"Why Do You Ride A Motorcycle?"

I get that question a lot, as do most riders, and it’s usually well-intended and posed by someone who cares about my health and well-being. Most times I have trouble replying in a manner that doesn’t reinforce their misunderstanding and make them more fearful for my safety on my ‘killercycle.’ Usually, I just respond with a kind word and thanks for their concern.

I have spent a little thought on the question, occasionally, although I would rather be riding than talking about why I do it, or why the safety risk is acceptable to me. What follows is what I might say to someone that is really curious but hasn't already decided the issue.

Riding a motorcycle is a whole-body activity that saturates the senses and engages my complete concentration. I put on my jacket, helmet, boots, and gloves, the bike comes off of the sidestand and thumbs to life, my heart rate increases, and adventure calls. -Every ride is an adventure for me, no matter how mundane the task or destination.

Even on a relatively tame bike like my V-Strom 650, there is an instant response to throttle input, and there is a whole-body-vibrating exhilaration as it climbs up into the powerband and I shift my weight forward towards the tank to keep weight on the front wheel. There is a thrill when the bike is leaned deep into a series of turns and the transitions are made smoothly and surely. -Even at relatively slow speeds, riding well is an accomplishment and it brings tremendous satisfaction.

There is some enhanced risk in riding, versus driving a car. I won’t argue the point, because there is some of truth in it. It is important to note that the statistics imply that the risk of injury and death on a motorcycle can be significantly reduced if the rider chooses not to drink alcohol while riding, if they choose to ride safely within their limits, if they ride a well-maintained machine, and if they choose to wear the appropriate safety gear. That said, enhanced risk is a small part of the allure of the activity.

The reason to why I ride, the one I almost never give, is that I ride because I must. -There's an element in my nature that echoes the old Latin quote, “Dum vivimus vivamus” (While we live, let us live!) If my questioner sees riding as inherently dangerous and unwise, there's not a lot that I can say that's likely change their mind about the subject. -The gap's too wide and there's no way for me to bridge it.

Until the sad day that the privilege to ride a motorcycle on the public roads is taken away by the autonomous revolution or by future Ralph Nader-s, we riders will continue to enjoy the freedom and pleasure that I think is best compared to flying without wings. -In my case, grinning until my cheeks hurt and having the time of my life.

Ride safely and well, my friends!