Freedom on the open road

I recently watched a video published as part of an Esurance promotion aimed at motorcyclists: "Why I Ride."

Agreeing with the gent in the video that motorcycling is inherently dangerous, I also agree that life would be rather mundane and uninteresting without accepting some risk.  Of course, risk acceptance and tolerance varies for each of us.  (Nothing profound is that statement.)

For those willing to accept and manage the risks associated with motorcycling, I contend the rewards are spectacular.  There is nothing that compares to rolling along the open road, as shown in the below picture.  

Away from the congestion and ensuing frustration of urban areas, the open roads of our great nation provide the near perfect environment for experiencing the modern day incarnation of the freedom experienced by the cowboy of years past.  This was particularly the experience while riding through parts of Utah, Wyoming, and South Dakota.

Rolling along, without the distraction of a stereo or telephone, you are with yourself even if riding with others.  Immersed in the beauty of our country, it is as if you are one with the world, just as were the cowboys of yesteryear.  Hence the conventional use of the words "iron horse" to describe a larger cruising motorcycle like a Harley-Davidson or Indian.

So transcending is the experience that it creates bonds between perfect strangers.  In the middle of nowhere, as the saying goes, I have encountered a fellow rider and exchanged greetings, tales, and best wishes for safe travels.  So mystical is the lifestyle that perfect strangers who are not riders have also engaged in spontaneous dialogue, obviously envious of the biker's freedom.  Does the envy manifest from the desire to ride?  The mechanical beauty of the motorcycle?  The visible freedom of the road?  The desire to escape the stresses of the every day?  All of the above?  Or completely new reasons?

It matters not, because the envy or desire are there, particularly in the male adult.  Some call it a middle age crisis?  OK, so what if it is?  One thing I can offer.  The bikers I've encountered have worked hard to provide the funds necessary to purchase a bike.  None are in the segment of the population that seeks and receives the most from the government.  Many are veterans.  But indisputably, they have all worked to earn what they enjoy.  No free rides, if you can pardon the pun.

So maybe, just maybe, one of the elements of riding that I enjoy is that it proclaims loud and clear that I have worked to be where and what I am.  That I have achieved.  No handouts, just hard labor.

At the end of the day, regardless of the motivation, I just like to ride.  And I enjoy the statement I'm making when riding.