I learned how to ride a bicycle on this Mongoose, from the local Wally World. I rode it for the first time on July 20, 2003. Yes, 2003... (© Gabriel Diaz)

... And that led to my first successful attempt on a motorbike, at the MSF course, a month later. That tiny Suzi GZ250 and I were not the best of friends ... but the instructors were great. (www.mtii.com)

I learned countersteering on these little bikes. (© Gabriel Diaz)

The artwork on the back of my new fave tee. It says it all for me. Get your own at www.reaperwear.com

Sometimes these Ninjas can be a little too much fun... (© Gabriel Diaz)

My first ride: 1979 Suzuki GS550L. It needed some work. I bought it for a song and a half, then sold it for half a song to make way for the Ninja. Regretfully, I never rode it; the Ninja became my learner bike. (© Gabriel Diaz)