Michael and Michele Buchina are not only new to the Wing Rider community, but to the motorcycle rider community. It wasn’t until September of 2009 that Michael purchased his own motorcycle. He had ridden before on his brother’s dirt bike and his brother-in-law’s Rebel 250. In all actuality, he never really wanted to own a bike due to the vulnerabilities and safety concerns that being on a bike adds over a normal car or truck.
Michael and Michele are, I guess one could say, high school sweethearts. They met in 1994 while Michele was a junior at Chelsea and Michael a senior at Shades Valley. Shortly after meeting, Michael graduated high school and went off to the Navy. Two years later, they were married and in Norfolk, VA.
Fast forward a couple of years (fourteen) and in 2008 Michael volunteered to work at the “Virginia Beach Bike Classic”. He had interest in bikes, but mainly had a love for his convertible and didn’t really know why one would ride a bike over driving a convertible. Seemed like the same “wind in you hair” feeling with the comfort and amenities that you couldn’t get on a motorcycle.
Previously mentioned, Michael did ride some motor bikes, just not his own and as some people know, the Navy is about safety. Since he did ride them, he was required, in June 2009, to participate in a Basic Riders Course (BRC). He learned at this class a lot of valuable skills that eased some of the skepticisms and misunderstandings that he had about motorbikes and the pursuit of finding his own was on. Remembering why he didn’t want one in the first place, he looked for one with the comforts of a car. He knew Goldwing was the only way to go.
In September 2009 he found a 1982 GL1100 in Lanett, AL. It needed some work but was able to ride it home…only breaking down twice on the way. With the reliability factor shot, he decided to pull the motor and do a complete overhaul. Unfortunately, with the motor out and all torn apart and no more than 500 miles ridden on the Wing, big Navy calls and says in two weeks he needed to be in Atlanta with the Goldwing for the Experienced Riders Course (ERC). With a little sense of urgency added, he got the repairs expedited and was able to successfully ride it to and from Atlanta. He added some personal touches and has been having fun with it since.
Michele had similar fears about motorcycles. Her first and last encounter with a motorcycle happened as a young pre-teen riding on the back of a motorcycle and getting burned by the exhaust. It is something that has stayed with her even ‘til this day. Respect for the road and the bike is something that she has learned and keeps in her mind at all times while riding with Michael.
Currently they are here, stationed in Bessemer, AL as a Reserve officer recruiter and reside in Pelham, AL with two children Brianna (7) and Kirsten (5). Michele home-schools both of their children through Hope Christian School.
Their interests are: painting, home schooling, reading, riding bikes, mechanical repair, camping, knitting, and boating. Currently looking/dreaming of what they would like for their next Wing.
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