Vol. 29, No. 4 #6 (August 2006). Life on the Open Road.

• Author: By Lesley Osen

Wyoming Bar Journal

2006.

Vol. 29, No. 4 #6 (August 2006).

Life on the Open Road

WYOMING LAWYERAugust 2006/Vol. 29, No. 4Life on the Open RoadBy Lesley Osen

Motorcycle riders know that adventure doesn't begin upon reaching a

destination - it begins with choosing the most interesting path. Throw out the old stereotypes! The typical motorcycle rider is no longer a tattooed hulk with a cigarette pack rolled up in his tee shirt. Instead, the biker might be your favorite lawyer or judge.

There has been a large increase in the number of persons who enjoy riding a motorcycle and with it has come great diversity. More than 20 million people own and ride motorcycles. According to the latest Motorcycle Industry Council Owner Survey, today's riders have a median age of 41. Nearly 10 percent of motorcycle owners are women; more than half are married and have attended college. They are also more prosperous. The median income of all motorcycle owners exceeds the median income.

Harleys, Hondas, Kawasakis and Triumphs. The motorcycles that Wyoming attorneys ride are as varied as the types of motorcycles that got them all hooked. More than 300 models provide a great selection.

Old lawyers, young lawyers, male lawyers, female lawyers, long time riders, neophytes and judges. All aspects of the Wyoming State Bar membership are represented in the motorcycle fraternity.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Peter McNiff has 12 motorcycles to choose from when he wants to go for a ride, including his 2004 BMW ST1150 touring bike. The BMW is Cheyenne attorney Doug Moench's bike of choice. He has a F650GS for off-road riding and a R1150 Roadster. Jackson's David DeFazio rides a Triumph Daytona, and one of the newest riders Brenda Lyttle, who has only been riding since May, has a Honda 250 Rebel.

Judge Bruce Waters enjoys his 1984 Honda Goldwing. "It's not pretty, but it is fun," said Waters. Don Rissler rides a Harley Ultra Classic. After riding Harleys for over a decade, Scott Ortiz now rides a Victory Jackpot Vegas, and Dan Blythe, who took a break from riding for a number of years, now rides a Kawasaki Concourse. Stefan Fodor also rides a Kawasaki ZX1100. Jay Gilbertz rides a Suzuki Intruder 1500. A Honda VTX 1800 is one of four bikes

owned by Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Terry O'Brien. (For you non-riders, the numbers after the name of the...