Friday, January 15, 2010

Motorcycling by Joaquim Gonsalves

"They aren't just a means of getting you from point A to point B.
There are plenty of cars and not to forget public transport for the
purpose. The main difference between a car and a motorcycle is the
number of wheels. The extra set on a car allows for the cabin
construction. To seat you in comfort and protect you from the dust and
dirt outside. A car sort of cages you from nature. A motorcycle, on
the other hand, due to it's very form, aims to keep you one with the
environment. Riding a motorcycle is far more involving than driving a
car. Unless you drive a scarlet Italian with a prancing horse on the
bonnet you aren't using much skill to drive a car. To truly understand
why a biker loves riding go ask your kid brother why he likes to go
around on his bicycle. Better still go out and ride one. Then go drive
a car to a place and then take the bike to the same place. On coming
back if the word 'freedom' doesn't come from your mouth I'll re think
as to why I love motorcycles.

Go around a turn or curve on the road on a motorcycle and no matter
how small the lean angle you will enjoy those few milliseconds around
the turn. Search for 'cornering' videos on You tube. Just the sight of
sparks flying by as riders scrape their foot pegs and knees on the
road can give you goosebumps. Motorcycling is as much a source of
adrenalin as a roller coaster ride or a bungee jump.

Wanna go on a road trip? Plan to go in a car? Bring in a bike as
well. Spend a few kms in the car and few on the bike and you shall see
the difference. The experience is richer on a motorcycle. And at the
end of the day don't you want to have an all round one with nature
experience on a road trip? The next best thing would be to go on foot,
that's if you don't mind spending five times the amount of days on the
trip.

Freedom, thrill, adrenalin. Such are the words that describe
motorcycling. It is a bug. One that will excite you every time you get
bitten. Leaving you asking for more."

Dig deeper and you will learn why motorcycling is even considered
an art form!

Until next time,
Ride safe and God bless.