Why do You Ride?

I was asked : "Doug," Why do you ride ? "I be scared of falling off or getting run over" , ( this has been said to me too many times to count,)
Now surfing the net , I found an answer , I think says the way I ve felt about riding since I started riding many MoOons ago
I m posting this for those who ask me WHY? and for your comments Yea, or Nah on the way you feel !
( kinda long But! says it nicely)
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I ride because it is fun.

I ride because I enjoy the freedom I feel from being exposed to the elements, and the vulnerability to the danger that is intrinsic to riding.

I do not ride because it is fashionable to do so.

I ride my machine, not wear it. My machine is not a symbol of status. It exists simply for me, and me alone.

My machine is not a toy. It is an extension of my being, and I will treat it accordingly, with the same respect as I have for myself.

I strive to understand the inner-workings of my machine, from the most basic to the most complex.

I will learn everything I can about my machine, so that I am reliant upon no one but myself for its health and well being.

I strive to constantly better my skill of control over my machine. I will learn its limits, and use my skill to become one with my machine so that we may keep each other alive. I am the master, it is the servant. Working together in harmony, we will become an invincible team.

I do not fear death. I will, however, do all possible to avoid death prematurely. Fear is the enemy, not death. Fear on the highway leads to death, therefore I will not let fear be my master. I will master it.

My machines will outlive me. Therefore, they are my legacy. I will care for them for future bikers to cherish as I have cherished them, whoever they may be.

I do not ride to gain attention, respect, or fear from those that do NOT ride, nor do I wish to intimidate or annoy them. For those that do not know me, all I wish from them is to ignore me. For those that desire to know me, I will share with them the truth of myself, so that they might understand me and not fear others like me.

I will never be the aggressor on the highway. However, should others mess with me, their aggression will be dealt with in as severe manner as I can cast upon them.

I will show respect to other bikers more experienced or knowledgeable than I am. I will learn from them all I can. However, if my respect is not acknowledged or appreciated, it will end.

I will not show disrespect to other bikers less experienced or knowledgeable than I am. I will teach them what I can. However, if they show me disrespect, they will be slapped.

It will be my task to mentor new riders, that so desire, into the lifestyle of the biker, so that the breed shall continue. I shall instruct them, as I have been instructed by those before me. I shall preserve and honor traditions of bikers before me, and I will pass them on unaltered.

I will not judge other bikers on their choice of machine, their appearance, or their profession. I will judge them only on their conduct as bikers. I am proud of my accomplishments as a biker, though I will not flaunt them to others. If they ask, I will share them.

I will stand ready to help any other biker that truly needs my help.

I will never ask another biker to do for me what I can do for myself.

I am not a part-time biker. I am a biker when, and where ever I go. I am proud to be a biker, and hide my chosen lifestyle from no one. I ride because I love freedom, independence, and the movement of the ground beneath me. But most of all, I ride to better understand myself, my machine, the lands in which I ride, and to seek out and know other bikers like myself.

~Author Unknown~

because i can live more in a second at speed on a machine like mine than some people do in there entire lifeime.

To reply to my own post :::

It's an interesting question. I ran down the list and modified it to suit my outlook. Here's MY (and no-one else's) outlook on riding:

I ride because it's fun

I ride because when I'm on my motorcycle, I'm totally alert .

I ride because I love tinkering on and customizsing my motorcycles to my own tastes.

My motorcycle is a machine that facilitates my riding. It is neither a symbol or a legacy. Should it break or be superseded by a machine with superior abilities, it will be replaced. My family, friends, and other living beings come first because machines can be replaced, but lives cannot.

I enjoy learning the 'how' and 'why' of motorcycle design and maintenance. I hope that others will feel the same desire, but I understand if they don't.

I ride because motorcycles are morally superior to cars. Cars lie and tell you that you are an invincible, multi-ton metal monster. Motorcycles tell you that you are small, vulnerable, and life is easily lost. This is the truth of the human condition.

I strive to better my skills by testing myself and by reading materials that will help me be a better rider.

I will always try to keep my motorcycle in top condition, both to help make my riding safe and fun, and so I'm not a burden to other riders and the other people on the road.

I will never respond to aggression on the highway. To pit my motorcycle against a car or truck is a fool's game.

I will show respect to more experienced motorcyclists and try to learn from them, even if that respect is not returned. My respect is a reflection of MY character, in the same way that their lack of respect is a reflection of theirs.

I will show respect and try to help less experienced motorcyclist, but I will not try to force my views down their throats.

I will always stop and check on a motorcycle rider parked by the side of the road.

I will allow other riders to do things for me if they enjoy doing those things. If possible, I will ask them to teach me so I may come to enjoy those things as well.

I ride. But I will also respect the wishes and needs of my family and the people around me. Ultimately, my riding is not more important than my friends and family.

I ride a motorcycle because I know it is the right thing to do.

It's a hell of a lot of fun too.

i ride because the rush of wind on your body is an unparalleled feeling.
I also feel safer with the wider field of view.

Doug, good work on your personal version and sums up very well my thoughts on the matter. The first post seemed to veer off into a bit of pretentious attitude by the end and I don't much care for the term "biker".

I'm going to move this thread over to Bike Related to save it for posterity. Good post!

This really is your bestest post yet Doug, except for the one time you left us temporarily and then posted your return.
Everyone ride safe and have a fun summer.

"I ride because motorcycles are morally superior to cars. Cars lie and tell you that you are an invincible, multi-ton metal monster. Motorcycles tell you that you are small, vulnerable, and life is easily lost. This is the truth of the human condition."

It's not why I ride but
I love that:cheer:

Okay maybe I have felt a wee bit smug:P

I also ride, because the bike uses less gas and takes up less space than the car. I lived in Asia for five years where there were mobs of scooters. It made sense to me.

I ride so that I can have tatoos and wear leather jackets, chaps, vest, boots, underwear, BIG belt buckles.....

No, realy I ride for the relaxation and peice of mind.

Amen to YOUR post, Scrapper. That pretty much sums it up for me, too.

and I don't much care for the term "biker".

NONB, I totally agree with your statement. Wayyyyy too many negative connotations with that term.
I prefer the term "rider" because "motorcyclist" has always struck me as...well, awkward, for want of a better description.
"Rider" says it all, IMO, and no on can possibly confuse me up with the horsey set, that's for sure.:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

My .02.....

I ride cause it is something I enjoy that comes naturally. It is part of who I am.





:evil: Kinda like off roading in my truck