Why Do We Ride?

I attended a holiday social with family last night, and my uncle had a genuine question for me: Why do I ride? He had seen a couple of bikers on the freeway the other day who were bundled head to toe in leathers and we obviously very cold. After following them for a while, my uncle and his daughter intuitively said at the same time, "Don�t they look uncomfortable?"

My response to him was this-it is all about the adventure. I believe there are two main appeals to motorcycling: On one hand, there is the thrill of climbing onto a machine that rumbles and snorts and shakes-it is a combination of terror, exhilaration and adrenalin that is usually a little rough on the posterior. "Function Follows Form" could easily be the motto of this crowd, as the major design factor with these bikes is style, not comfort.

On the other hand, there is a certain bliss that comes from being out in God�s creation, experiencing the elements; heat, cold, rain, and wind against the backdrop of sunrises and sunsets, beaches and deserts. The best way to experience these moments is on a comfortable motorcycle made to take you hundreds of miles comfortably.

My '68 is a blast to ride, but it�s loud and greasy, and I wouldn�t want to ride it very far. My 2002 Triumph Tiger is comfortable, quiet and reliable and has heated grips! This is the bike I use for long distance adventures, but I wouldn�t necessarily take it cruising. Both types of riding equate to freedom, either in short bursts or long rounds. Both types fulfill our innate need for adventure. There is something about riding a motorcycle, braving the harsh and bitter elements, that makes us walk a little taller, knowing that we�ve got what it takes-True grit.