Motorcycle Prejudice

Harrrrumph! Another tirade 'bout Motorcycle Prejudice...

I just heard 'bout a "Challenge Ride" that's supposed to be run starting in late June and running into July... To be run, 7,000 miles, from Key West, Florida... to Homer, Alaska... Freaking Awesome...

I've been struggling for as long as I can remember, to ride the Alcan SOLO. It was a dream I had a long damn time ago... that kept me goin' the final months of my first hitch in the Army... To come home, buy a new bike, Ride the Alcan... and get my Head Right...

I've let myself get "Ambushed" by life and nonsense, and allowed the Dream to get obstructed, for way too long... and I've been working to make that Dream... a Reality... once and for all... This summer...

Then... I heard about this Ride... and got all cranked up... How awesome would that be? To show the world... I may be a stove up, bald headed, puss gut, Cowboy Biker, Disabled Vet... but I ain't Dead!

So... I went to the website for the Hoka Hey ride... intending to push the envelope... bite off one hell of a "Challenge", and likely sign up!... only to find this;  "in order to keep everyone on an even playing field, the Challenge is limited to Harley-Davidson™, V-Twin, air-cooled motorcycles."

"Even Playing Field"... What the Hell in Life is "even" or Fair? ... I wouldn't be a limpin', gimpy, VET... if life was fair... or even close to an "Even Playing Field."

It bothers me some lil' bit... when Harley Riders talk so much 'bout Freedom, Liberty, Individuality... and then... with a challenge like this basically say; "You're Free to Ride... Exactly what we tell you to ride... leave your Freedom of Choice at Home!"

Are they afraid of the Reliability and Durability of my Star Raider? are they upset 'cause it ain't American Made? ... Uh... ya'll might want to look at where a huge amount of the pieces of that "American Made" Harley are actually produced... and the VAST majority of the after market accessories...

... not to mention that a whole lot of Americans... make their living... With Yamaha and Star... 

This Ol' Vet was up to the Challenge, against all comers... too bad so many others... claim to be... but then... choose to decide that they are the Ultimate Arbiters of what is "Right and Proper" for ever'body else.

Jeeeesus have mercy! ... Walk the Talk... or stop talkin'!

Harleys are Fine Machines... I almost bought one... almost... but I flat fell in love with my red headed Star!

I admire the way Harley Davidson supports Veterans and American Traditions... but ... excluding a Free Man from a ride... 'cause he rides the "Wrong" bike... seems to me to violate those very same Traditions... I'm just sayin'...

I would have liked to have participated in such an event... Guess I'll just have to do it alone... without all the hoopla... and that's OK... Who wants a grumpy Ol' Sermonizin' Cowboy Biker B$@#&@D gimpin' around anyhoo?

Grab Your Handles and Ride!
Brian

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