"Why Do We Ride"

That question was brought up on the Road Star Riders (motorcycle) forum recently. And it brought a lot of responses, like freedom, the rush of the power at our fingertips, wind in our faces, etc.

One guy jokingly answered, “to pick up chicks.” But truth be told, he was actually the closest to the underlying reason more and more men are taking to the road on these roaring, throbbing, powerful beasts on two wheels.

The alpha male mates with more females – in any species. And in today’s society, a culture that has strived to neuter, neutralize and feminize men – and belittle us when we don’t cooperate - we don’t have many ways left to feel and express our manhood. Or to compete for alpha status.

Thousands of years ago men bonded through hunting and fighting. The best hunter or hunt leader and the best fighter became the clear winner in the alpha competition, and thus the most desirable mate for the women. Today, we bond through activities such as sports and the competition also allows us to establish our place in the “pack”. Motorcycle riding with a group or club gives us an outlet for that male activity and competition when we’re a bit long in the tooth and/or wide in the girth for sports. As a bonus, it gives us an adrenaline rush and a feeling of strength.

One might question what competition is there when a whole bunch of guys – who seem to be comrades, not competitors – ride the same kind of bike, one that’s already one of the biggest, baddest, most macho and powerful on the road. Aftermarket. Performance enhancements, chrome for show (like the male peacock, actually) and a good looking machine all make the statement we’re trying to make. They allow us to express our individual values, too. Some like a classic, clean look, some a macho stripped-down look and some just see it in terms of practicality, with accessories to make the bike comfortable for long-distance cruising. Whatever it is, it’s a statement of the personality we’re trying to project. And we drool with envy over another man’s bike if he’s done a better job of making the statement we want to make. Competition.

A lot of women like to tease or belittle men for what they call our immature, macho competition but it’s not silly or immature. If not for the male competitive spirit, you wouldn’t be living in a nice house with heat and air conditioning, you wouldn’t be driving in that nice car and talking on that cell phone you love so much. In fact, we wouldn’t have evolved at all and you probably wouldn’t be here!

And let’s not forget that women compete constantly in an effort to appear to be the most desirable mate. All that makeup and the clothes that bring out your best and cover your worst features, those are for the purpose of attracting male attention, aren’t they? Even when you’re married you do this, ladies.

Now, as to what brings women to motorcycling in increasing numbers, I can’t answer that. Other than the things like freedom, wind in the face, being one with the elements, etc. And maybe to meet men? :-)

This is my opinion, you're welcome to disagree. And comments, as always, are welcome, too.

Owen
coach@man2woman.net