Have you ever thought about why you ride? This has really been on my mind of late. Let me share with you some of the reasons why it is that I ride a motorcycle.
I ride because it is an amazing form of therapy. I can be having the worst day and within seconds of taking off on a ride things look better. Something about the sounds and feelings of being on my scooter takes away all of the worrisome stress of life. All that's wrong is forgotten while I'm out on the bike.
I ride because I enjoy the challenges it presents. I'm constantly trying to improve my riding skills. I feel that I can never get enough skills to make riding too safe. Learning what your bike is capable of doing in a controlled setting comes in handy in the real world. Taking the time to practice the little things comes in handy. Practice your skills enough so that they are second nature and that you don't have to think you can simply react.
I ride because of the places it takes me. I can travel to some new out of the way destination or over some of my favorite old haunts. Mentally I seem to always go back to special memories as I ride. Reliving fond things from my past which can be enjoyed completely on the inside or shared with others.
I like to ride because it stimulates my senses. Think of any riding experience. You are out there in the elements. Think of the smells of farmland or fresh flowers in the spring. The chill that cold air gives your skin as you enjoy a bright sunny day in the middle of winter. Think of the sounds of nature you experience while resting at some state park alongside a stream. The sights of brilliant fall foliage that you see while cruising a mountain twisty.
I ride because it's erotic. The beauty of the curves and design of our bikes remind me of a woman's beauty. Motorcycles, just like women, are eye catching head turners. Much like a wonderful lover we work together with our bikes to fuel this passion we share. We long to spend time together no matter if it's just a quick little romp or a week long adventure. The more we put into it the more pleasure we get out of it.
I ride because of the people it let's me meet. The friendships that spawn and thrive during many fun filled journeys are priceless. Perhaps it's the stranger who feels the need to speak about the bike while I'm refueling. Maybe it's the little kids that get bright eyed looking at a group of riders passing them on the interstate.
I ride because I can do it alone. I ride because I can do it as part of a group. I ride because it brings me happiness and peace. These are but a few of the reasons I ride.
Why do you ride?
Ride Safe
Ronman
6 comments:
You said this so well I don't know if what I can add will help.
They say either "it" is in you, or it's not. Once it is, there's no denying it. For me, its riding plus the H-D "mystique," that thing that makes riding more than just fun; it gives it a soul. The brother/sisterhood of H-D that bonds us and stretches around the whole world is amazing. It's like something tangible, that you can almost reach out and touch.
I don't mean to say that riders of other brands can't experience the ride; I'm saying that riding a Harley ADDS to my experience. For folks who don't think they need that, more power to you. For folks who share it, you know where I'm coming from.
Just the sound of starting up my bike sends an adrenaline surge through me. It's a fact that sound enhances perception, and nothing sounds like a Harley except...a Harley! That's where it starts for me. It continues because of all the things you've said and more. I hope it doesn't end for a very long time.
Hey Ronman, very well put! Riding is many things to many people. I have riden since i was 8 years old. I almost can't remember not riding! it's my life and it's the only thing i have ever done well. Now and then i'll dig through my boxes of racing trophies and sit and remember so many years ago the events and people...the injuries ...the good times, and the guys that have past on now. I'll ride untill i can't ride..then i'll die. -Crusty
Very well put Ronman. I couldn't have said it better. Back in the day in Japan, I used to ride a 550cc Honda as that is what I could afford. I still get warm feelings and great memories when I think about how a bunch of us would set out on a journey around Japan. Maybe it was an all day ride around the base of Mt. Fuji or maybe a trek to the mountains through small towns or a ride along the coast down to a beach some 100 miles away for the day. Many times I did it alone or had my girl along for just the reasons you mentioned. Sometimes, in the spring, summer and fall I would just get on it at night and ride for a couple of hours just because I could and because it was so enjoyable.
The smells, the warm air, the sights; the people you met, the places you saw; but most of all it was the freedom of riding and I rode because it was fun! Nothing was more enjoyable or exhilarating and you were one with the elements and nature.
I have not ridden in more than 25 years, but every spring, when the air gets warm, I get the bug and the urge to ride again. Maybe one of these days I will, but I do know for sure that when I return to Japan to retire in a few years, I will probably take up riding again as a way to pass the time of retirement as I will then also be a "free man". Besides, there are many Harley clubs for people over 50/60 and retired in Japan and I would most definitely probably join one and relive the memories and ride again for just the reasons you mentioned.
Thanks for a fine post!
Joe
Is there anything better than the feel of riding down the road on a harley? (Ok, other than sex...wink)
But other than that, really... is there anything better than the wind blowing in your hair? Awesome man who you are so hot for leaning back into you? Rumbling sound of the awesome bike you are straddling? The feel of the vibrations as you speed up? The freedom of flying down the road? Riding with a group of friends? Riding with just your sweetie? Feeling the sun shining down on you? Seeing the moon shining over head?
Personally, I don't think there is a better feeling than that... it is almost like sex on wheels. LOL
I am so thankful for getting the opportunity to experience this. I am definitely hooked on it... I can't imagine not being able to ride!
I don't understand when someone says it is too cold to ride and the concept of "trailering" your bike...is crazy to me.
Anyway, just the thought of a "backseat driver" LOL
I ride on the back with my baby because it gives us a sense of closeness. Erotic, yes! There is nothing like the feeling of two bodies leaning into curves together as one with the bike.
I ride my own bike because it makes me feel strong, confident, and proud that I am a 5'4" woman and I have control over this several-hundred pound machine!
I ride to be a part of the scenery--not just to see, but to smell, taste, hear, and feel the experience.
I ride to make new friendships and to celebrate old ones.
I ride to experience new places and new adventures.
Riding is relatively new to me, and yet I can barely imagine life without riding. It is almost like I have been reborn; and now I am actually LIVING life!
Very eloquent, Ron... and all these comments... I'm feeling less and less anxious and more excited by the hour....
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