I Am a Biker

by Chubby

Now that the roads are clear of salt and snow, we can all get back to riding and shake the cobwebs from our heads. In place of my normal rant covering every topic you may see in the current issue of this newsletter; I’d like to share a thought that shook out with the cobwebs one of the first times I got on the road this season. While riding along listening to the radio, yes, I have had a fairing forever too, a commercial from a local Harley-Davidson dealership came on and proclaimed, “real bikers only drive Harleys”. While yes, I drive a Harley; no, I don’t think that’s what makes me a biker. I have a lot of close friends that don’t drive Harleys that I consider bikers. Which may lead to the question; How do you define biker? Motorcycle Consumer news lost a renewal from me when Fred Rau likened bikers to everything bad about motorcycling such as no helmets, wearing black leather, loud pipes, driving impaired, and menacing toward roadway users. While on the other hand motorcyclists wear all their gear, take refresher classes on how to ride, always sober, bright clothing, superior lighting, and so on. If you really buy into that fairy tale then the next step is NHTSA working on legislation to ban Harley-Davidson because that would remove all the bikers from the road. To me, a biker is much more than can be defined by the actions of a few, or Hollywood’s portrayal of our culture. While I think a lot of what makes a biker cannot be put into words, years ago I found a biker’s creed that has probably been around as long as I have, maybe longer. Just so happens it was on the garage wall of a biker I was visiting. To me, this most accurately defines a biker.

A Biker’s Creed
I ride because I enjoy it.
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 well-being.
I strive to constantly better my skill of control over my machine. I will learn my 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.
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, others f*ck with me, the aggression will be dealt with in as severe a 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 as I am. I will teach them what I can. However, if they show me disrespect, they will be dealt with.
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 when, and wherever 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 passing 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.

                Now you may still decide not to call yourself a biker, but I hope we all share the same creed. Whether we are tackling legislative issues or raising awareness, or fighting for funding we need, everyone that rides a motorcycle needs to work together as a united voice. As a member of ABATE of WI I hope that you reach out to everybody that you know that enjoys riding and freedom and welcome them to join us. Now, I’m going to hop on my machine and go for a ride. After all, I’m a biker. Until next month…Ride Free