I ride because I enjoy the freedom I feel from being exposed to the
elements
and the vulnerability to the danger that is intrinsic to riding.
I do not ride because it is fashionable to do so.
I ride my machine, not wear it. My machine is not a symbol of
status. It
exists simply for me, and me alone. My machine is not a toy. It is
an
extension of my being, and I will treat it accordingly, with the
same
respect as I have for myself.
I strive to understand the inner-workings of my machine, from the
most basic
to the most complex. I will learn everything I can about my machine,
so that
I am reliant upon no one but myself for its health and well-being.
I strive to constantly better my skill of control over my machine. I
will
learn its limits, and use my skill to become one with my machine so
that we
may keep each other alive. I am the master, it is the servant.
Working
together in harmony, we will become an invincible team.
I do not fear death. I will, however, do all possible to avoid death
prematurely. Fear is the enemy, not death. Fear on the highway leads
to
death, therefore I will not let fear be my master. I will master it.
My machines will outlive me. Therefore, they are my legacy. I will
care for
them for future bikers to cherish as I have cherished them, whoever
they may
be.
I do not ride to gain attention, respect, or fear from those that do
NOT
ride, nor do I wish to intimidate or annoy them. For those that do
not know
me, all I wish from them is to ignore me. For those that desire to
know me,
I will share with them the truth of myself, so that they might
understand me
and not fear others like me.
I will never be the aggressor on the highway. However, should others
mess
with me, their aggression will be dealt with in as severe a manner
as I can
cast upon them.
I will show respect to other bikers more experienced or
knowledgeable than I
am. I will learn from them all I can.
I will not show disrespect to other bikers less experienced or
knowledgeable
than I am. I will teach them what I can.
It will be my task to mentor new riders, that so desire, into the
lifestyle
of the biker, so that the breed shall continue. I shall instruct
them, as I
have been instructed by those before me. I shall preserve and honor
traditions of bikers before me, and I will pass them on unaltered.
I will not judge other bikers on their choice of machine, their
appearance,
or their profession. I will judge them only on their conduct as
bikers. I am
proud of my accomplishments as a biker, though I will not flaunt
them to
others. If they ask, I will share them.
I will stand ready to help any other biker that truly needs my help.
I will
never ask another biker to do for me what I can do for myself.
I am not a part-time biker. I am a biker when, and where ever I go.
I am
proud to be a biker, and I hide my chosen lifestyle from no one.
I ride because I love freedom, independence, and the movement of the
ground
beneath me. But most of all, I ride to better understand myself, my
machine,
the lands in which I ride, and to seek out and know other bikers
like myself