The Biker’s Creed
I had mentioned this anonymously penned gospel in an earlier entry, as I had read it at my brother’s funeral (that version was slightly edited with more solemn language, this is the original). As I prepare for my week of motorcycling through the Smoky Mountains, and in his remembrance, I would like to share it here. An off-the-grip, slung low, left hand, peace sign to you all!
The Biker’s Creed – Anonymous
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 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 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 it’s 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 so future bikers may cherish them as I have,
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 fuck 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 than I am.
I will teach them what I can.
However, if they show me disrespect,
they will be bitch-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 the 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 bikers 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 wherever 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.
commonsensiblyspeaking 