Titanic Post

There are many reasons why people ride motorcycles. Some ride for the rush of excitement from the speed and danger. Others ride for the fellowship of being in a group of like minded people. Many riders talk about the freedom they feel when on the road.  Some, like myself, enjoy the solitude when they ride alone.

I hadn’t thought much about it one way or the other until a week or so ago when a hiking buddy asked me why I rode. I hesitated for a second or two before mumbling, “I like to be in the wind.” I thought to myself, “what a stupid answer!” However, it was as true an answer as any, had I had more time to think about it.

Most people think it’s a mid-life crises, but I’ve gone through several of those and believe me, motorcycling is no crises.  I prefer to ride alone or with a like-minded unintrusive friend.  There is a greater sense of peace than freedom.  Motorcycles are dangerous and there is a sense of a possible death.  Even with full protective gear a rider can die.

I am acutely attached to the road, the wind, and the process of riding. The process is a flow of intentions which immediately translate into movement whereby I become lost in what I am doing and disappear into the environment, confident that my actions will turn out well. It is a form of ecstasy, even a spiritual event.  As I write these words, I realize how futile and meaningless my reasoning appears to be.  I like to ride because I like to ride. Basta!

One does learn, however, that riding a bike is full of metaphors that apply to other aspects of my life. I learned to use power sparingly and to move gently through the curves. And, it makes me laugh.