All true.

Just for clarification, my ankle was badly injured playing basketball. I did have a bad bicycle accident where I hit my head very hard just over 10 years ago. ;)

I enjoyed the hell out of the Miata with the kids. And I do miss it in that regard. At times I even wondered if it was worth revisiting the Jeep Ultd or a 4-person convertible, but sacrificing the fun of a little convertible for the few times all 4 would go open air on the car would kill its mission.

Anyway, thanks everyone. I think cycling once a week is probably enough risk.

Doing the course first is what I'd come back to.

If it's not for you then you know.

If a partial solution is needed, maybe a good e-bike? They are in a gray zone of regulation, safety and gear.... Better that you ride one with MSF than without. Likely less dangerous than motorcycles, but still risky of course, and they bring some risks (doors of parked cars e.g.) that MC's avoid more by owning the lane... I don't have one and have no significant time/experience on them, so I don't have input on that. Still evolving but certainly getting popular, not least because it cuts the licensing, maintenance and other frictions of motorcycling while capturing some of its urban advantages.

JV's post is spot on.

I don't know MA requirements, but in most states you have to demonstrate skills in order to get your licence from DMV. Smaller and lighter make maneuvering easier

Most "smaller" bikes are also less expensive. If you find out riding is not for you, your financial losses will also be smaller.

Beyond where you live, there are some fantastic routes to be explored in NH, Maine and Vermont (but you don't need me to tell you this)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...S_%2802%29.jpg

Good compromise? :dunno:

Agree with doing the MSF course even if you decide BEFORE taking the course that you don't want to buy/ride a bike. There's no reason not to.

If you've never riden before, it should be fun, start teaching you some new skills, and give you a more direct appreciation for what it's like to be on a bike which will also help you be a better driver.

There's no reason for you to take motorcycling advice from me given how little I've been on a bike in 30+ years (not that I put many hours/miles on before that), but if you were to decide you wanted to buy something and ride a bit, I'd suggest starting with something used, upright, light (enough you can pick it up by yourself when it falls), and kind of underpowered. See how it goes for a few months/couple thousand miles and take it from there.

I don't think it will fill the convertible void at all, but it would open up an entirely different experience.

I'll do that even if I am convinced that I will not buy one. I've always wanted to.

I thought of that, but frankly, I rather go with a roadster.

Having both a bike and a "reverse trike (2 front wheels, 1 rear)", I can tell you they're both different.

Sure you get the same "wind therapy", but when the roads become twisty, the 3-wheeler isn't as fun.

There's something about tilting the horizon on a curve that makes motorcycling a blast.