Monday, April 06, 2009

Special Kind of Person?

I recently read an article somewhere recently that said it takes a special kind of person and dedication to ride to work every day.

Really? I mean, OK, I guess having a job makes one special, and having a motorcycle at the same time makes one even more special, but using one to get to the other just seems natural to me. Personally, after the first time I rode to work, using some lesser form of transportation was not even a consideration, unless the bike was out of order (or if I was carpooling). Hell, I got rid of my Buick since I hadn't driven it for more than six months.

I gather, however, there are a lot of riders who don't ride to work come hell or high water. I don't really understand how that works, but there it is. I suppose, if one actually needs and uses their truck to haul tools and such, riding to work would be difficult. Personally, I'd say that means it's time to find a new job, but that's just me.

Maybe I don't think it takes a special kind of person because I AM that kind of person. I'll admit that when I like something, I can't comprehend how anyone else could NOT like it. It still baffles me when people tell me they don't like heavy metal music. What's not to like? I hope I never meet someone who dislikes pizza - I'll probably pass out from the shock.

Anyway, I guess I need to try and remember the fear and awe most folks have concerning motorcycles. The "awe" part keeps people glued to the media telling them how scary and dangerous these machines are, and the "fear" part keeps them off the bikes - which means there are more motorcycles for you and me.

So! Sheeples of the world - thank you, and stay scared of motorcycles! It takes a special kind of person to ride them.

13 comments:

Stacy said...

When it's 30 degrees outside and I arrive at work with my fingers darn near frozen solid... well, I understand why we get padded helmets to wear.

I'm special!

Baron's Life said...

To ride or not to ride....
remember...different strokes for different folks
I would if I only could.

Surly said...

It does take a special person. I don't ride every day and except for winter with the snow and ice but I don't. There are many folks I work with that have bikes and never ride them to work. They drive the truck the 10min. to work and back. Once home at the end of the day, they get on the bike and go for a ride. It's viewed as a pastime. At least I either ride or I don't. I should make a commitment to riding. Perhaps you should goad me into it or ridicule me for not riding enough. ;)

Surly said...

Wow, I read that over and it makes almost no sense. I'm going to bed. It's supposed to snow tomorrow.

Lady R (Di) said...

Lucky,
This is why they make chocolate AND vanilla. ;)

Lucky said...

Stacy - I think I'm going to swipe the bit about wearing a helmet...

Baron - True, but then I remember that folks with different strokes are just wrong and should be feared. ;)

Surly - It made sense in that motorcycle-and-coffee-deprived- winter-land-dweller sort of way.

Lady Ridesalot - I like neapolitan.

Allen Madding said...

We should all be committed. :)

-Peace

Baron's Life said...

You're right...different strokes just don't do it for me...
Happy Easter to you and yours

Baron's Life said...

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Easter

irondad said...

I think Allen hints at the core, here. "Special" can be another way to say "insane". If it makes you feel any better, you're "sepcial" whether you ride or not!

I like knowing the world's a little saner place because you're out there. I know that's a contradiction but it seems to make perfect sense, somehow.

Lucky said...

Baron - Thanks, Happy Easter to you too!

Irondad - I like to think that I help the world maintain balance. There's got to be a couple of us "yangs" to counteract all the "yins."

cpa3485 said...

I may be new to commuting, having only started last July when I bought a scooter. But I have only missed about 9 days of not commuting since then, all because of snow or ice.

I am not sure I feel 'special'. It is for me more a form of 'enlightenment'. Even when it was below 20 degrees I felt the adrenaline flow and have enjoyed it immensely.

Lucky said...

cpa3485 - Good on ya for riding through winter.

If I ever live somewhere with snow, I'm going to have to get a bike with a sidecar (probably a Ural). I hate the thought of not being able to ride because of something as dumb as WEATHER.