I fantasise about straddling the latest motorcycles and going on faraway rides.
Yet strangely, even with the wildest flight of fantasy, reality sometimes hits me and makes me think responsibly.
For this reason, this year, I shall attempt to ride less and spend more time with loved ones.
Also, I strive to not injure myself as often during off-road sessions.
Finally, I aim to be considerate and not leave a trail of mud every time I step into the house after riding.
But friends tell me I'm only dreaming.
Like other bikers that my friends know about, they said I'm hardly the type to cut down the time spent in the bike seat.
Some even suspect that the whole Biker Boy series has been engineered so that I can live my dreams on two-wheelers - for work.
Still, I say, is it wrong to dream?
As I look around on Singapore roads, my mind slides into daydreammode. I have a wish list that will hopefully be fulfilled by some higher power.
MORE SENSITIVE SENSORS
I hope somebody makes the strip-like sensors at traffic stops a little more sensitive.
Many bikers will have experienced the frustration of waiting at the traffic stop and watching traffic lights flash green in favour of the adjacent traffic.
These sensors don't seem to know that we've been waiting at the traffic stops for a long time.
At night, when there is less traffic, some motorcyclists resort to reversing their motorbikes over the strips, hoping that the sensors pick up a reading or asking pillions to alight and press the button to activate the pedestrian crossing, so the light change in their favour.
I have seen a few who grow impatient and just ride ahead despite the red light.
SMALLER IU
We're in the age of fuel-injection, anti-lock brakes and fly-by-wire throttles.
If laptops and handphones can go micro, then surely somebody can invent a sleek-looking, card-sized in-vehicle unit (IU)?
Many a bike's looks have been ruined by the large, grey IU.
While some are able to tuck away the IU behind fairings - the motorbike's plastics - others have to live with the IU visibly exposed on their handlebars.
CONCERN FOR M'SIAN BIKERS
Yes, of course, Singapore bikers deserve road respect too, but let's spare an extra thought to Malaysian riders who ride and work in Singapore each day.
If you have ever been caught in checkpoint morning jams, either heading to or out of Singapore, you will know it's an unpleasant experience.
Yet these guys do it on a daily basis. It's a long ride for them just to get to work.
RESPECT FOR ALL BIKERS
I yearn for the day motorcyclists do not feel like they're second-class road users.
For example, some shopping centres and tourist attractions do not have enough parking lots for motorbikes.
Some even state clearly that motorcycles are not allowed in their premises.
On the roads, ignorant motorists overtake closely as though bikers are invisible.
Yes, some of us choose riding as a lifestyle and sometimes, we pay dearly for it.
Of course, some riders are no angels, especially when they weave through traffic and speed recklessly.
But on behalf of law-abiding riders, can we have more respect?
CARWASH SERVICE
I would like more petrol stations to serve motorcyclists at the carwash.
While some proud riders prefer to wash their own machines at HDB carparks, why aren't motorcycles allowed at the carwash?
We are willing to pay.
We're willing to queue up just like the drivers.
But there have been times when bikers are asked to stay separate from the car queue. We're told to wait and are served only after the line for the cars has cleared.
Why is this so? Are four wheels better than two?
DREAM COME TRUE
I am happy about the launch of the first race at the home-built motorcycle circuit inTuas.
Many of us have been dreaming of this day.
And it is with a dream by two bikers that the idea behind the Circuit@Tuas was hatched.
On 12 and 13 Jan, the jumps at Circuit@Tuas will come alive with the sound of motocross and enduro bikes. Registration is now open.
