SCRC Loudoun VA Featured Member - September, 2010

Name:   Greg Parker

Nickname:   Roundabout

Marital Status:  I am luckily and surprisingly still married to my beautiful wife Kim; surprised in that she has put up with me for all these 27 years... so far...

Location:  Leesburg, VA

Hometown:  I grew up in North Attleboro, MA; but I call Leesburg my hometown now.

Children:  Kim and I have two boys. Jared is 23, and Jeremy is 20.

Age:  Old enough to know much better, but young enough to want to anyway.

Occupation:  Business Analytics, IBM Global Services

Current motorcycle(s):  2010 FLHR, Harley-Davidson Road King

How did you hear about the SCRC and when did you join?
I saw SCRC on the web soon after purchasing my bike, and thought I would check it out. I was initially attracted by the fact that SCRC rides usually originate in Leesburg, much easier than riding out to Winchester to ride with my HOG chapter. Since then I've really come to know and like the people in the group, so I am "hooked".

How long have you been riding?
Less than a year, first time licensed in December 2009. Well, that's not entirely true. I rode unlicensed and illegally a few times in high school. No class (in both senses of the word) and no clue. Luckily the bike I had would rarely start during the few months I owned it.

Have you ever taken a motorcycle safety course?
Yes, I took the MSF class in the rain and sleet in the Winchester HD parking lot last December. I also ventured over to skoot skool one afternoon, but returned home rather dejected that I can't do what Throttle can do with his Wing. Clearly I need more switches and stuff on my bike, like the "do a figure 8 now" switch.

What was your first bike?
BSA 650, but it does not count cause it really would never start. Did those have Lucas electrics?

How many bikes have you owned?
Just one. The Harley. Notice how I have already forgotten the BSA just mentioned.

Why do you ride?
It just sort of snuck up on me. My son Jared wanted a bike after coming out of college. I tried to talk him out if it. The next thing I knew he had talked me into it, and we took lessons together. My bike followed me home from the dealer and I am having waaaayyyyyy too much fun now to stop. Oh wait, what was the question again?

Have you ridden with an organized group before?
Maybe it's just me, but can you define "organized"? Will I know it when I see it?

What modifications have you done to your bike?
A few things to make it a better fit; taller seat, shifter, brake pedal, taller windshield, etc.

What accessories do you want to add to your bike?
I should really get new handlebars so I am not reaching forward and down so far, along with new grips, switch covers, and and hidden cables, maybe mini-apes. I also may get a razor pack and backrest so Kim can ride with me. On second thought, Kim needs her own bike.

What is your dream bike?
I have all the bike I hope for, this is probably my first and keep it forever bike. I may have to paint it though to make it just a little more my own.

What kind of riding do you like to do — straight-aways or twisties?
Relaxed sightseeing on any kind of road suits me fine.

If you have a nickname, how did you get it? Tell the truth!
The club has not yet "blessed me" with with a riding nickname. Other people call me names all the time, but I am not printing them here.

What is your favorite riding route?
Nothing is a real favorite so far, I love all the roads south and west of Leesburg, the more lost I am, the better. No GPS, no radio, I usually don't even know what gear I am in.

Do you ride your bike to work?
No, I usually work out of my home office, or I travel.

What is the fastest you’ve ridden?
Maybe 85

What is your favorite time of year to ride?
Any day that isn't too hot. I love cool and cold weather riding.

Have you ever been down? If so, how were you hurt and what did you learn from the incident?
No.

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

If not, what is the furthest you’ve ridden?
Not very far. I've been up to York and down to Stauton for the VA SCRC Rally. Totally surprised that not more people from Loudoun made the state rally, it was a great time despite the rain. Many of you missed Gutter shooting fire out of his left pipe at 75mph.

What was the worst weather in which you’ve ridden?
Ya know, it rained pretty good a few times during the rally weekend, but I enjoyed it. It also sleeted some during my MSF class.

Do you know how to work on your bike?
Time will tell. There has been nothing to work on yet. But seriously, I'd rather have the work done than do it myself.

What is your favorite road song?
455 Rocket, by Kathy Mattea.

What was your most adventurous ride?
They ALL have been and still are adventures.

What rallies or events do you like to attend?
Enjoyed the State Rally. Just made reservations for Sturgis next year.

Is there someone who rides "two-up" with you?
Not yet, never had anyone on the back. Maybe not ever.

Off the cuff from...Roundabout
Hey, I would love to stick around and chat, but it's a great day, the bike is waiting in the garage... and argggh, and I have to work.