David Botsford
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Current bike(s):
2003 HONDA RC-51 The Fatman
2000 HONDA CBR 600 StingerB
1993 HONDA VFR 750 Whitey

Years riding:
38 Years

Joined HSTA:
2000

How did you first hear about the HSTA:
Way back in 96 or 97 I went riding with Alex and a neighbor by the name of Hal Kramer, who mentioned he was with the HSTA. For some reason I had this image of a bunch of old men on Goldwings drinking coffee talking about their Goldwings. Wrong, I only got half of it right.

First Bike:
Honda CB50

Favorite Bike:
The 51 slightly edges the CBR. Everyone that I owned had its shining moment.

Who (or what) was your biggest influence in motorcycling?
In 1964 Tom Gilbert gave me ride on the back of his Triumph Bonneville and that was that. The old Nicholson’s motorcycle shop on First St in Ann Arbor. The ‘Solo Suzuki commercials’.

Favorite place to ride:
California of course. There has to be thousands of places to ride where there are few people in cars to contend with, it’s the whole package.

Most memorable motorcycle adventure:
The 2000 trip cross country out west which almost cover 5,000 miles. But I would have to say some of the rides to Grattan and back I will never forget in a good way.

Best motorcycle advice or tip learned over the years:
They do not see you when in traffic. Be alert. Leave your issues at home.

What turns you on the most about motorcycling or why do you like to ride?
I could never count them all. I don’t know a better world then the ‘passion’ of riding. Some call it Zen for a lack of a better word which is cool. You are at one with the motorcycle. I can ride with or without. Its more then me or you. Sights, sounds and even smells and even the look on fellow riders face all lit up when you come to a stop. You  do not just ‘ride a motorcycle’.

What do you get out of the HSTA?
Fellowship. And some really great places to ride. And Greggs fashion shows.

Hobbies and interests outside of motorcycling:
Lots but I love Surfing and its culture and Photography.

What is your “dream tour?”
Hit every state out west and spending a month in each one. The ultimate ‘I wonder where that road goes’.