I believe every time I swing a leg over the seat of my motorcycle, I'm making the world a better place.
Yes, really.
Mahatma Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see in the world." I'm not so bold as to compare myself to Gandhi, but I'll take what I can from his wisdom and apply it to my own life. And maybe, if I'm bold enough to do that, other people will too.
You know what I was to see in the world? People unafraid to go for what they want, unafraid to take a calculated risk, people unafraid to have fun. Fun is a social good.
I like to think, and maybe I'm crazy, that I've inspired one or two people to dust off the bikes they've got in the garage and get them out on the road. I know I've helped a couple people taking those first steps to being an awesome biker and even motorcycle commuters. I like to talk to folks when I'm out riding or walking around in my gear, and I hope they walk away glad they talked to me.
I like waving to kids. Have you seen their eyes light up when they see a motorcycle? It's because they haven't been burdened with thoughts of "being realistic" or "being safe." They just know a good time when they see one. A few of those kids might grow up to be bikers. Or, they might at least do their best not to run us down in their SUVs.
And what's up with the obsession with safety, anyhow? I'm tired of people telling me to be safe. Safety this, safety that. Look, I've got a helmet on my noggin, I'm wearing protective gear, and I've been trained to ride this thing. I don't ride like an idiot. I'm as safe as I can be, and I don't want to be any safer. Safety is an illusion. Total safety is a padded room you lock yourself in. You'll be just as dead if you get killed in a car, but you won't have had nearly as much fun along the way.
So maybe some people think I'm nuts riding in the extremes of Phoenix weather. Some people might think I'm nuts riding to work every day. A few people probably think I'm nuts for having a motorcycle. And there are some who just think I'm nuts.
But there are hopefully always going to be a few out there who see me and get inspired to do what they've always wanted to do.
And that makes the world a better place, I think.
7 comments:
Yeah, Yer nutz! .)
Outstanding post.
I feel the exact same way, except for maybe the helmet part. I love to get out on my bike as it makes the most mundane errands adventurous.
Just need a little better, as in warmer, weather up this way (CO) to get out more.
Well said, Lucky. Well said.
Be safe? Hell, I started riding because it was dangerous, when I was 17. It is that same danger that keeps me riding at 56. If it was safe I would just drive the truck and those kids wouldn't have as big a smile.
I really enjoyed reading this. My bikes keep me sane. And you are dead on with the kids. There's nothing like riding in a group and seeing the kids wave to you, only to see the smile you get in return for waving back. Now, if the weather would only warm up here in the Northeast so I could get them out...
Lucky:
often people talk to me about riding, as is their dream to be about on 2 wheels, but perhaps "one day" , maybe "next year" to dream about this day which will never come, then time passes you by and it becomes a regret.
I started riding in the 60's when riding meant you were a rebel, even on a Yamaha 80 2-stroke. If you're nuts, then we are all nuts
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
Mr. Moto - I'd argue, but you're right...
gael_cee - thanks! I agree that riding makes even going to the grocery store more fun.
Canajun - Thanks!
AZ Harley Dude - Well, you know, some of us have thrill issues. :D Frankly, the danger is what keeps me awake. Cars put me to sleep in minutes...
TCRPMG - Aw, come on. Just bundle up. And provide pictures. :D
bobskoot - Yep, one year becomes two, becomes five, becomes ten... We all have to grab life by the lips and yank. Nothing wrong with a little rebellion along the way.
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