Freedom for Safety

 It is, often times, a trade off: freedom for safety. Benjamin Franklin had famously stated: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety". Now, we all know Franklin was talking about taxes rather than motorcycles, but bear with me: there is an application here.

When we talk about riding a motorcycle versus driving a four wheeled vehicle, we can see a sacrifice of safety in exchange for the added freedom of riding a motorcycle. People talk about freedom a lot when it comes to riding. Are we free to ignore traffic laws on a motorcycle we would otherwise have to follow in a sedan or pickup truck? No. Are we free of the laws of physics and nature? No, in fact, it could be argued that these laws apply even more on two wheels. So, what is this added freedom we get on a motorcycle? Is it the wind in your hair? Not if you live in a state with helmet laws. Besides, you could just as easily generate some wind in a convertible or even just by rolling down the window. 

Freedom is a state of mind. Someone who rides a motorcycle is someone who steps outside of convention. Someone who doesn't care so much about what the Jones' are doing, buying or driving. A rider knows there is an inherent reduction in safety on two wheels, but understands there is a feeling you get on the bike which cannot be replaced in any other way. There is a feeling of freedom whipping in the wind around you. It shows up in the asphalt zooming inches away from your feet. It touches you as your tires grip into those corners, the gyroscopic effect of balance and speed keeping you propelling forward despite your lean angle. Freedom surges through your system as you take the hills, knowing you won't be able to do this forever, knowing nothing lasts forever, knowing you need to be right here, right now, in this moment. Freedom says 'be present', forget the past and neglect the future, you belong right where you are. It is freedom from planning and dwelling. It is letting go.

Everyone needs to find freedom in their own way. For those of us who have given up the safety of airbags and seatbelts and the comforts of air conditioning and heated seats, we found our way. We don't ride with half a heart, we are all in, because we have to be. Because this is our freedom and it isn't up to anyone else to understand what that means.