62 Kilometres

Every so often, we, as riders, will suddenly find ourselves contemplating our reasons for riding.It could be that a non-rider has asked or perhaps a family member's worries for our safety has come to the forefront. It might even be the thought of selling the bike that you didn't have time to ride last season. We are a philosophical bunch. Deep thinkers. Cerebral, even.

"It clears my mind," we'll say, or "If you have to ask, I can't explain." Yeah, that's always a good one, especially when said with a slight, far-away look in your eyes. It kind of makes us feel special. I once had the proud new owner of a CB175 say, with the requisite far away look, the mystical tone to his voice, "All motorcycle riders are my brothers." The other friend, looking down at his Keystone minibike, said, "I guess I'm your sister, then."

Let's get into then. A neighbour of mine once asked, with the "You must have a death wish" attitude, "Why would you even get on that thing?" I refrained from the answer that first came to mind. (I thought he was asking for suggestions about his wife.) I looked at his car and told him that I ride bikes for the opposite reason he owned a Volvo. The world doesn't terrify me.

The reasons are different for every rider. Many ride to be a part of something bigger. How often do you see one Harley? Some like the speed of racing, off road, roadracing, ice even. Some may even do it as a way to see the world...We'll get into the wonders of a KLR650 in a later episode. The point is maybe we can't really put it into words, but trying to make it exclusionary, hurts us.

We need more people riding to make the Volvo drivers of the world expect to see us on the road. We need more riders to fight legislation that could curb our abilities to ride, and we need more riders to strengthen the manufacturers, so that we continue to have choices when it is time to buy a new bike.

What started this? I went for my first ride of the year today. As I geared up, I thought to myself, "Why am I doing this? Why is it worth all this struggle to get ready, with buckles, straps and zippers?

I went out for a while. It was cold,so I wasn't out long. I only rode 62 kilometres, but as I wheeled into my driveway, around the truck and down to my garage, I had my answer. Why do I do it?

I like to ride.