Biker Forums - Motorcycle Enthusiast Forum - Newbie to this forum and about me

Hello all. I just joined this forum to read, learn and possibly add to the goings on here. I have been riding on and off for the last 35+ years. Like many of us, started off riding dirt bikes, then graduated to bigger street bikes and then my first Harley back in 75. I now ride a 01 Softail Heritage Classic. This bike was chosen because I found it to be the best compromise between a bike I can travel on and ride around town. Have spent a lot of time, money and energy making it 'mine'.
Riding is my main love. It is my stress relief, my energizer and my primary means of having fun. I believe in being a safe and polite rider.
I know there are a lot of controversial issues centered around motorcycling, I myself believe in an individuals rights as long as it doesn't adversely effect others. Yes, my bike has loud pipes as I truly feel that makes my riding safer. I sometimes would like to have quiter exhausts but want to be heard if I can't be seen. I am riding more and more with a helmet, trying to make myself use it more. Why? Because I have had my share of going down, being ran into and hospitalized. Some my fault and some the fault of the cagers. The instances where it was my fault was in my younger wilder days. But I know that there may be the day, no matter how careful or good I am, that there could be the instance I just can't avoid. And I rather like my life, like riding, so want to enjoy it to the fullest I can.