When I mention the words freedom, loyalty, family and love what comes to mind? To me, these words embody what true bikers and motorcyclists stand for. These are values that most of us try to live by. They are emotions that we show towards our riding buddies, friends and loved ones. These are traits that we try to instill in our children. They are not just terms or expressions that we take lightly or use loosely. In fact, many of our fellow bikers have paid the ultimate price so that we can ride free and practice these beliefs. That is why we respect our soldiers and show so much support for the P.O.W, M.I.A and K.I.A. They have paved the way with their blood and life so that we can enjoy the freedom of living in a country where we can ride wherever the wind takes us. If that is not loyalty, then friend, I don’t know what is.
When I think about the word family, I think of all of my “brothers” and “sisters” I ride with. Although our relation is not of blood, the bond between us is as thick as the oil that lubricates our v-twins. We don’t judge each other; care how long the other persons hair is or the number of tattoos that garnish one’s body. We take care of our own and even ones who aren’t. We put on charity rides that support the Toys for Tots. We organize poker runs to raise money for autism awareness. We arrange cookouts to help the victims of domestic violence and child abuse. Bikers are usually the first to give and the last to be thanked but still we give. These are just some of the reasons that I am proud to call these folks my brothers and sisters.
When I contemplate on the word love, I can only tell you what it means to me. Love is waking up at dawn reminiscing about yesterday’s journey and pondering where today will lead. It is the feeling I get when I look down and see my daughter’s portrait tattooed on my arm. Love is the warmth that feels my heart when I hear “Faster Daddy, faster” as I cruise around the yard with my little girl on the back of my bike. It’s the smell of a fragrance in the wind that takes me back to being a kid at my Great Grandparents homestead in the mountains. Love is the bond between my wife, myself and two wheels that when combined forms a bond that no man can break. These are just a few of my definitions of love. What are yours?
Regular people would probably never associate the words freedom, loyalty, family and love with bikers but we’re not regular people are we? Until next time, take it easy; do unto others as you would have them do unto you and keep on Zemplivin!!
Wesley Ashley
www.zemplivin.com
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