Bikers are people too!!!

I have a family, a wife, a job and a a motorcycle. I'm an average every day guy who loves to ride, when I can. But the moment I get together with a bunch of like minded individuals, we're 'BIKERS'. It's as though a label has been pasted across each and every single one of us.

Get a dozen of us together and we're suddenly seen as a gang that's capable of doing just about anything. People think that we are a law unto ourselves. Pedestrians watch us in awe. People give us way in a supermarket aisle if we're booted, armoured ( for safety) and carry helmets. Cops watch us with suspicion and question us on highways. Families at restaurants mutter in hushed tones - even when there are women and children who ride with us. Many wish they could hop onto a bike and experience the freedom that we do - but then, what will people say?!!

I'm proud that I belong to a group of bikers who are like me. Sensible (ha ha!). Responsible. Caring. And despite the tattoos and long hair that some of them sport, are thorough gentlemen on the road. Moreover, over the year, we hope to be gentlemen ( that includes the ladies) off the road too. We made a start with a Christmas Party of underprivileged kids. We participated in a Safety ride. We hope to bring joy into the lives of many less fortunate than us in the year ahead.

So, this poem (which captured my attention) goes out to all my biking friends, their families and every person who cringes when they see a group of bikers on the road or in a supermarket or a restaurant. It is also a silent prayer for the souls of the bikers who I have known who have passed on - and a fervent hope that this does not happen to anyone I know, ever!

Ride to live, Live to ride. But whatever you do, ride safe, because you are on two wheels less than the rest of the world!

Amen

Cyrus Dadachanji aka Gypsycy

"I'm Just a Biker"

Author: Unknown

I saw you hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line.

But, you didn't see me put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk.

But, you didn't see me playing Santa at the local mall.

I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant.

But, you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by.

But, you didn't see me, driving behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children.

But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you stare at my long hair.

But, you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you roll you eyes at our leather coats and gloves.

But, you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none.

I saw you look in fright at my tattoos.

But, you didn't see me cry as my children were born and having their name tattooed on my skin and in my heart.

I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere.

But, you didn't see me going home to be with my family.

I saw you complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be.

But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you yelling at your kids in the car.

But, you didn't see me pat my child's hands knowing he was safe behind me.

I saw you reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road.

But, you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you race down the road in the rain.

But, you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time.

But, you didn't see me trying to turn right.

I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in he lane I was in.

But, you didn't see me leave the road.

I saw you waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.

But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there!

I saw you go home to your family.

But, you didn't see me, because, I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker and a person with friends and a family.

But, you didn't see me.