THE BIKERS CREED!

[Westernbiker]

Pretty much sums it up for me, how about you?



THE BIKERS CREED

I ride because it is fun
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 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 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 it's health and well being.
I strive to constantly better my skill of control over my machine. I will learn it's limit, 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 servent. 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, there fore I will not let fear be my master. I will master it.
My machines will outlast 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 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. However, if my respect is not acknowledged or appreciated, it will end.
I will not show disrespect to other bikers less experienced or knowledgeable that I am. I will teach them what I can. However, if they show me disrespect, they will be slapped.
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 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.

[Quicksilver]

Well said!

[GreenLantern57]

 

[SANDMAN5]

I like it, except for the part about slapping somebody for disrespect.
I wouldn't do that...might shoot'em a couple times in a non-life-threatening
kinda way, but I wouldn't slap'em.

[..]

I'm a rider not a biker.
I wave at all 2 or 3 wheeled vehicles, scooters, mpeds, trikes, Harleys.

[Jess from VA]

Yes, it is so, Grasshopper.   

[Sodbuster]

Right On ....

If you Ride a Bike you are a Biker  !!

Being a biker is that feeling of comfort you have when enjoying a sport that celebrates the outdoors and a "free spirit". It's the feeling you get when you ride alone or the thrill you feel when you hear 100 bikes rumble down the road. It's also the feeling you have when you sit around the fire at night planning the adventure for the next day. It's like those T-Shirts say, "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand." Being a biker is not really what you look like or what you ride or how often you ride. It was the inner peace that you achieve when you are on that scooter and you're a million miles from work, worry and pressure. Real bikers are all members of a kinship with no concern for status or wealth. Instead, they have a "Live and Let Live" philosophy, while still watching each others' backs.

The answer to the real biker question is if you get a shiver up your spine when a good sounding scoot goes by, have ever stopped to help another rider in distress, or can't sleep because you're thinking about the morning adventure. Don't worry you're a real biker. It doesn't matter if it's a sports bike, a cruiser, or a dirt bike. If it's got two wheels and you get that special feeling when you saddle up, you get the membership card for life, no questions asked. Somehow, this two-wheeled piece of steel has become a catalyst for bringing out realness in people. So the next time you see a Gold Wing or a sport bike go by, or you run across a broken down Honda, give the rider the respect he or she deserves, because they probably are a real biker.

Sorry for the ranting .... just proud to be a Biker

[Willow]

If you Ride a Bike you are a Biker  !!

I couldn't agree less.  I'm with Britman on this one.  You'll probably never hear me refer to myself as a biker because it simply brings to mind too many assumptions that I am not.  The tag is quickly assumed by a lot of motorcycle owners who drag their bikes out for the occasional group ride and make a lot of noise about "living the lifestyle" but when it's time to go somewhere the bikes are gathering dust and the four wheeled vehicles are their normal mode of transport.

The highly touted Motor Company points its advertising specifically to "bikers".  I find myself normally untempted by those ads.

Different people have different perspectives.  I'm one. 

[SANDMAN5]

I couldn't agree less.  I'm with Britman on this one.  You'll probably never hear me refer to myself as a biker because it simply brings to mind too many assumptions that I am not.  The tag is quickly assumed by a lot of motorcycle owners who drag their bikes out for the occasional group ride and make a lot of noise about "living the lifestyle" but when it's time to go somewhere the bikes are gathering dust and the four wheeled vehicles are their normal mode of transport.

The highly touted Motor Company points its advertising specifically to "bikers".  I find myself normally untempted by those ads.

Different people have different perspectives.  I'm one.

Ditto. When I use the term 'biker' referring to myself I put it in "biker" or 'biker'.
I guess it all depends on your definition of biker. I've never considered myself to be one and
only call myself one in a "humerus" way. I just ride.....only not as much as I'd like to.

[fudgie]

Yea there is a differance between a motorcyclist and biker. I perfer the lifesytle of the latter one.

[Sodbuster]

I guess it all depends on your definition of biker.

That's the sad part. It's too bad that today that brings to mind in most people a bad image (outlaw). I still refer to myself as a biker because of a fierce passion for riding and anything associated with motorcycles. To each their own I guess. Personally, I don't care what others think of how I choose to live. I would hope to be viewed more as a Michael Parks in "Then Came Bronson" then Lee Marvin in "The Wild One" thou

"I'm the one that has to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life, the way I want to."
— Jimi Hendrix

[Detn8er]

If you Ride a Bike you are a Biker  !!

I couldn't agree less.  I'm with Britman on this one.  You'll probably never hear me refer to myself as a biker because it simply brings to mind too many assumptions that I am not.  The tag is quickly assumed by a lot of motorcycle owners who drag their bikes out for the occasional group ride and make a lot of noise about "living the lifestyle" but when it's time to go somewhere the bikes are gathering dust and the four wheeled vehicles are their normal mode of transport.

The highly touted Motor Company points its advertising specifically to "bikers".  I find myself normally untempted by those ads.

Different people have different perspectives.  I'm one.  

Ding Ding Ding We have a winner......I'm a guy who owns and rides a Motorcycle as often as possible. NOT a "BIKER". In fact I'm of the opinion that most people who refer to themselves as bikers wouldn't make it a half day as a  "biker". My opinion YMMV. I also think about 97% of the above bikers creed is a load of bovine residue. Again my opinion...... 

[Popeye]

Right On ....

If you Ride a Bike you are a Biker  !!

Being a biker is that feeling of comfort you have when enjoying a sport that celebrates the outdoors and a "free spirit". It's the feeling you get when you ride alone or the thrill you feel when you hear 100 bikes rumble down the road. It's also the feeling you have when you sit around the fire at night planning the adventure for the next day. It's like those T-Shirts say, "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand." Being a biker is not really what you look like or what you ride or how often you ride. It was the inner peace that you achieve when you are on that scooter and you're a million miles from work, worry and pressure. Real bikers are all members of a kinship with no concern for status or wealth. Instead, they have a "Live and Let Live" philosophy, while still watching each others' backs.

The answer to the real biker question is if you get a shiver up your spine when a good sounding scoot goes by, have ever stopped to help another rider in distress, or can't sleep because you're thinking about the morning adventure. Don't worry you're a real biker. It doesn't matter if it's a sports bike, a cruiser, or a dirt bike. If it's got two wheels and you get that special feeling when you saddle up, you get the membership card for life, no questions asked. Somehow, this two-wheeled piece of steel has become a catalyst for bringing out realness in people. So the next time you see a Gold Wing or a sport bike go by, or you run across a broken down Honda, give the rider the respect he or she deserves, because they probably are a real biker.

Sorry for the ranting .... just proud to be a Biker

Nice post.

[Pale Rider]

Wow!  These post can get pretty philosophical.......and I like that.  I'm not sure what the definition of  a biker really is, but for me, I am a rider that is passionate about biking!  I enjoy the feeling of liberation when riding.  I do not change persona while riding. The only exception is the heightened sense of vulnerability, which is part of the adrenalin rush.  I will stop to help you if I am on 2 wheels or 4 wheels.  I give everyone respect until given reason not to.  I feel fortunate to have a bike, and I respect it immensely. I have a great deal of disdain for those riders (bikers) that  behave foolishly giving the rest of us "bad names". Riding does not make me special or unique........it makes me happy!

[Quicksilver]

It's interesting that some folks feel uncomfortable with the Biker handle. Too many negative images I guess. Generally it may explain why the name of this club is comfortable for many of us. We are riders and pleased to show with our crests that we belong to an International group of riders who share an interest in the well being of others. I belong to another local Club that does a variety of things for local hospitals and charities. It's called the Old Bastards. I'm comfortable with that handle as well. I drive transport professionally. We don't refer to each other as truckers, but use the term "Driver", and I'm proud to be one. If being a biker is defined by what  Westernbiker has written then I'm comfortable with that as well.

[Piper]

The tao that can be described is not the eternal Tao.

I ride.

The name that can be spoken is not the eternal Name.

I am Id.

[Stormrider65]

WOW.  This says it all.  I try to explain why is do this and this statment says itall and then some.  Exellent bro.

Stormrider65