Just something I was wondering, how have bikes become so associated with the idea of freedom? They seem to always be associated with the "free spirit" types in film, and I feel it every time I ride. But I can't explain it. I don't know if it's the motorcycle itself, the people that ride them, or something else. What do y'all think?

 

You can't travel faster, farther or more vulnerable on anything less

 

"Freedom" is a label, which in rider context, is commonly misplaced. A rider experiences freedom of the senses and is more situationally aware and in tune with his surroundings. The sensual feedback while riding is unlike anything you can experience in a car. Sensual freedom is commonly bastardized by manipulative groups.

A "Member" of anything is bound by an image, rules and, in extreme cases, an Identity. He/she is anything but free. Read Eric Hoffer's "The True Believer" and you'll get a thorough explanation of how frustration, not freedom, drives the Joiner. "Nothing conforms like the non-conformist". This applies just as much to HOG as to 1% clubs.

 

I think it dates back to your childhood, when you look out the back window of your parent's car and see a bike and rider - can you remember how that felt? Followed by the thought "One day..."

 

Bikers have always been known as a thrill seeker, adventurer, of independent mind, and puzzled by the web of a "normal" life.
It's a nomadic spirit that rides and savors the taste and smell of the world as they do it.
Even in grade school you can tell a biker type from the rest of the kids, rowdy and says what's on their mind-didn't take guff.
True, it's been watered down lately, but original clubs were formed from these like minded individuals.
You got the itch when you breathlessly go to your bike in anticipation of a ride, like a first date.

 

Do your own thing, be free, but don't have a vest with patches.

 

^^^ This guy gets it ! ^^^

Loved Payson bro. Beautiful place !

 

Like the bumper sticker says- "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand".

 

But make sure you have all the Harley trademarked apparel and accessories! LOL

 

Taking my 40' boat across lake Michigan for the first time gave me about the same "free" feeling as I get cruising cross country on my bagger. When you are out on the water with no other boats in sight and can't see land in any direction for several hours it sure is a feeling of independence and freedom.