WHY DO YOU RIDE?

[Mahaflac]

I would like to ask a question!

Why do you ride?

I have been asked this question several times. While I know why I ride, I do my best to articulate, but how do you define something that, to me, is inarticulable. I always feel as though my answer is feeble at best. I guess due to the fact that if you have to ask, you will never understand.

There is always the statement about freedom of the road but that sounds so cliche. I always elude to the fact that I can ride for hours without a single thought running through my mind about work or day to day struggles. I love that when I ride, I ride to get lost and the anticipation of the unknown. I am not defined by the next turn or where that next turn is. That next turn always seems to find me. It is about the fact that somehow the world undergoes a metamorphosis through the visor of helmet. I begin to see things differently. Things make sense when I am on my bike and I become one with my surroundings as when I ride. I become hyper-aware of things going on around me. This is one of the reasons I stay off the roads most traveled when possible. I love that one-ness to be with nature.

I ride because of the people. Bikers are some of the most genuine people you will ever meet. I rarely meet a stranger riding a motorcycle. They somehow always seem to be long lost acquaintances that I am reconnecting with. For the most part, bikers are family. They will never leave you stranded on the highway. Pull over on the side of the road (safe place) and lean up against your bike. Not a biker one will pass you by without stopping to see if you are okay or need help. They will offer their homes or their shops for repairs or lodging if needed without hesitation. They are the epitome of humanity and what it should be. They will ride to the aide of abused kids at 2:00 AM. They will ride to benefit the homeless, supply toys to kids at Christmas, or the unknown friend with cancer. they are just good people. When a brother is fallen, they will come out in droves to support the loved ones in time of need.

I ride for my health. Aside from the stress relief, I once read that you burn about 40 calories an hour riding your motorcycle. If you sing while riding (and sometimes I do) you burn and additional 100 calories an hour. Hey, its better than running a mile.

I would eventually like to get into Adventure riding and take all of this further from society. 

So I ask the question again.  WHY DO YOU RIDE?

[TrophyRider4]

Four wheels move the body.  Two wheels move the soul!

[LarryJa]

I can't imagine that I wouldn't.

[Phil]

I have often asked myself the same question and have yet to find a good answer.  I started riding when I was 16 and it was a simple way of getting from A to B and home again.   I've been on bikes ever since, now 67, and I've added XYZ to my list of destinations.   I have met some wonderful people along the way and seen some great places, which I probably would not have visited if not for the bike.  Thinking back I'm pretty sure this is why I ride.  As for "Freedom of the open road" I hate the saying, and have yet to find any "freedom" on the open road.  I have found lots of rules and a few people who clearly do not share my passion for motorcycles. Bless them

I currently belong to a number of local clubs (7) and without exception the members and fantastic who have gradually become to be regarded as mates. 

More recently, I've discovered the good folk on this forum.  I appreciate all of your questions and all of the answers.  What an intelligent bunch you are. 

Of course, when it's pouring with rain and I get soaking wet the question arises again,  "Why the hell do I ride?" 

[brenchley]

I ride because there is gas in the tank, places to go and I want to...
 

[HACKLE]

I have a very good mate who is a FarRider and an IBA member. He calls his bike the "Shrink", and regularly has one on one sessions with his "Shrink". Therapeutic, definitely. I, like Phil have been riding from a young age [15] and have always had a bike in the shed.
 Travels have taken me all over Australia and overseas to places that are etched in my mind. Khardung La in north/western India, The Big Sur from Monterey to Hurst's Castle, stunning. Track time at Laguna Seca, brilliant.
  But probably the best part of owning a bike is the simple act of wheeling it out of the shed, starting it and heading of till it's time to return home. Where, it doesn't matter, just you and it, like an old lover, can't be without, always reliable and honest.
  Can't see myself without a bike in the shed, the wife tells me the Trophy will be my last. I don't know, as long as she still gets on behind me I'll be happy. Much happier than most 73 years young can be. Cheers. 
 

[LarryJa]

I still remember my 1st ride, 57yrs ago. The powerful feeling of freedom caught me.
From there, I gained the ability to maintain, modify & improve my motorcycles. That allowed me to express my talents & individualism in a most personally satisfying way.
So, today, I hang onto each ride that I take as a vestige of life, for me.
Someday, I won't anymore, but I'll have all the memories..

[Yaga1973]

Originally Posted by HACKLE

But probably the best part of owning a bike is the simple act of wheeling it out of the shed, starting it and heading of till it's time to return home. Where, it doesn't matter, just you and it, like an old lover, can't be without, always reliable and honest.

So very, very true and a great addition to what OP wrote!  I spent seven years not riding due to two jobs, young children, and having an old Shovelhead.  I still have the Shovelhead (currently apart rebuilding the engine) but I bought my Trophy so I can just turn the key and ride.  I can't believe I spent so long not riding and I'll never do it again.  Fortunately, my kiddos who are 9 and 7, love riding with me and I take them out quite frequently.