It’s a gloomy, rainy, day out today, so since I can’t be out to enjoy the wonders of motorcycling I’ll sit here at my electronic megaphone to the world and pontificate on what motorcycling means. Motorcycling is an expression of freedom, this is true, but it is more than that. It displays an individual’s appreciation of life. Their willingness to take a risk for the chance that they may gain an experience others will not, displays the level to which they enjoy their life. Motorcycling is a great metaphor for how one should act in life and I think that is why those who ride share such a passion for what they do. I know I have posted about the act of taking risks before, but I feel this concept needs to be expanded upon. I believe now more than ever people are losing the desire and thirst for risk.
Governments around the world are turning into “nanny states” and everyone’s mistake is being bailed out or forgiven. The argument for this “public protection” is that if people think that the consequences of their actions will not be so severe, then they will be more willing to take risks - this is a false assumption and this is what is leading to a slow and painful demise of what was a great country. When the consequences of taking risks is reduced so is the gain, one cannot achieve great accomplishments without the fear of great failure; climbing the highest mountain is not impressive if there is no fear of falling. Now I am not here to rant about politics, but I have written this to provide a premise for why motorcycling means so much, and is so very important.
Days like this one are the rewards for taking the risks.
Motorcycling is an individualistic venture where one’s survival depends greatly on their skill. No one else can steer the bike, change the gears, or twist the throttle. There is no greater good on a motorcycle, and even in a group ride, one’s ability cannot be transferred to someone else, each person is on their own. It is this freedom from dependency that makes motorcycling so appealing, and it is this mentality that has built this country. If motorcycles had been around in the 1700’s our founding fathers would have been the original biker gang. It’s this freedom of expression and disregard for what is socially expected that has lead to such great world events such as the American Revolution, the civil rights movement, and the fall of the Berlin Wall, and it is this spirit that lives in every motorcycle enthusiast whether they know it or not. Now I have strongly linked this spirit to those who ride because it is true that they have this feeling, but this feeling is not directly tied to motorcycling. Anyone who opens a business, fights for what they believe in, and strives to live life a little better each day is a motorcyclist in their own right. So, now that I have finished my pontificating (or some may call it a rant,) I would like to say to all those who ride: CARPE DIEM, and to all those who choose not to ride: PULL TO THE SIDE AND LET US PASS.
Live the Journey-Bren
