Ray Melosh
Howell, Michigan

Current bike(s):
1978 BMW R100/7
1991 BMW R100RT

Years riding:
30 (started in 1967)

Year joined HSTA:
2004

How did you first hear about the HSTA:
Through Michigan squadron member Bob Primeau. 

First Bike:
1966 Suzuki 150CC

Favorite Bike:
1991 BMW R100RT

Who (or what) was your biggest influence in motorcycling?
My wife Marge, she loves to ride two up. We even garage/yard sail on the bike (it is amazing how much a bike will haul).

Favorite place to ride:
Tough question! We just like to enjoy the scenery from the bike. The Appalachian Mts. seem to draw us to them quite a bit but the Rocky Mts. also have their majestic beauty. Any road that has hills and sweeper curves is a great place to ride.

Most memorable motorcycle adventure:
1996, 7 weeks, 11,000 miles touring west including all of Highway 1 from Seattle to LA and Death Valley and all.  Visited most of the national parks. Camped two nights and stayed in motels the third on average for the trip. Hauled all the gear on the bike. (Wow)

Best motorcycle advice or tip learned over the years:
When someone told me about “reverse steering” (counter-steering) after I had been riding for several years.  

What turns you on the most about motorcycling or why do you like to ride?
We (Marge and Ray) like to travel and so much more can be seen and felt about the area you’re in from a motorcycle, and we seem to meet a lot of nice people.

What do you get out of the HSTA?
Nice people to be around that actually go for rides and some even ride to where the ride starts.  At most events small groups are formed for each of the different riding styles. There are riders who ride the speeds and style that I do.

Hobbies and interests outside of motorcycling:
Ray; Amateur (Ham) Radio operator, hunting, reading.

Marge; reading, plastic canvas, garage/yard sailing.