Why We Ride

Why We Ride

What made you get on that bike the first time? What did it feel like the first time you let that clutch out and started rolling forward? Do you still remember that feeling? For some of us, it was many, many years ago. For others, it was just a while back. Either way, almost everyone remembers the thrill of that first ride, regardless of what you were riding.

Motorcycle riding for pleasure was originally a uniquely American thing. In European and other countries the motorcycle was only another form of transportation. Here in America it is the modern day equivalent of the horse, along with all the mystique of the old west range rider. We even mount our motorcycles from the same side as we mounted our horses when we were driving cattle up the through the Missouri Breaks into Abilene.

There’s also that bad boy (girl) image that goes along with being a rider. You can feel the eyes of the folks in those cages around you staring at your back when you’re sitting at that stoplight. You know what they’re thinking… either that you’re some criminal or that you are a lucky sumbitch to be out riding on such a pretty day! You know the looks I’m talkin’ about. There’s the little old blue-haired lady who avoids glancing in your direction or the harried business exec type who stares at you and your bike with envy. It’s funny, isn’t it?

When we ride we feel FREE. It’s a freedom that you can never experience in a cage. Probably the closest thing would be flying. Freedom! That’s what it’s all about. You sit on that bike and you push that starter button while rolling that throttle a bit. Shortly, you get that satisfying roar and rumble from that fabulous internal combustion engine. You’ll never get that thrill from an electric motor. With that satisfying vibration under you and the clear blue sky above, you pop that shifter down from neutral into 1st and you slowly let that clutch out. The bike rolls forward a bit and you roll that throttle open while leaning back. Clutch in… shift 2nd. Clutch in… shift 3rd. You’re movin’ now. The wind is in your hair and your knees are in the breeze! Freedom!

There’s no traffic today and you’re on your favorite twisty run around the bayshore. You’re tootin’ along at a nice mellow 50mph with the low rumble of those pipes in your ears. What could be better? Well, I’ll tell ya’ what’s better... doing this exact same ride with about 35 of your brothers and sisters in a riding club. Most of us started out as lone riders, but eventually we gather together. We meet at bike nights. We see each other at biker events. What happens next? We start asking, “Hey bud, who do you ride with?” You answer proudly, “I ride with the Southern Cruisers Riding Club!” You turn your back to the person and proudly display that big patch on the back of your vest. Now they know who you ride with. Shortly, they’ll be riding with you. Why?

They’ll be riding with you because they see the fun you’re having with your brothers and sisters. They’ll see the eyes of everyone look your way when 40 of your brothers and sisters pull in or leave some event. They’ll pass by that long line of your brothers and sisters going down the highway and they’ll think, “Damn! That’s awesome!” Then they’ll be asking YOU for information about your club the next time they see you. Give them the info they want. We’re always looking for new friends to ride with. You don’t have to ride alone anymore. You’ve got your brothers and sisters to ride with now, so get your ass on that bike and RIDE!

Stay alert and always RIDE SAFE!