Good Riding Buddies Can Be Hard To Find

I love riding on my own, but sometimes it's fun to share the experience with a friend, preferably a low maintenance friend of similar riding ability who doesn't do stupid shit. I've been fortunate to have several dedicated riding buddies in my life. Friends who love to gear up and take off at a moments notice, just to get away because they know they have never, and will never regret it.

For the past several years CJ has been that riding buddy who clearly loves to ride as much as I do. So much, that he is often the instigator of quick jaunts and weekend trips, even if the weather is less than perfect. His usual response to my texts to see if he wants to go ride is, "What time?". We're more than 15 years apart in age, but it doesn't matter one bit, except I need a thicker camping pad to sleep on and a bit more Advil.

   

CJ has been riding for a little more than 8 years. He started on a pre-owned 2007 CBR600RR, but now his daily ride is a dialed-in Yamaha FZ09. He had a 899 Panigale for a minute too, but it didn't stick. He has put more than 50,000 miles on his FZ09 in almost 6 years, commuting, doing weekend rides and moto road trips. I think it's safe to say, that he loves riding motorcycles.

Like most avid motorcyclists, CJ is always eager to ride any bike that his friends, or anyone will let him throw a leg over. Lucky for him, he has some friends with some very nice bikes. He's the type of guy you can easily trust on your bike because he will treat it as his own, and won't risk wadding your ride.

CJ and I have been moto camping several times together in the Big Sur region. (Link to Best 30HR Moto Getaway) He's been a great wing man for those trips. Helping plan, navigate our routes, bringing essential gear, taking photos, and generally rolling with the punches. We have asked others to join us every time we go, but for some reason we rarely get any takers. Oh well, their loss. 

CJ is a newlywed and starting a family, so I'm not sure how often he will be able to get away on two wheels in the near future, but he assures me it will still happen. He has an understanding wife, just as I do, so I tend to believe him.

See ya next ride, CJ. What time?