Tim R. of Broad Brook, CT tells Twisted Road about searching for the stars to searching for a tribe to searching for his big boy bike— taking in all the scenery and lessons along the way.

How long have you been riding, which bikes have you owned and how did you become interested in riding?

My first motorcycle purchase was a trade when I was selling my college "sports" car in the front yard when I was 27 in 2008; it was a 1992 Celica GTS…I traded straight up for a 1992 Honda CBR 600 F2.

I turn a cool, young 40 this year, so I'm shocked that I've been riding for 12 years now. I always wanted a motorcycle as a young kid, but it was probably for the best I didn't own one until I was far more mature than I was at 16. Speaking of young kids, I think I see a future Twisted Road member in my kid (see below)!

Some memorable moments in learning on my 600 was a trip to Door County Wisconsin, not far from where I lived at the time. I was following some more experienced riders and lost confidence in a long and tight left banking turn. Straightened her up and slammed on the brakes but it wasn't enough as I hit the shoulder and landed the softest landing you could ask for. I went sideways down the embankment a ways and got up without a scratch. But that cheap 1992 plastic wasn't so happy. After I dusted my pride, I dusted myself off and went back on learning a valuable lesson that this was going to take some things that driving a car doesn't require: both guts and new skills.

I must have learned a few things because a few rides later with a large group, I kept up strong with the leaders. I wasn't right there, but I was just behind. Their compliment stuck with me since, "You were able to do that with that thing? Can't wait to see you on a real bike." I was still new, so that was the best acceptance to the biker world that I could ever ask for.

I've ridden a friend's Honda CBR100RR, and THAT is a proper speed machine. Sadly I watched that same bike flip end-over-end from another rider, and that simple act taught me my next most valuable lesson: you gotta respect the power.

I upgraded in 2013 to a brand new Triumph Speed Triple R.(available for rent on Twisted Road). I researched online for weeks before choosing the bike. I was looking at everything in the streetfighter category. My goal was to find something that was top in it's class in handling but had to be gorgeous to look at. Another bike on the table was the beautiful Ducati Monster, but I have no regrets.

The bike looks almost as it did when it was delivered to me with 4 miles on the tac. I try to clean it up before and after each ride. I included the Arrow sports exhaust and some other add-ons with my purchase. It was really the first time I owned a big boy toy, a brand new vehicle with a big boy loan. :)

What moto trips have you taken (long or short). Where did you go, stay and explore? Tell us some highlights.

I had a small group of friends who rode motorcycles back in Wisconsin, and those friends had far more friends who also rode. ANY time there was a ride to be a part of I signed myself up. I also rode my motorcycles to and from work anytime the weather permitted.

My favorite aspect of riding has been sharing the experience with someone else. I've done medium-distance rides, mostly charity-type stuff with my small group of race bikes mixed with hundreds of Harleys. There was a yearly ride for the American Red Cross in Upper Michigan that I loved to do also. Views from the overlooks for Lake Superior were always a fun stop.

Now, having moved to New England and very far from home (and with raising a family), it hasn't in the cards lately. But I have met a few amazing people in a few short months who have rented from me that have invited me along for a future ride and I'm very excited to join!!

What hobbies do you enjoy when you're not riding?

The newest hobby I've picked up over the COVID-19 social lockdowns is deep space astrophotography. I've even shared some photos with some riders who have rented from me. It's a very uniting thing that seems to connect us all in some way, along with the unbelievable idea that you can take amazing photos right from your backyard in such a light polluted area.

My favorite photo so far has to be my latest one of the Rosette Nebula, also known as the Skull Nebula. I've always been fascinated with the stars and what is out there, and now I'm photographing it every clear night I can.

What do you enjoy about being part of the Twisted Road community?

So far my experience with Twisted Road has been fantastic. The startup process to rent my motorcycle could not have been any easier. Even the customer service when I'm texted—it's not a bot, but a person, and I can even text back and feel there is a human on the other end reassuring me that I am doing exactly what I needed to do.

My favorite part of this community is the riders; some in particular have been so amazing to talk to and work with. I genuinely love to hear how the ride went and admittedly my immodest expectation that they would absolutely love the bike, and they do every time. I'm lucky to have a unique bike and I'm happy to share it.

What are your favorite rides near your hometown? 

My hometown is back in Wisconsin, so my favorite has to be riding all the twisty roads around Holy Hill in South East Wisconsin near Erin. However, in Connecticut, I would have to say out past Bradley Airport towards Simsbury and north by the reservoir. I wish I could give more information, but I don't get out much.

What location is on your moto trip bucket list?

Some day I hope to ride the Tail of the Dragon…yeah yeah, I know, so cliché -- but come on, it's iconic for a reason. But more realistically, I hope to find a group of riders near my home that wouldn't mind having the Triple along for the ride, and I don't care where the destination is at all. I would just love to get back out there with someone I can chase!

Check out Tim's bike available for rent on Twisted Road

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