married.

Location:  Leesburg, VA

Hometown:  Baltimore, MD

Children:  3

Age:  Old as Dirt

Occupation:  Systems Engineer

Current motorcycle(s):  Harley Davidson Road King

How did you hear about the SCRC and when did you join?
I joined in 2001, shortly after I bought my Road King. I found out about SCRC by searching on the net for riding clubs and was surprised that one existed right in my neighborhood.

How long have you been riding?
About 30 years.

Have you ever taken a motorcycle safety course?
Yes, I took the MSF Advanced in 2004.

What was your first bike?
My first bike was a Honda CB 360.

How many bikes have you owned?
2

Why do you ride?
I find it to be great relaxation, a way to make great friends, and enjoy the time with my wife (she enjoys riding as much as I do). Besides, it’s the most fun you can have with your pants on.

Have you ridden with an organized group before?
SCRC was my first exposure to group riding.

What modifications have you done to your bike?
Chrome, a new seat, new wheels, and chrome.

What accessories do you want to add to your bike?
Actually, I am totally satisfied with my bike. I’ve added pretty much all the stuff that I think I will ever want to add to make it "my own style".

What is your dream bike?
I can’t say that I have a dream bike. I really enjoy the bike that I have now and will buy another one at some time in the future.

What kind of riding do you like to do — straight-aways or twisties?
I really like riding the country roads on a long trip. Distance and scenery, to me, is more important that if the road is twisty or not.

What is your favorite riding route?
It would be hard for me to pick a single favorite route. There is a lot of great riding in Loudoun County and the surrounding areas. But if I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be Route US 1 from Key Largo to Key West, FL.

Do you ride your bike to work?
Yes, when the weather permits.

What is the fastest you’ve ridden?
I’m sure that I’ve exceeded 100 on multiple occasions.

What is your favorite time of year to ride?
Spring time, for sure.

Have you ever been down? If so, how were you hurt and what did you learn from the incident?
I dropped my bike at an intersection that was covered with diesel fuel. I learned to not assume anything, like for instance that the substance on the road might be water.

Have you ever done an "Iron Butt" ride?
No. I would like to try this one day, though. I’ve approached the required 1000 miles in a day, but not as an official Iron Butt ride.

If not, what is the furthest you’ve ridden?
In one direction, probably about 600 miles.

What was the worst weather in which you’ve ridden?
Hurricane weather. September 2003 crossing the Chesapeake Bay bridge, 50 MPH gusts, lots of rain, quite scary.

Do you know how to work on your bike?
I can do most of the usual maintenance things. If I had to, I could go deeper than that but try to leave the hard stuff up the professionals.

What is your favorite road song?
Born to be Wild.

What was your most adventurous ride?
Probably my ride to Key West, FL.

What rallies or events do you like to attend?
Rolling Thunder (Wash, DC), Thunder in the Valley (Johnstown, PA). Biketoberfest (Daytona, FL)

Is there someone who rides "two-up" with you?
Yep, my cute little wife. I have 35,000 miles on my bike and I think she’s put 30,000 on it with me.

Off the cuff from...OnTime
While riding, I’ve met some great friends and have had some great times with my wife. In addition, hooking up with the Loudoun chapter of the SCRC has been great and has expanded my circle of friends and tremendously enhanced my riding experience.