SCRC Loudoun VA Featured Member - June, 2010
Name: Edward Cavanaugh
Nickname: P1ates
Marital Status: I have a terriffic wifey!
Location: Fairfax (right next to Fair oaks Mall)
Hometown: I've been up and down the east coast. You'll need to be more specific.
Children: none
Age: 47
Occupation: Windows Administrator aka--Geek, Nerd, please fix my computer.
Current motorcycle(s): Kawasaki Vulcan 900LT.
How did you hear about the SCRC and when did you join?
I heard about the SCRC on a flyer at Loudoun Motor Sports a couple of years ago.
How long have you been riding?
Since 2006.
Have you ever taken a motorcycle safety course?
That's how I got my M/C endorsment on my license!
What was your first bike?
A 1976 Goldwing (naked).
How many bikes have you owned?
Let's see--the wing, a Sporty 883, Sporty 1200, and my current--That makes 4.
Why do you ride?
(Laughing) How long have you got? It's fun! I started riding to be able to get down the HOV lanes without an escort in the passenger seat. For transportation.(the bike is my commuter) I also use it for small errands.
Have you ridden with an organized group before?
SCRC was the first.
What modifications have you done to your bike?
Almost none. I have Highway bars and pegs, a throttle rocker, a cell phone holder, a Mustang Touring seat (stock seat is universally hated), and a luggage rack. Other than that, it's stock.
What accessories do you want to add to your bike?
With the addition of the highway bars and luggage rack over the winter, I'm happy with it right now.
What is your dream bike?
I would love a Harley Electra Glide with the works, or a Star Royal Venture! (I would love to have my wifey with me more often).
What kind of riding do you like to do — straight-aways or twisties?
Mostly straightaways, with a couple of twisties.
If you have a nickname, how did you get it? Tell the truth!
The SCRC wa on a group ride going down Rt 9. I heard a clattering behind me, and pulled over. Someone wrote on the forum about my license plate wanting to get away from me, and choosing that moment to make the split. After everyone rode over it, It was folled into a ball. We zip-tied it back on at the next stop. Incidently, I have some new Zip ties holding on my license plate. You can guess what almost happened!
What is your favorite riding route?
It's hard to argue with Skyline drive/Blue ridge parkway.
Do you ride your bike to work?
YES! Almost all year.
What is the fastest you’ve ridden?
This will be posted in a public place. I'm not saying!
What is your favorite time of year to ride?
When it's just a little cooler, spring or fall. I also like getting up in the mountains during the summer.
Have you ever been down? If so, how were you hurt and what did you learn from the incident?
I was down once. I broke my foot, scraped a knee, took a little nerve damage affecting my right leg, Crushed my left shoulder (partial replacement), and sprained my right thumb. What did I learn: 1. WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR, every time you ride. Some of the injuries would have been lessened by armor. 2. It did improve my braking skills.
Have you ever done an "Iron Butt" ride?
No, I view most of the rides as being beyond my endurance. (I may eventually try the NPS ride at some time though)
If not, what is the furthest you’ve ridden?
I just came back from Maggie Valley, NC. BTW, I did ride the Tail of the Dragon.
What was the worst weather in which you’ve ridden?
We had some heavy rain from hurricane remanents. I have gotten caught in a few of our summer thunderstorms. And I remember going to Rolling thunder a few years ago in pea soup fog, the fog was so thick, I had to go down rt 7 at 35 miles per hour...
Do you know how to work on your bike?
I would need a shop manual. I don't have the space to work on it. I live in an apartment building and park in a parking garage.
What is your favorite road song?
I have sooo many. Moving Right Along (from The Muppet Movie), any of the beach songs, I enjoy a lot of the novelty songs. King of the Road, there are others.
What was your most adventurous ride?
Most of my rides are very quiet, except for doing the commuter traffic :) The most adventurous for me was taking a vacation and riding the dragon. The other is just a situation, having the wife take the car for the week, and going to her parents, leaving me with only the bike for transportation.
What rallies or events do you like to attend?
SEVROC just came up. I enjoyed it, and the of course, the rolling thunder rally.
Is there someone who rides "two-up" with you?
When wew have a larger bike, my wife will ride on the back seat. Otherwise, no.
Off the cuff from...P1ates
Given our location, I am into politics. I tend to be very liberal in my outlook. I am noting that we are fortunate to be on the cutting edge of a new wave of the Loving Virginia decision. Maybe those of us who favor ties with the same sex can get equal treatment with the rest of the population. We also need to socialize medicine. Why do we have to go bankrupt when we get sick enough to die, but medicine can keep us alive. In the last couple of years, we have had our own version of Pearl Harbor (9/11/01), the start of same sex marriage and the opening of discussions of reformation of health care. I realize these views are not those of a lot of the riders here, but am glad we can set aside these differences for the joy of riding.