| WHATCHATHINKIN'' |
Shira Kamil
|
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So I’m flipping through the channels and hear some cool rumbling noises.
I realize that it’s a Harley-Davidson commercial, and stick around to see what the production looks like.
You may have seen it, if not you can catch it on the web at www.livingbyit.com. It went something along these lines:
Image: Single biker on a nice rolling road
Voice: We believe in going our own way.
Image: Another biker joins
Voice: We believe in bucking the system.
Image: More bikers join in, different locations
Voice: We believe in the Man upstairs. We believe in sticking it to the Man downstairs.
Image: Many more bikers, the rumble increases
Voice: We believe in wearing black because it doesn’t show dirt or weakness.
Image: Bikers joining from all roads, converging on each other
Voice: We believe in freedom and bucking the system.
Okay, you’ve got the picture if you haven’t already seen the whole thing. Good imagery, some nice location shots, and a whole passel of bikers wearing t-shirts and jeans. Yeah, I know they’re on Harley-Davidsons and that riding a Harley-Davidson is the ultimate in freedom. I know there is an image to be presented to the non-riding public. But PULEEEZE, can’t these folks, even just one or two of them, be wearing a jacket. It can be leather, that’s pretty cool. How about something other than a little half helmet, especially on the children that are riding.
On the LivingByIt.com site, you can read the rider’s creeds, and see their bios. Here are a couple of creeds that might not fit into the lifestyle, but certainly will keep you safer and riding for a long time.
I believe that wearing some protective gear doesn’t make you a wimp.
I believe that we, as motorcyclists, must put our best-booted foot forward and show a good example to the non-riding public.
I believe that if my motorcycle is louder than that jack-braking truck next to me, there’s something definitely wrong.
I believe that group formations should be exclusive to military air shows.
I believe that all “if you can read this the bitch fell off’ t-shirts should be publicly burned.
I believe that tattoos have not, as yet, been designated as protective riding gear.
I believe that if you hit the pavement wearing just jeans and a vest you will bleed – badly.
I believe that a good day’s ride will wash away any stress and aggravation you may have.
I could go on for a while, but it will probably get monotonous and, well, I need to go for a ride. Remember, it doesn’t really matter what make, model or size motorcycle you ride, just be prepared for what you’re doing, enjoy yourself and ride far and often. You’ll live longer for it.
