They all promote an image of bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts that relates to freedom, simply stating that riding a motorcycle makes you feel free. Although simplistic, this concept is also true. Sure you can be free without riding a motorcycle, but it's a lot more fun if you ride one. :-)
I have to confess I was a late bloomer, and did not get my first bike until after my 30th birthday. Nevertheless, as soon as I took my first ride I knew I was hooked. Thirteen years, and 160,000 miles later, I cannot imagine not having a bike. Even if it is just going to work, being on a bike makes it a whole lot better.
I remember the time when I went for my first ride in the mountains of Colorado. The trip between Loveland and Estes Park had always been one of my favorites, and I had done literally over a hundred times by car or truck. I knew that road like the back of my hand, or so I thought. The first time on a bike felt like... well... the first time. Even though I knew all the curves lying ahead, I could now, for the first time, hear the sounds (I was riding a Honda), smell the scents and, in essence, feel the road and the mountains around me.
Even when riding is not fun or enjoyable at the moment, it becomes a memorable experience that we share with pride and nostalgia on later dates. I can think of the time when it took me and my wife 4 hours to cover 100 miles during a snow storm, or the time when I had to get off the road because of rain that was preventing me from seeing the lines on the road. Let's not forget the time I left for work in 19 degree (Fahrenheit) weather, nor the time the wind was blowing so hard on interstate 40 that it almost blew me off the road. And living in Arizona I could not forget to mention the experience of riding in 115 degrees (Fahrenheit). OK, that is just miserable!
I can honestly say that without my motorcycle I would have not seen many of the places I have been to, or met many of the people that made a difference in my life. So, whether you ride 100 miles or 1000 miles a month, get out there on your bike and enjoy yourself. You never know what you might find in your future adventures... your Highway Adventures.
