Haiku-Baiku Blue sky and sweet wind, Open roads that never end; Sweeter with my friends! -
As a kid growing up, school was not something I enjoyed. Riding my motorcycle at the end of the day, and the pleasure that brought me, was all that got me through. When I began Grand Prix roadracing, it was more of the same. The media and PR work was just something I had to survive to get to that one hour of peace on Sunday afternoon. Even today, riding remains my reward.
Kevin Schwantz,
1993 500cc World Champion
Sensory overload-to feel the suspension working, the tires gripping, the engine trying to suck the bike out from under me and the brakes trying to launch me over the front, often all at the same time. That's the reason I ride.
Derek Brooks, motorcycle product planning manager, Yamaha
Even after 38 years, riding motorcycles still delivers a buzz that a variety of chemicals and curvy women can't quite match. Nowadays it's vintage motocross, where the starting-gate butterflies take me back to my days of racing as a kid.
Mitch Boehm, editor, Motorcycle Retro
I started racing for the adrenalin rush, the money and the glory-and that's what keeps me going today! I usually ride my 1986 Kawasaki 250 Ninja, and every time I leave the house it's like lining up at Loudon. Everyone in my town still knows who I am, too-they hold up one finger every time I pass them in traffic, because they all know I'm number one!
Gary Nixon, two-time AMA Grand National Champion
I like being "one of those people." A few years ago, I arranged a motorcycle exhibit at South Florida Museum. I was speaking with a woman on opening night, and she wasn't aware I was the curator. When I told her, she was surprised: "You're one of those people?!" Yes, I am. Isn't it great?
Scott Odell, photographer
At first, riding was practical. Next, it was fun. Now, it's become a necessary part of life. Putting a throttle in your hand puts you in absolute control of your reality. In this world overrun with insane politicians, corrupt business leaders, ideologues, zealots and other sundry whackos, how could I not ride?
Robert Pandya, freelance motojunkie
I love the feeling of working a gyroscope back and forth through the twisty stuff, whether it's pavement or dirt. Something about that flow you feel and the way the throttle and brakes can influence and enhance that flow will keep me coming back until the end of time.
Adam Craig, mountain bike racer and 2008 U.S. Olympic team member
In John Keats' poem, "Ode to a Nightingale," he explores why he feels envy for a bird. He wants to be able to sing like a bird-without thought-just sing and make beautiful music, naturally. I feel the same way about riding. When I ride, I am a bird-almost. But when the helmet comes off, I am human.
Matthew Biberman, author
Big Sid's Vincati
The helmet is perfect for covering my bald spot!
Korry Hogan, the first Top Fuel dragbike rider to make a 250-mph pass
When I am on my bike, I am not the guy with multiple sclerosis. I'm not battling a disease or cleaning up any other messes. I'm just Jim, just another guy out there enjoying his bike.
Jim Haraughty, director, Team MS Racing
Riding motorcycles simultaneously stimulates and demands total commitment of the "bodymind" from the rider as operating no other land-bound vehicle does. Those who, like me, savor the stimuli are hard-wired by our evolutionary heritage to ride for any reason in any season. The "need for speed" is in our genes.
Steven L. Thompson, author,
Bodies in Motion: Evolution and Experience in Motorcycling
But with the throttle screwed on, there is only the barest margin, and no room at all for mistakes. It has to be done right ... and that's when the strange music starts, when you stretch your luck so far that fear becomes exhilaration and vibrates along your arms. You can barely see at a hundred; the tears blow back so fast that they vaporize before they get to your ears. The only sounds are the wind and a dull roar floating back from the mufflers.
Hunter S. Thompson, Hell's Angels
Speeding motorcycle, let's speed some more/'Cause we don't need reason and we don't need logic/We've got feeling and we're dang proud of it/Speeding motorcycle, there's nothing you can't do/Speeding motorcycle, I love you.
Daniel Johnson, Speeding Motorcycle
Reason to ride? Is there a reason not to ride? There are fears, perhaps, but reasons? I think not!
Bill Berroth, president, Sidi/Vemarimporter Motonation
By Courtesy Of Dream Engine
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