When lane splitting, which is legal in California and several other states, playing follow the leader helps open up a wider space for you to ride between lanes of gridlocked traffic. (Photo by Kevin Wing.)

Despite the fact that I?m getting up there in age, I still like to think of myself as a motorcycle racer. But if I?m honest, it?s more of a dream than reality. I?ve won zero purse money, never had sponsorship funding past dear old Mom and Dad, and not once has Broc Glover spooned a free set of Dunlops onto my race steed. Still, if ever our paths have crossed on track, you know I don?t like to follow, I won?t get out of the way, and I?m going to do everything in my power to lead to the checkers?

They say with age comes wisdom. No, I?m not talking about the increased bran uptake or the geriatric mobility stretching I?ve incorporated into my daily life. I mean that I?m growing to appreciate the benefits of pulling up the rear when I go on motorcycle rides. While I pass up the potential for champagne, roses, and adoration, I gain valuable insights that I can?t get if I?m trying to stay up front all the time. Give me a second to pop some vitamin I (ibuprofen) and I?ll explain.
At first glance, being the caboose doesn?t sound great. Your scenery gets cluttered with Big Tom on his three-wheeler, you lose influence on speed and direction within the pack, and if someone is going to miss the green light, odds are it?s going to be you. But let me make the case for some of t...