Tuesday, September 2, 2008

It Runs In The Family


Motorcycles have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My grandfather used to have an old Harley Davidson, and my father grew up riding many different bikes, including Bridgestones, Hondas, and Kawasakis. By the time my brother and I were old enough to ride, my father already had some bikes for us to use. They were old Bridgestones that he had found on eBay and he fixed them up for us. We spent a lot of time with them, but eventually we wanted something a little bigger and a little faster. We both bought sportbikes (motorcycles similar to those used in races) from local dealers; a Honda CBR for my brother and a Kawasaki Ninja for me.


For me, my motorcycle is not just a means of transportation. It is a symbol that shows the bond that I share with my father, brother, and anyone else that rides. It is something that makes me different from a lot of people, and yet allows me to be included in a larger cultural group, providing me with a unique identity.

7 comments:

Ike said...

Joel’s motorcycle is a very practical form of transportation to have today. Motorcycles can be parked where larger vehicles cannot be. They also use up less fuel than automobiles. Less electronics exist on them making maintenance easier. Of course the power to weight ratio can make getting somewhere much quicker.

The Adventurous Type said...

I think your story about the motorcycle and it's connection to you and those around your is great. I think it's always special to find that kind of a bond with a parent, sibling and a hobby. I can definitely see why you chose the motorcycle as your object that represents you.

GerBear said...

I love how you added the mention of bonding with whoever rides your motorcycle. That makes it so much more meaningful.

jeNN said...

It think it's great that you don't ride and have a motorcycle because you want to be "cool" or whatever, but because it's a connection you have with your family. I've always thought about getting a motorcycle because like Ike's comment, you really can park it where other vehicles can't park. I think I'll stick with my Jetta 1.8 T for now though. My parents would kill me if I got a motorcycle.

Brooke Ratcliffe said...

Joel, I think it is so interesting and fun that you have a motorcycle. I love that motorcycles allow people to see you in a different sense. Having a motorcycle has set you aside from other individuals, and allows people to realize that you also have a wild side about you. It is awesome how it allows you to take a ride and it just is you and the bike on the road, with no distraction and it helps you clear your mind as you ride. I like that your bike is blue, because it is your favorite color, and the color blue represents you. Motorcycles can be very scary for many, but seeing you as a safe and smart rider, makes many people realize not all riders are reckless.

Justin Timothy said...

I appreciate, the love and respect you have for your motorcycle. The fact that it keeps you connected to your grandfather and not as a way of doing something "cool," shows you've escaped the shortsightedness that infects a lot of people in out generation.

Zino said...

I can completely relate to anything that is motor vehicle related. For me it is my car, and I know what it feels like to just cruise because its more than just driving. As long as what you are driving suits you, theres nothing better than flying down the highway.