There are many opinions about men and women who ride motorcycles, but few come from men and women who ride motorcycles. It is dangerous? To a much lesser degree than advertised.
Once testosterone cases of teens driving like they have something to prove, and drivers confused by drugs and alcohol are eliminated from the statistics, the number of deaths and accidents will drop dramatically. For all the cyclists I know, coffee is the strongest drink consumed during a day of riding. I can’t speak for the bikers parked in front of the bars, but they are in the minority. I know more men who have died playing tennis and golf than motorcyclists.
Danger is not the reason men and women travel. We ride despite it. Why have I ridden motorcycles for the last twenty-five years? Simply put, there is no other activity that offers the same level of excitement and excitement. Riding well requires honed skill, and cyclists love to be skilled because it increases the pleasure of riding.
I don’t know how to chop wood, hammer nails, or fix a car, but I am a very skilled driver, which means I know how to ride my motorcycle to its fullest potential. Leaning hard, downshifting, going into a curve in the road, and ending up sitting straight and tall in the saddle afterward is exhilarating. Riding a horse for a whole day on little traveled back roads, breathing in the smells of freshly cut hay, wildflowers, cattle and horses, taking in spectacular views and stopping for lunch along the way is the best day out I can imagine.
You may not exceed 50 mph all day, or use a gear higher than third, on those country roads, but the thrill of knowing how to experience that to the full outweighs the need for speed. I guess for some riders it’s about riding fast like your hair is on fire, but for me and most riders, that’s not the point at all. We all want to live to ride another day.
Being good at any sport takes practice, and motorcycling is no exception. I have spent several days over the years setting up race tracks at schools run by former motorcycle racers, to improve my skills. Understanding the gyroscope effect that a motorcycle is and using that effect to its fullest feels magical.
I am noticing more women on motorcycles, with the industry reporting that 10% of all new bikes are purchased by women. Considering how many people ride, that’s a lot of women. I love listening to them talk about their ride at the end of the day over a glass of wine. They speak of the pleasure of riding in the same terms as the men who ride. I am noticing more men and women riding together, but on separate bikes.
The next time you see a man or woman riding a motorcycle, give them the benefit of the doubt. Suppose they love what they’re doing and can’t imagine not doing it. If you’ve ever had fantasies about riding a motorcycle, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a national organization that has taught millions of people how to safely ride a bike. It’s a weekend course and they provide the helmets and bikes. It’s a great and safe way to start.
Once you’re on the trail, if you’re in a group of cyclists, remember to ride your own vehicle and not be influenced by other cyclists who may or may not be more skilled. Pedal at a comfortable level that doesn’t stress or worry you. Start riding a smaller bike, 250-500cc, and work your way up as your skills improve.
