Think of it as a Train...Nobody crosses until the Train has passed

 

I'm a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and by all means not the norm.I don't drink smoke or abuse my body.I can relate to what you're saying.

 

I have a few "self rules".
No tattoos, no flames, no sculls (other then Sid).

My riding club has a few rules.
No rules, no direction and no time limit. We just show up and say "ok lets go that way"

Most of my riding is solo and that is just how I like it. That being said I did a couple of memorial rides this year with large groups and had a blast. The one ride had about 120 bikes, probably 6 clubs represented one of which was a 1% club. Everyone was cool and no problems came up. In a sea of leather, chains, tattoos and Harley gear I was the only guy walking around with a Tommy Bahama shirt on. Rolling down the road in the middle of 120 bikes was a different kind of high for sure. All the power and sounds of the bikes was very intoxicating. I even cancelled my weekly testosterone shot after that ride.

I am very much an introvert but I am also very comfortable in my own skin. I can be totally alone in a sea of people. At the BBQ after that ride I only spoke to the few guys I knew and then just sat back and watched everyone. There was very much a "biker social scene" going on but that didn't mean I had to join in.

Just be yourself and do your own thing. I find that most people are ok with that, as long as your not a jerk off.

 

Im in the same boat as you sid.. I enjoy being a loner on the road but if friends have bikes ill take a cruise.. Or do a charity ride. No tuff guy stuff though. I enjoy the social scene for the love of bikes and the ride. Also to see what people have done to their bikes to make them unique.. Or spark up conversations on how to make your bike better. Its like being on here with all of you guys but in person.
Heres a few picks from local dallas get togethers. You get to meet some really cool people out there

Old school sporty with lots of work

Most of the guys i see passing on the opposite side of the highways

And a few of my buddys bikes who i rode 300+ miles a whole saturday with. Wouldnt have ventured out that far by myself unless it was a planned road trip


Im definitely not into the cut life or the try and look tough thing but i enjoy the company of others who share the same passion. Freedom on two wheels

 

I used to be the same way but when I picked up my 2016 72 the guys at the dealership were very cool and when I would pick up parts they would make their way over to ask about the bike and some general chit chat. And I have went on a few club rides which I enjoy looking at the other bikes and such. So it odes get easier but that's treading at your own pace.

 

Are you in Deep Ellum?

 

yea... i live on main street in downtown dallas. you in the area?

 

I ride solo most of the time, but that's mostly because I'm retired. Everybody that I would ride with is working. I have one particular friend that rides with me whenever he's not working. My son comes to visit when he can and we ride together and usually plan 1-3 trips a year for longer rides. I've ridden with groups of folks I know(8-10 people) and we're usually on the same page as far as where to go and where to stop. I wear a friggin' orange fullface helmet, have one tat(wifes name, married 41 years). I do like certain events, the Brooklyn Invitational being my favorite and I talk to all sorts of folks about bikes no matter what they look like.

 

I like the dealer events on the week nights. Breaks up the monotony and I get free food. I have met a couple of guys there that I ride with now so it can be a good thing. I never do the Harley group rides, never will either.

 

Cool. im in Red Oak. I go though downtown on my way to work. I go N on 35 and exit to Ceasar Chaves and get back on 75, it bypasses all the woodall rogers and I-45 craziness.

I used to ride a sportbike but switched to a sportster a few years ago. i don't really ride with anyone.