Well, I'm 63 years old, happily married with 3 kids and 1 step-son. Born and raised in San Diego, moved to Grand Junction (CO) about 20 years ago.

Started riding in the late 60's, early 70's with a Honda 160 street bike. Made a big jump from that to a 650cc Triumph TT Special. Learned to tune it and had a rider race it in TT races at Ascot Park in Gardena (CA). It was probably one of the quickest bikes around at the time.

Put the bikes away until a few years ago. Then started to have a blast riding here in Colorado on a little Honda 450 that was my dad's.

The big life-change happened last Father's Day, when my 2 sons gave me a brand new ZX-14 (2007, Blue). Wow. Things haven't been the same since. Spent the summer and fall riding through some BEAUTIFUL countryside, often too fast to take everything in (gotta work on that!). No tickets yet (knock wood).

We'll try to get some better pics this summer, but here's one with Jason and I (John was shooting the picture):

I started spending lots of time (checking in several times a day) at zx14ninja.com. Then the roof fell in there, and I felt like I lost my family. So I started this forum. I own a web development/programming company, so it was no sweat.

Things I've done:

• Jumped out of a perfectly good airplane about 500 times (well, I guess some of them weren't THAT good, come to think of it)
• Enjoyed whitewater rafting (favorite place: Westwater Canyon in Eastern Utah)
• Started several businesses (maybe I'll get this one right)
• Messed up more times than I can count in more ways than you can imagine

Things I've learned:

• There are risks in certain behaviors that must be accepted. Experienced skydivers always told me that as long as you knew what you were doing and did everything correctly, there was no way you would die. Then one of them died. Skydiving and motorcycle riding are dangerous. There are things that can happen -- situations that you can get yourself into -- that you just can't survive. Accept the risk or don't participate.
• Looking for the Fountain of Youth? Ride a ZX-14 (hard) and experience the adrenaline. You've found it.
• John 3:16

Favorite route to the office (which is about 4 miles from home as the crow flies):

• I-70 East to Mesa turnoff
• up the hill (fun road!) past Powerderhorn Ski Resort
• over the Grand Mesa (through the National Forest)
• down to Hwy 50 through Cedaredge and Delta
• back up to Grand Junction

Or, for the more visually oriented ("A" is home, "B" is the office):

Will post some other Colorado rides later if anyone's interested... -bg

* Last updated by: bgordon on 2/20/2009 @ 10:20 AM *

Hey bg,

How old is that jacket you are wearing.......... :) older than son, jason?

Paul

No, Paul. Just a few years old. Gotta upgrade the riding apparel this year, I guess... -bg

Nice to meet you bgordon! Have fun, stay safe and thanks a BUNCH for what you are doing with this site!!!! ;-)

How old is that jacket you are wearing.......... :) older than son, jason?

Haha! C'mon I can finally grow a moustache I'm not THAT young!

Hello Jason,

That aerial photo sure is enticing. Looks like you fellows have a great little ride there.

A buddy of mine has a very similar looking jacket to your Dad's. My freind's jacket is not in such good shape though it is still serviceable. It is also about 30 years old, lol!

Personally I think it fits his style as he rides an original model V-Max.

Methinks our host needs something a little sleeker for a ZX14; but hey whatever works for you.

Best wishes,
Paul

Hi Paul,

Yeah we are pretty lucky to live close to some good roads. Maybe someday we'll mount a camera and get some footage to share like Hub has done. I couldn't offer the technical expertize but the views would be great!

Some of our rides are in 100+ degrees F conditions, and the ballistic nylon with vents is a must for me. Don't know how my dad and brother wear that thick leather. The leather could probably slide on asphalt for longer, but I'd pass out from the heat before I got on my bike!

Well, Dad and I both got our jackets back when we were riding early '80s bikes. It looked more appropriate back then and we got a good deal on the jackets. I'm definitely looking to upgrade this year. Need to get some new tires first so I can get back on the road!

gordon, i thought that was you in your avatar :)

gordon, i thought that was you in your avatar :)

No, I don't look that good. I just found a good photo and cropped it severely. Maybe I'll be that cool someday... -bg

Thank you for this site it is one of the things I look forward to each day

notfirstbutnext:

I'm glady you are enjoying it. We have some enhancements planned that will make it even better.

Thanks for your participation! -bg

Hi bgordon,

Great site the only site I go 2 evey day.
I would love 2 take a run at 5.30 in the mornin from your place to your office looks like an awesome run.
Keep up the GREAT WORK and stay safe.

zx142008.................................................................................................

I would love 2 take a run at 5.30 in the mornin from your place to your office looks like an awesome run.

Yes, the mountain run is INCREDIBLE. Won't be too much longer before I can do it again. We are at 4,500 feet in the valley, and it is 10,000 feet up top, so there is still snow there. I think they got 9" more last Saturday. Need to stay at the lower altitudes for now...

Welcome to the site! -bg

http://img188.imageshack.us/i/mov02458.mp4/

* Last updated by: John on 10/9/2009 @ 10:21 PM *

Cheers, thanks for contributing to the comunity in such a fine, selfless way.
I will try to do the same.
The statement about the fountain of youth and the zx14.... we are on exactly the same page!
Lyle.

Hi, Lyle!

It's great to see you posting here!

Re: fountain of youth. I'm surprised that there appear to be no medical studies on the effect of adrenaline on aging. Seriously...

I'm doing a track day at Miller Motorsports Park in April. I expect to return home 3 years younger <grin>. -bg

* Last updated by: bgordon on 2/15/2010 @ 7:14 AM *

Track Day on yer 14 Gordon?How awesome is that!!!You MUST get pictures!!!!!!And have fun!Great job again on the site-thanks my brother!!!!

Track Day on yer 14 Gordon?

Yup.

You MUST get pictures!!!!!!

I'll try. I think my boys will be there.

Hope I don't mess up and drop it... -bg

You aint gonna drop her!Ride yer own ride-you'll be fine!

Love the site and I am grateful to you for creating a place for us enthusiats to spend our free time.
I was also very impressed with your introduction. You must have a lot of great stories from your experiences. What great sons you have to recognize you by purchasing such a fantastic gift. But really it represents what kind of father you must be, congradulations and thank you for your efforts on this site!

Thanks, tflndav!

Glad you found us. Yes, great sons they are, and talk about a gift that keeps on giving! -bg

It seems to take a little too... you've done a few upgrades!

When I first picked up the ZX-14 and rode it back, I never imagined it would be so much more powerful and light-weight in the future.

Still a little heavy for the track though!

Still a little heavy for the track though!

Hi, John!

Yes, it loves the big sweeping turns. The tight ones not so much... -dad

My pleasure, Stephen. Glad you're enjoying the forum!

It's the people here who make it what it is... -bg