SCRC Loudoun VA Featured Member - September, 2011

Name:   Paul Dickens

Nickname:   WillyD

Marital Status:  Married

Location:  Herndon

Hometown:  Virginia Beach

Children:  Just Me.

Age:  Older than most, younger than some.

Occupation:  Construction Manager

Current motorcycle(s):  2001 Yamaha Roadstar

How did you hear about the SCRC and when did you join?
Came across the National Website online and was referred to Loudoun Chapter by them.

How long have you been riding?
Off and on since I was a kid, then I got serious in 2003.

Have you ever taken a motorcycle safety course?
Yes, I took the course at NOVA CC in Sterling.

What was your first bike?
It was a Honda Super 50 in the early sixties.

How many bikes have you owned?
4, A Honda Super 50, Honda CB350 Scrambler, Yamaha VStar 650 and my current bike a 2001 Yamaha Roadstar.

Why do you ride?
I love the freedom of movement and the visibility.

Have you ridden with an organized group before?
No I never have but I hope to one day! (LOL)

What modifications have you done to your bike?

• Driving Lights
• Lower wind deflectors
• Exhaust Pipes
• Air horn
• Carburetor Jetting
• Adjustable push rods
• Coils
• Manifold
• Crash Bars
• Pegs
• Grips
• Seat
• Saddle Bags
• Wheels

What accessories do you want to add to your bike?

• Handlebars
• Tach

What is your dream bike?
Every new bike I see.

What kind of riding do you like to do — straight-aways or twisties?
Both, but I need to learn again to keep my eyes on the road in the twisties.

If you have a nickname, how did you get it? Tell the truth!
My photo on the webpage has a nickname but I don’t know how it got there. Way back when Doug (Breeze) painted his bike and helmets that metallic green color, we were all standing there as he went riding by and commented on it. I said the color looks nice on the bike but the helmets looked like “boogers”. We all laughed and I called him that a few time and said that was his new nick name. He and Melisa didn’t like that and then a few weeks later “Booger” shows up on my photo. Go figure! (note: updated your nickname to WillyD for ya :) ).

What is your favorite riding route?
All the roads west of Leesburg, I love the back roads of Virginia.

Do you ride your bike to work?
No.

What is the fastest you’ve ridden?
Around 97 mph with Tweaker on Rt. 7.

What is your favorite time of year to ride?
The Fall is my favorite by far.

Have you ever been down? If so, how were you hurt and what did you learn from the incident?
Yes, 3 times. Twice in 1970 in Jacksonville Fl on my Honda CB350 Scrambler – the bike slid out from under me on oil slicks. The latest at the State Rally when I was looking at the country side instead of the road and didn’t see a turn. I have been very fortunate and walked away with not a scratch once and a little road rash twice.

Have you ever done an "Iron Butt" ride?
No, but I would try if I could find the time.

If not, what is the furthest you’ve ridden?
I rode down to Virginia Beach and back in one day.

What was the worst weather in which you’ve ridden?
A driving thunderstorm in southern Maryland and once south of Manassas.

Do you know how to work on your bike?
Yes, I have always done all of my maintenance and adjustments on my bikes.

What is your favorite road song?

• Back of your Hand – Dwight Yokam
• Me and Paul – Willy Nelson
• On the Road Again – Willy Nelson

What was your most adventurous ride?
One day by myself I went west on Rt 55 for 4 hrs, then turned north for a few hours then turned east and ended up in Winchester just at dusk. Road back to Herndon in the dark. Bought a GPS a few days later.

What rallies or events do you like to attend?
Any motorcycle camping trip, the VA State Rally’s, The Carlisle Bike Show.

Is there someone who rides "two-up" with you?
No, not in the last 40 years.

Off the cuff from...WillyD
Life is a long journey, take your time and enjoy it.