Before I fire up my Honda 750, I do a bike safety check then say a prayer, touch the starter and the magical sound of the cobra pipes comes alive. The ride and direction are whatever I want it to be ... pure freedom.

In the 42 years of marriage, my bride and I have raised four wonderful children who now have their own families and careers. My wife, Peggy, also has her interest in quilting. SO, I thought it's time for Dad. I jokingly asked Peggy which hobby I should pursue: skydiving or motorcycle riding. I am glad Peggy agreed with me on the motorcycle because I have a fear of heights.

Our state has a motorcycle safety course at Community College of Allegheny County at College Center North, which is free. I enrolled in the class in June '08. They really pushed us making sure we could handle the bikes. There were nine women and 15 men in my class. We all passed. Also completing the course gave us a discount on our insurance rates.

Then, purchasing a bike was almost as hard as the safety course. So with Peggy's approval and Craig's List, I found my bike in Butler County. It has more chrome than paint and is a showpiece.

I rode 40 years ago but never owned a bike. The emotion of owning a bike is hard to describe, but joyful seems to cover it.

Riding on the training course and being in real traffic is very different. So my first few months was one of building my confidence as I road some of the roads in North Hills -- Rochester to Babcock Boulevard through Millvale, up Hoffman Hollow to Route 19. I ride on all roads, even Downtown Pittsburgh, although I don't particularly like riding the interstates.

Riding on two-lane roads, going by and seeing people, waving to children and the scents of the farm areas is nice since it is a slower pace and you can take in rural America. Also nice are hand signals to other bikers and knowing if any trouble happens a brother or sister will stop to help. We don't know each other, but we have a bond -- the motorcycles.

So, with the freedom of direction, approval of my life's partner and the joy of ownership comes one of the most important parts of motorcycle riding -- responsibility.

The responsibility of a good riding attitude toward other drivers, a safe bike, correct clothing and especially a quality helmet and insurance -- with these in place I just focus on the fun of riding.

Going to different bike nights with my son-in-law, Mike, also riding with Jesse, our pastor, and five months of riding by myself -- I am ready for a road trip maybe this fall and positively next spring.

Next year I'll see if I can persuade my bride, Peggy, to ride with me.