SCRC Loudoun VA Featured Member - July, 2009
Name: Mike Rader
Nickname: Krat
Marital Status: Married
Location: Leesburg, VA
Hometown: Thorntown, IN
Children: One Son, Chris
Age: 38
Occupation: Internet Superhero
Current motorcycle(s): 2008 Suzuki Boulevard M109R
How did you hear about the SCRC and when did you join?
I joined the club on April 3rd, 2009. I learned about the club through Dave Stoll in 2008 during a LMS event.
How long have you been riding?
I have been riding for 32 years. I started on a Suzuki JR50 and kept upgrading.
Have you ever taken a motorcycle safety course?
Yes, I have participated in 4 riding courses. I am a firm believer in refresher courses. It is amazing how motorcycle safety has evolved over the years. I am not too old to learn new tricks.
What was your first bike?
Suzuki JR50
How many bikes have you owned?
15
Why do you ride?
I ride for selfish reasons. I ride for the feeling I get when sit on the saddle, roll the throttle, and all my senses come alive from the sounds, smells, and the feel of the world around me.
Have you ridden with an organized group before?
Yes, each is a little different but all have the same end goal.
What modifications have you done to your bike?
I have completed the following modifications on my bike:
* HID Light
* Kuryakyn ISO Grips
* RCComponent Czar Wheels
* Vance and Hines Bigshots Exhaust
* Vance and Hines FuelPak
* Kewl Metal Tachometer Housing
* Kewl Metal 2" Extended Risers
* Kuryakyn Zombie Pegs
* Kuryakyn Switchblade Pegs
* Chopped the license plate mounts.
* Metzeler ME880 Marathon XXL 280mm rear tire
* Zumo 550
* Engine Guards
* Bushtec M109R Hitch
* Sebel 128dB Air Horn
* Electrical Power Plate
* Corbin Rider and Passenger Seats
What accessories do you want to add to your bike?
* Stainless Steel Brake Lines
* Stainless Steel Clutch and Throttle Cables
What is your dream bike?
I don’t really have a dream bike. I love the one I have but based on my riding style, I have been thinking of purchasing a Gold Wing.
What kind of riding do you like to do — straight-aways or twisties?
I consider myself a long distance rider. I love long twisted roads.
If you have a nickname, how did you get it? Tell the truth!
My nickname started in the military and is a long story. To keep it short, used it during my online gaming passion but my friends grew tired of such a long name to type online. The name then was Kratiuscon. As all names over time, it was shortened to make things easier, Krat. Krat was derived from the mythological god, Kratos. The funny thing is that there are a lot of people around the world that only know me as Krat. One of my best friend’s wife only knows me by that name. LOL
What is your favorite riding route?
I love taking route 33 west from Ruckersville into WV. Then go south on route 220 take a left on 250 back into Virginia. It seems short and sweet but that is over a 300 mile ride from Leesburg, VA.
Do you ride your bike to work?
Yes.
What is the fastest you’ve ridden?
125mph.
What is your favorite time of year to ride?
I like the colors of the fall but really enjoy no bugs at the end of winter.
Have you ever been down? If so, how were you hurt and what did you learn from the incident?
have been down 7 times so far. I have been lucky and walked away from all of them with just bruises and pain. The earlier accidents I learned a lot about patience. The later accidents, I learned that we don’t control our world. We just have to be aware of the dangers and attempt to avoid them. I always prepare for the incident instead of wishing I did.
Have you ever done an "Iron Butt" ride?
No, but I have been thinking about trying one.
If not, what is the furthest you’ve ridden?
As a single rider, I have ridden about 1100 miles in a day. With a passenger, I have ridden 710 miles in a day. That is actually a funny story on it’s own. A guy in my squad asked me to drive him to Miami from Augusta, GA to get his car. As soon as we left the base, it rained the whole way. We stopped at the Florida state line for some food and he broke down and cried asking to go back to the barracks.
What was the worst weather in which you’ve ridden?
I have ridden in a snow storm once. The bike was the only option to get me where I had to be.
Do you know how to work on your bike?
I am not a professional mechanic but I am comfortable working on it, yes.
What is your favorite road song?
That changes from day to day, it all depends on my mood I guess.
What was your most adventurous ride?
I can say that I have been on an adventurous ride.
What rallies or events do you like to attend?
Daytona Bike Week, Mountainfest, Myrtle Beach Bike Week, and Gettysburg I am always looking to add to this list.
Is there someone who rides "two-up" with you?
No, I am trying to get my wife interested but I have not had any luck.
Off the cuff from...Krat
Never ride behind a horse trailer; that is not rain hitting your windshield!