I remember as a young Biker going to Biker Parties with my Father “Pappy”. I didn’t have a Motorcycle License yet and I would ride on the back of his. I think back to these events and as I look back now threw the eyes of a person a bit older and hopefully a bit wiser. There are two different types of people that stand out at these events. I will call the first group the “Guests”, These are the people who would show up at parties pay their $5 to get in, Most of these people were good people who were there to have a good time,but of course there were always the ones there to just drink and eat as much as they could for their $5 . [I:http://www.mountainmusicinn.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EljayJames8.jpg]
Then there was the other type I will call them “Family” ! These are the people you knew and who you saw at every event. These Guys were Big Hairy Bikers with loud hearty laughs, These guys always brought plenty of their own beer and food ! You never had to ask these guys for a Beer or a Burger, When they saw you you got a Big Bear Hug and a Beer and a Burger thrown your way. These Bikers where all close friends and Brothers of my Father Pappy so as his Son I was automatically family too. These Bikers lived by a simple Creed “If I have a loaf of bread my brother too has a loaf of bread” or more simply whats mine is yours.
I think that creed above all others is what made me want to be a Biker and has kept me a Biker all these years! Now I am not here to say that spirit of the Biker world has died because it is still alive, It just seems to me that it is not as strong as it once was! I do not know if it is because my eyes and heart may have grown a bit older and Colder over the years, If its the fact the Biker world has become a lot more Corporate,if its all these Biker War Movies! or if it is as I have said many times before the true nature of what being a Biker is not being past down from the Older Biker Generation to the younger Biker Generation. I think most likley it is a combination of all of the above! When you get the chance watch the 1993 Movie “Running Cool” I have always found that movie to express best what I think of as the true Biker Spirit !
These are my thoughts I think of as I see Bikers who just take and give nothing back to the Community! As large Corporations of men in suits and ties who have never even been near a Motorcycle take over and buy up Biker events that have been around for decades so only they can sell Merchandise at those events and cater to the Yuppie Biker crowd, While pushing away true Bikers! I keep my eyes open looking and I still see the true spirit when I see someone show up at an event with a pot of Chili, Some Brisket, A deep Fried Turkey or even just a Bottle to pass around.
Being a Biker is about more then just being able to ride a Motorcycle, Its about caring about those around you , You truly care about their lives and work to make them better and you know they care about your life ! Every now and again I get a phone call and I will hear another Biker I have known over the years who had a True Bikers Heart has past on, and I wonder how many of us are left and are we a fading Culture?
I used to often hear the saying “If I have a Loaf of Bread my Brother too has a loaf of Bread” It is a Creed We should never loss and I hope to hear more often!
What do you think? Your Bro LJ James [I:http://www.mountainmusicinn.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EljayJames2.jpg]
LJ James is a freelance writer and he owns a Ed Hardy Style Clothing Store LJ James is also the partner on an online TV show