32:1

by Kirk “Hardtail” Willard

I just returned from HEARTLAND S.T.E.A.M. in Wisconsin. It is a long running motorcyclists rights conference hosted in a rotation by several midwestern State Motorcyclists Rights Organizations. And while it was an excellent conference with lots of energy, very good speakers (thanks Jazz), and outstanding workshops, there was definitely a raw edge of concern amongst the attendees over the future of motorcycling. Whether it be the looming end of life directives in Europe, crippling emissions regulations on the horizon, a desire by some to end the availability and/or affordability of fossil fuels; politicians, bureaucrats, and regulators continuously forgetting to include us in major transportation initiatives; the autonomous vehicles movement requiring us to fight for relevancy, the smart highways in design, health care “rules” and on it goes. So, there is definitely a burning platform for our movement’s members to stay concerned, active, and fully engaged, probably now more than ever. The true freedom fighters continue to battle as hard as ever, I see it and feel it. However, having been in this movement for nearly 40 years I also see some folks beginning to get discouraged.

For those headed for that camp I have a suggestion. Go to a local dirt bike track or a two-wheel off road trail system and watch some kids chasing each other around. The unbridled enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment are absolutely contagious. I happen to love dirt bike riding and motocross in particular as a sideline to my street riding passion. I am also fortunate to have a teenage son who would just as soon ride dirt bikes before eating and sleeping. I actually raised three kids in this environment, unfortunately only one is still at home to keep me young, but I do have a granddaughter in the area who is only a couple of years away from the CFR 50. For the one that is home, we have a track next door to our house, and he is allowed to ride on his own. Each week when I get off the road one of the first things I have to do is fill multiple gas cans and blend the 32:1, yes, we are two stroke people, and then go groom the track because dirt has been flung all over the place. Those knobby tires are an amazing thing that I have a love/hate relationship with. Our field next door is a great practice environment but there is nothing like going to a track and thrashing the other brands and, as anyone does, measure your speed and skill against other riders, although I tend to pay more attention to the grey-haired riders on the track since I have long given up chasing my kids.

I get two things from going to these tracks, again the enthusiasm for watching kids having a blast riding dirt bikes is contagious. I have never left a track without a huge smile on my face even though I might move a little (ok a lot) slower afterwards than I did 20 years ago, and the crashes actually hurt these days, still the smile persists all the way home. Something comforting about a truck or trailer full of dirty motocross bikes needing oil changes, filter replacements, and yes even the several times a summer piston replacement that goes along with two stroke horsepower is okay. The other thing I think about is that’s where the future of motorcycling lies if we continue to support and foster it. These kids know the feeling that only comes from riding a motorcycle and are experiencing the freedom of being on two wheels and some of them will undoubtedly make the transition to street rider. It is never too soon to begin to talk to these riders and start involving them in the other side of the ride, and that is to preserve it. It can start by fighting for the local track and keeping the trails open, which is the perfect segue into fighting for freedom of the road and our associated lifestyle. Anytime motorcyclists rights people get together, talk will eventually lead to a discussion about getting newer and younger members. I know where hundreds of them are every weekend, at the local tracks and trails. And guess what, so are their fathers, mothers, and siblings. Find yourself a free weekend, head to a motocross track or dirt bike trail and I guarantee you will leave with a smile on your face and may just have interacted with the future of motorcycling and picked up a few new members to boot.

Hardtail