SCRC Loudoun VA Featured Member - May, 2009

Name:   Edward Howe

Marital Status:  Newlywed

Location:  Herndon, VA

Hometown:  East Meadow, NY

Children:  4 (3 daughters, 1 son)

Age:  54

Occupation:  Project Manager

Current motorcycle(s):  2006 Yamaha Road Star Midnight

How did you hear about the SCRC and when did you join?
From Marney Gaffey, joined September 2008

How long have you been riding?
35 years

Have you ever taken a motorcycle safety course?
Yes

What was your first bike?
Honda 125 Enduro

How many bikes have you owned?
Six

Why do you ride?
The feeling of freedom..relaxation.

Have you ridden with an organized group before?
No.

What modifications have you done to your bike?
Mustang Seat
Luggage rack & backrest
LED turn signals
Light bar
Windshield
Rear running boards
Yamaha Speedstar Ignition
Bub Jug Hugger Exhaust
Mikuni 42mm Flat Slide Carb
Tuned/Polished Manifold
Metzler ME88 Whitewalls

What accessories do you want to add to your bike?
GPS, saddle bags

What is your dream bike?
A BMW K 1200 LT

What kind of riding do you like to do — straight-aways or twisties?
Straight-aways.

If you have a nickname, how did you get it? Tell the truth!
Manster, from my bicycling days. I had a friend who said I was half man, half monster. He later changed it to half man, half hamster!

What is your favorite riding route?
Skyline Drive

Do you ride your bike to work?
Yes, although the commute is entirely too short.

What is the fastest you’ve ridden?
105 MPH

What is your favorite time of year to ride?
In the fall, when the leaves change and the temperature is in the 60s.

Have you ever been down? If so, how were you hurt and what did you learn from the incident?
Yes twice. Never argue with a Caddy, you will lose every time. In all seriousness, 1) you can never let your guard down and assume the other driver will do the right thing, 2) always wear a helmet. I have been lucky and have not been seriously hurt either time.

Have you ever done an "Iron Butt" ride?
No.

If not, what is the furthest you’ve ridden?
South Carolina to DC on a Honda 350 in December, worst trip of my life.

What was the worst weather in which you’ve ridden?
See previous answer, a cold front moved in and the weather never got above 45 degrees. I did not have any cold weather gear. I was stopping at every rest area on I-95 and using the hand dryers to get the feeling back in my hands.

Do you know how to work on your bike?
Minor maintenance and routine service. I leave the rest to the professionals.

What is your favorite road song?
Locomotive Breath by Jethro Tull.

What was your most adventurous ride?
None so far, but Sunny and I are looking at several vacation trips next year.

What rallies or events do you like to attend?
Anything that raises money for a good cause.

Is there someone who rides "two-up" with you?
My wife and sweetie, Sunny.