04 December 2010

20 reasons I ride a motorcycle

Today, I rode in the MRA Toy Run. Numbers were down but the rain held off. I love to ride! Here are 20 reasons why:

1. Riding a motorcycle is a blast – don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

2. You make friends with other riders – even with strangers who also ride, you share an instant bond.

3. Generally bikes outperform cars.

4. You can park in small spaces.

5. Out on the road, there’s just you and the bike and the road – freedom.

6. Riding a motorcycle is always an adventure – you never know what awaits.

7. Motorcycling develops your strength and endurance – especially over long distances.

8. Motorcycles are equalizers – you can join the biking community whoever you are.

9. Bikes are economical. They generally cost less than cars and they’re cheaper to run.

10. Motorcycling builds confidence – it can give you that ‘Wow, I did that!’ feeling.

11. Motorcycles have a very high cool factor – sexy and dangerous.

12. You get to buy cool gear – Dri-riders, camo Kevlar, gloves, helmets, boots…

13. In what other context can you wear that much leather and not look like a dominatrix?

14. Bikes are more environmentally friendly than cars.

15. When you’re on a bike, you’re out in the fresh air – you’re in the world, not looking at it from an airconditioned bubble.

16. Motorcycle riding develops your coordination and balance – especially riding at slow speeds.

17. Motorcycle riding can be cosy – your pillion can snuggle up to you.

18. Once you’ve ridden a motorcycle, you’re a better car driver – more aware, more cautious.

19. Riding can be like meditation – nothing else exists but the present moment.

20. Corners – if you ride, you know.

I can probably think of 20 reasons not to ride a motorrcycle, too (like getting wet cold and dirty and breaking bones). But motorcycling isn't something to be rationalised. Once it bites you, it's in your blood. You're done for, baby.

1 comment: