I believe everyone should do what they want, how they want, and as many times as they want. Myself included.

I ride a motorcycle; more than I don’t. And I do it because I enjoy it.

So long as it isn’t snowing, I’ll generally ride. But all this just means I ride a bike. That’ all. I do not consider myself a biker per se. I’m a motorcyclist.

I don’t try to look like a biker either. I just dress, wearing whatever is appropriate for the conditions in which I ride.

Now like I said, everyone can do what they wish. Maybe for some the riding of the motorcycle releases some inner rebel, a chance to express oneself, or maybe some kind of needed identity escape. To each their own and more power to them.

However, sometimes I feel like I’m considered not a real biker because I don’t have my wallet chained to my belt loop, sport HD boots, or don a leather jacket. And one day I might have all that. But it annoys me to be judged so. Sometimes.

I ride because I like it. The bike is not an extension of any part of me, it’s not an expression of my soul, nor is It the thing that defines me in its entirety.

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, and I believe it applies likewise for a motorcycle.