Well as one of my fellow riders put it earlier: at 5:00 AM there are 476 hours to take off in Mesa. By the chatter on our Yahoo group email chain that is getting busier and busier as time grows closer, all of the fellow challengers or "warriors" as we and the organizers refer to each other are getting very excited. This is going to be an amazing event both in the challenge and in my life. The brotherhood and camaraderie that is starting to develop among those that are taking part in the yahoo group on facebook and phone calls is second to none and we haven't even met face to face yet. More on this in a minute.
I have this same type of camaraderie in the local HOG (Harley Owners Group) chapter of which I am a member. I have to admit that I read an article by a friend, Roger Akester, that will be in our next monthly newsletter that sparked my thoughts on this subject and I thought I would try to express this feeling that we share. When a group of members or friends get together and goes for a ride this brotherhood or bond grows between the riders that are there. The longer the ride, like a vacation for 10 days, the stronger the bond as the trip goes on. You know you have someone with you that has your back. If there are bike troubles someone is there to make sure you get taken care of. This security this provides is a main reason the bond is as strong as it is. The peace of mind is one of the reasons it is so much fun to take these trips.
This same relationship exists among riders on the road. If you are riding by yourself and happen to stop on the side of the road just about every person on a bike will slow down to see if you are okay or if you need help. If you are a true rider or biker and you are in your car you will stop to help a stranded biker. If you don't..... you just don't get "it". Now, more on above... This is where a true check of your fortitude your ingrained behavior is tested. Imagine riding in the Hoka Hey, up to 1,000 riders, 18 days on the road, no hotels, no GPS units, none of the comforts you would have on any other ride,only the other warriors. The only people you know are those you had a day or two to get to know before the start of the challenge. Do you ride in a group? Do you want to place in the money? Do you take advantage of others weakness to get ahead? Do you erase what years and years of riding has branded in to your soul and mind as to what bikers do to help each other? Do you stop for another rider that has trouble? Are you in this to make friends or do the very best you can? Remember you have already started to make friendships and form a bond online and through a few phone calls with others. What would you do?
Happy Trails & Hoka Hey!
No comments:
Post a Comment