Paying It Forward

The article “Paying It Forward” by Bud Miller was originally published on the “RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel” magazine website on 04/18/2012.

When I was 25 I worked as a Land Surveyor. I started out in the field as an apprentice and eventually worked my way up to party chief; which meant I had client contact. I would show up to do the work and quite often the clients were home. I’d let them know what we’d be doing, chat a bit about their plans for the property, and then get to work.

On one occasion I met a man who was a police officer for a local municipality here in Pennsylvania. A nice guy, very affable, and I noticed he had a motorcycle in front of his house. At the time I was considering learning to ride and told him as much. He took some time to tell me I should take the motorcycle safety foundation course and to learn all I could. He was fairly serious and went into detail about close calls he’d had and how it can be dangerous on the road. Our conversation had an impact on me. I was young – I needed to hear it.

A few days later I was waiting for my car to be inspected at a local repair shop and I picked up the newspaper and read the headline. I’ll never forget that moment because I got nauseous and a bit dizzy and my hands started shaking. I’d never felt anything like it before. The policeman who took the time to talk to me about bike safety was killed, and his daughter seriously injured, when a driver turned left in front of them while they were out riding together.

The thought of riding didn’t even cross my mind again for more than 10 years. When I finally did decide to start riding, it was with a certain gravity. I remembered the kind words and serious look in the eyes of that policeman all those years earlier.

I now try to impart what I’ve learned over the years to less-experienced riders who are open to learning. I’ve always got an ear open for riders who have a lot more experience than me as well. The learning never ends, nor does the teaching. On group rides, lunch or coffee breaks offer great opportunities for both learning and teaching. There’s no denying that advice given with seriousness, caring, and mutual respect can have a lifelong impact on whoever hears it. I know it did for me.