Just found this on another blog http://motorcyclecolorado.com/blog and wanted to share. It reminds me a lot of Kaz.
Biker’s Credo
I ride purely, and only, because it is fun and offers me the opportunity to meet others of like mind.
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 will 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 its 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 for future bikers to cherish as I have cherished them, whoever they may be.
I do not ride to gain attention, respect, or fear from those who do not ride, nor do I wish to intimidate or annoy them. For those who do not know me, all I wish from them is to ignore me. For those who 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 be the aggressor towards me, their aggression will be dealt with in as severe a 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.
I will not show disrespect to other bikers less experienced or knowledgeable than I am. I will teach them what I can.
It will be my task to mentor new riders, who 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 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 and as a human being.
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 biker who 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 I 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. –
–Author Unknown
November 14, 2012 at 3:42 am
I printed this out, I hope you don’t mind. But I think I’ll make copies of it, when someone asks me why I ride (I think they really want to ask who do I think I am cuz I have 3 Harleys or can I ride one too?) I’ll just hand them a copy. Here, read it while you’re sitting on your couch…I got riding to do! Thanks for posting!
November 14, 2012 at 3:57 am
Hi Rose, I don’t mind at all! Glad you enjoyed it.
November 16, 2012 at 8:29 am
I gotta take a copy of this too. I’ve never seen it before, but pride myself that, in over 20 years of riding, I lived it fully and correctly. Sadly, too much age and too little money have taken me off my beloved bikes. I miss them, and the road. Thanx for the reminder!
November 16, 2012 at 6:55 pm
I’m sorry to hear you no longer ride, but really glad you enjoyed Biker’s Credo. It is pretty awesome. I find bikers to be some of the most principled, honorable, happy folks ever. Must be something to it! Hope you can one day get back on the road.