Words from the throne

As I sit here contemplating the meaning of life and reading the paper, as you do, I can’t help but ponder why it is that we ride bikes.

Could it be the feeling of freedom you get from being at one with the elements wearing only a thin layer of leather or textile and a piece of fibreglass on your head ? The alternative is 4 wheels and a hard shell of steel, where the only contact with the elements is when you roll down your window to allow fresh air to purge the stagnant aroma of last night’s beer and curry from your comfy capsule of blasé encasement.

Could it be the speed ???.. The way you can get from A to B in a fraction of the time it takes to pilot a 4 wheel barge to the same destination and arrive with a smile on your face under your helmet instead of a migraine from the stop/start world of “The Tailback” and the same annoying repetitive noise that passes for radio. Add to that the aggravation of the Sat’ Nav’ which is convinced it knows the fastest way to get you to your destination when in fact it is only there to slow your progress by sending you completely the wrong way or more than likely up as many dead ends as it can find.

Could it be the thrill of finding a twisty road that you haven’t been on before and just riding it to see what is at the other end? Carving through bends with the grace of autumn swallows twisting and turning as they hunt insects on the wing. Being smooth and flowing from bend to bend, with effortless grace and precision. Laughing as you pass confused car drivers who are lost, as their Sat’ Nav’ has sent them in completely the wrong direction, not the first time, and certainly not the last.

Could it be the people that you meet ???. Some of which ride alone enjoying the solitude and peace that biking on your own brings. Others ride in groups of like minded individuals still seeking the peace of riding but enjoying the company of others to measure themselves against. Others ride in groups because they are all going the same way. People choose their bikes differently. Some choose the latest race replica to massage their ego and fulfil their dreams of riding a race bike. Some choose comfort, as arriving at your destination and being able to stand up straight and feel that you have an arse is what floats their boat. Some choose mile munching ballistic tourers as race reps are too extreme, but they are not ready for an armchair on wheels yet. Some choose cruisers as its not how fast you get there, its how much style and chrome you arrive with. And then there are those that buy what they can afford and ride the living daylights out of it. It may look old and tired but it gets them there with a smile on their face so all is well.

To me it seems like all of the above, but there is so much more. A bike is a way of life that some people choose and others can’t live without. To some a bike is a status symbol that is changed when the next “new” one appears. To some a bike is a love affair that consumes their every waking moment and the thought of selling it is the same as getting a divorce. A bike can make you feel like a god and a small boy at the same time. But more often than not it’s the small boy that’s behind the visor.

I for one will always own a bike and will never own a Sat Nav. I have an up to date A to Z and have a sense of direction. I do get lost but its just another adventure.

All roads lead somewhere.

A dead end has a different view on the way back

A wrong turn is just another way to get there.

Why do we ride bikes ????….

Cause its so much better than driving a car.

It’s the best legal High that money can buy.

You meet the nicest people on bikes.

Its fun!!!!!!

Nuff said……………..

Big Nige