EXTREME FIRKROY! TO THE MAAAaaax…
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EXTREME FIRKROY! TO THE MAAAaaax... , 10.0 out of 10 based on 5 ratings 
Dan LaFollette (32 Posts) I would describe myself as a father first, and married to a wonderfully supportive spouse that works her butt off for the family. I'm also a writer, techno nerd, and humorist. I always have more things to do than I have time to do them, and have many interests. View My Profile As far as my writing goes I consider myself an observer of human nature, and a lifelong writing student. 
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Tags: bike, bycycle, Dan LaFollette, Firkroy, Honda, Kawasaki, Larry Crowne, motorcycle, Mt. Tabor, Oregon, Portland, skateboard, Tom Hanks, Yamaha
TJ Lubrano:
February 26th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
I was totally speaking in a low voice and then I had to snap out of it as I kept reading the entire article in a low voice hehe.
This was so cool! I loved taking a ride through your past
I had to google a few names though to see how the bikes looked like haha. In Holland, it’s quite funny to see how people see their bike almost as their pet. I kid you not! They take it with them everywhere even when it’s snowy and slippery. Some even ride when it’s stormy outside! I already have trouble walking normally when it’s storming outside, so you won’t see me riding a bike. I’d be literally flying through the air.
Larry Conley:
February 26th, 2012 at 4:31 pm
Dan,
This nicely encapsulates the difference between being a father and being a son. When we were sons, few things would please us more than being followed by a pack of “wild adolescent girls.” At least as best I can recall.
As fathers, few things alarm us more than seeing such a following for our son.
The challenge of being male never ends; it just changes its disguise. It is a miracle any of us make it to quasi-responsible adulthood.
Neat reflections; thanks for sharing them.
Larry
Jen and Tonic:
February 26th, 2012 at 4:31 pm
Forget Mazda, YOUR new motto is “Zoom Zoom”
I had no idea you used to ride bikes! As if you weren’t already really cool before…This article was especially fun for me because I’ve been everywhere you’ve written about in this article. I got tons of mental images!
“Miraculously my boys didn’t inherit my thrill seeking genes, it’s one less thing I have to worry about as they grow up. Instead I have to worry about the little pack of girls that seems to be following my 12 year old around.” That sounds WAY more dangerous than any bike you’ve ever ridden.
Cher Duncombe:
February 26th, 2012 at 7:08 pm
You really took us on some rides here, Dan! The closest I get to biking these days is my exercise bike. No thrills, and no danger, but the iPod makes it fun. You must be one of the most terrific dads. You have such a healthy and loving way when you speak of your sons that I can only imagine how special they are. This was a kick to read, and every time I read you, I appreciate more of the special person you are.
Dan LaFollette:
February 26th, 2012 at 7:38 pm
OK TJ, you can stop talking in a low voice now
If you haven’t ridden a bike in a while you have to get over sore butt syndrome, but after riding several times riding becomes a joy. I love my bike, and riding it is like traveling on a magic carpet that lets me get close to my environment. If I were in Holland then I would be one of the people treating my bike like a pet, and I would name my bike Fred.
TJ, It sounds like you need a set of ice skates, and a sail. Now that would be traveling in style!
Dan LaFollette:
February 26th, 2012 at 7:49 pm
Thanks Larry,
I love this “The challenge of being male never ends; it just changes its disguise. It is a miracle any of us make it to quasi-responsible adulthood.”
That’s such a perfect description. I think outside influences like having a lot of responsibility really helps to keeps me in line.
Dan LaFollette:
February 26th, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Zoom Zoom Zoom!
A have this persistent motorcycle twitch that I have under control with acupuncture.
Jen, I think my son has a pretty good head on his shoulders, and if we did a thing or two right then hopefully my son will make good choices when he has to. But judging from the way I’ve seen some of these little girls act he’s really going to have to keep on his toes.
Dan LaFollette:
February 26th, 2012 at 8:51 pm
Thanks Cher
My boys are my biggest challenge and my greatest treasure. I learn so much from them all of the time. Exercise bikes are just no fun, there are no squirrels to see, no sleeping hobos to ride by, and no hills to coast down. However, when I was recuperating from knee surgery I did enjoy watching episodes of “My name is Earl” while peddling away on one.
Oh and I too enjoy my iPod, sometimes it’s the only way I can concentrate with all of the kid noise
Katy Kern:
February 27th, 2012 at 8:22 am
As a parent of a 12 year-old boy (who is a thrill-seeker much to my dismay), I found this line perfect: “Hopefully he’s been inoculated against stupidity. But the thing about stupidity is that resistance requires frequent booster shots.”
Great article, Dan
TJ Lubrano:
February 27th, 2012 at 9:09 am
*stops talking in a low voice & waves to Fred* I don’t ride a bike that often as everything is on walking distance for me. Same story when I lived in my old home. I do have a bike though. I think it’s mandatory to have a bike in Holland haha
Aaah I want to travel like that now
Dan LaFollette:
February 27th, 2012 at 11:28 am
Thanks Katy
Maybe the thrill seeking gene skips generations, was your dad jumping shark tanks with his motorcycle?
My older son takes my conversations with him to heart which sometimes surprises me, I just hope he keeps listening as he gets older. I think the best thing you can do is try and live what you’re preaching, kids can spot hypocrisy and they will follow what you do more than what you say.
Cher Duncombe:
February 27th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
Dan, why is that I can totally see you watching episodes of “My Name is Earl”? That character, whom I may have seen twice, reminds me of the infamous Daryl! You have a wonderful sense of humor and a good parent truly needs that.
Dan LaFollette:
February 27th, 2012 at 4:29 pm
Cher, Daryl and Earl do share some similarities. They both believe in Karma for instance, and they’re both snappy dressers. The main difference is that Daryl has a New Jersey accent and is batshit crazy. I will be elaborating a bit on this assertion sometime this week.
Cher Duncombe:
February 27th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Call me daft, but Daryl is one of my all-time favorite characters! He has a Jersey accent, so I bet he says “fockers” a lot, as in Meet them.
Dan LaFollette:
February 27th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
No Cher, that’s what I say when I see him working in the yard with his sidekick.