Fixing
political mistakes
with good old fashion biker sense
From the small office in the back corner,
near the water cooler
June 23rd, 2008
It was the best of times, it was the worst of
times
Charles Dickens opened his novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ with that
seemingly contrary sentence. Even though the famous British author
wrote his contemporary stories during England’s Victorian Era, the
sentiments could be about bikers in Anytown USA, here and now.
For those not overly familiar with Victorian Era England, it was a
period for most of the 1800’s when the British Empire stretched
across the world, the Industrial Revolution brought huge profits to
businesses as well as their owners, and the country was at war in
foreign lands for all but one of those years. The class system kept
the rich in their country estates and the poor in their place.
Wikipedia calls the Victorian Era as a time of many contradictions
where ‘an outward appearance of dignity and restraint and the
prevalence of social phenomena that included prostitution and child
labor were two sides of the same coin.’
Sound familiar?
The average American is struggling economically from all sides, with
not only the high cost of living eating away at their wallet, but
those same inflationary challenges causing companies to trim back
workers hours or jobs all together. The list of daily worries can
range from how to pay all the household bills to keeping the gas
tank full and hanging onto a job.
But the biker has additional concerns. Many safety experts foresee
stricter, nationwide laws, whether for helmets or safety training.
Across the country riders are feeling the sting of
motorcycle-targeted legislation for loud pipes and highway riding.
Local cities and towns question or even cancel biker events from
either local pressure or the fear of an invasion from by some evil
motorcycle gang.
No one around the Clutch and Chrome offices would be surprised to
hear the movie
The Wild One was played for a town
council as a reason why the upcoming local town motorcycle rally
should have its permits pulled.
Where's the good
stuff?
At this point, readers are asking where are the best of times
mentioned in Dickens most famous opening line?
There are so many, its really hard to go through them all here.
First and foremost, we are all bikers. We’re made of resilient
stuff. Everything nature can give wings and make small enough to
sting at sixty-five miles an hour has hit the various parts of our
upper body. We ride through hot humid days, bitter cold, rainy
weather and the craziest of our group will even take the bike out in
the snow and ice.
There’s a reason we bikers naturally walk with an attitude, because
we’ve earned it. Bikers have stared Mother Nature down, taken what
she can throw at us and carried on to put a few more miles down.
After all, the quickest way to dry off after being caught in a
rainstorm is to keep on riding.
While so many people are flocking to two-wheels to save money and
stretch out those gas-dollars, bikers ride because we want to. There
really is no choice, we have to ride. Just as the open road is part
of us, a little bit of a rider is left behind on every highway
they’ve traveled.
In these tough times, we have the magical answer to blowing away
those economic blues and it’s only as far away as wherever the
motorcycle is parked. And what a motorcycle it is, the industry
produces not only some of the best looking bikes in riding history,
but also the most reliable, maintenance-friendly machines anyone
could hope for.
As individual as bikers may be, we can pull together when needed.
Want an example?
Motorcycle rallies and events aren’t cheap to attend. Between time,
food, gas and a place to rest the head it can be a costly roadtrip.
Although everyone seems to be watching every dollar, attendance for
motorcycle events and rallies aren’t that far off previous years
numbers. What seems to be happening however are shorter visits with
a lot less money being spent.
But the fact that bikers are turning up to support the events speaks
volumes about who we are.
One of the trademarks of Charles Dickens stories was the ironic
twist and enlightening moment that made an appearance about
three-quarters of the way into the novel. And as if written by Mr.
Dickens himself, we have a similar moment as well.
The Country is on the road to electing a new President, an
opportunity to find a different road. Certainly something with less
potholes and fewer blind corners as the current one, after all it's
had more of its fair share of both. This is the time for bikers to
look to that vaunted independence and free thinking we are known
for. Many of us have two or three lives, work, family as well as
biker. Since decisions are made depending in which world we're
standing and this electoral choice is so important for the future of
the United States, its time to fall back to the most honest and raw
personality. Whether you have to throw on your leather, don the
helmet or even ride to the polling booth, its time to trust that
biker-gut that has helped you out of so many riding mishaps or
problems.
Take the same time and
care choosing your candidate that was used for buying your
motorcycle or any accessories you've added along the way. Read up on
the candidates, make an effort to dispel rumors and find out what
they really stand for. After all, if rumors were true we would all
be riding on the run from the law or in jail for beating up helpless
old ladies after eating children for breakfast.
The second the dirty
politics start, and unfortunately they will, ask yourself how it
feels to have baseless smears and lies said about bikers and how we
look on those who chose to spread the misconceptions or
heaven-forbid, believe them.
Go to political rallies
held by both candidates. You only have to look as far as your
favorite biker stop or bar to realize our world is made up of a
diverse range of backgrounds, most of them good quality people we'd
gladly ride with and certainly stop on the side of the road to help.
You'll not only find the same mix at the rallies, but get a true
idea of who's supporting the candidate and why they are.
Bikers have a history
of proud military service and we honor those who serve, whether past
or present at every opportunity. But this doesn't mean we should
throw our support behind a candidate for wearing a uniform or a
having military record. How they would treat our military while in
office in the immediate future is far more important than where life
may have taken them. Our men and women deserve the respect and
financial support putting on a uniform has always inherently meant.
Now is the time to use
that finely honed judgment that has brought us home from every ride
and helped us decide who were the good guys and not so good guys on
two wheels. Like seeing a new design of motorcycle we have to work
past knee-jerk reactions and assumptions, get in the saddle and make
a fair unbiased decision.
Most of all, we have to
vote and encourage everyone around us to also vote. There have been
too many that have sacrificed too much for such an inherent right to
be ignored. It doesn't matter who you or others vote for, as long as
that right is exercised.
In the big picture,
every vote is one step closer to the best of times for not only you
and I, but also the Country.
Be safe!
The Editor
Past
Editorials
June 23rd
Fixing political mistakes with
good old fashion biker sense
It
was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Charles Dickens opened his novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’
with that seemingly contrary sentence. Even though the
famous British author wrote his contemporary stories
during England’s Victorian Era, the sentiments could be
about bikers in Anytown USA, here and now.
April 10th
Welcome to our new home
Sure it may look like we've knocked out a few walls
or something as extreme as adding a whole
new wing, but its amazing what a little bit of
paint, some well-placed plants and a new set of
curtains can do.
March 20th
American Idol, frontier of biker's
rights? So American Idol’s Queen
of rock is gone. Long live the queen. This editorial is
being written the day after Amanda Overmyer was asked by the
viewing voters to hop on her Sportster and ride off into the
graphically-enhanced, blue back-lit Fox sunset.
March 5th, 2008
Thankfully, life isn't a
bumper sticker
The bumper sticker, whose quick phrase put a smile on
drivers faces or could solve any of life’s problems, seemed
to infect every car on the road with its humor, wit and
thought provoking slogans has become a rare sight in recent
years.
February 11th, 2008
Passion or Possession? How can a person
not love motorcycles? Understanding that this editorial is
appearing the pages of Clutch and Chrome, the absolutely
free online resource for riders, I’m pretty much preaching
to the choir. Regardless, don’t you catch yourself asking
the same question?
January 11th, 2008
Throwing names into the Dunce
Cap
With Clutch and Chrome’s
Best
and Worst of 2007 just recently published, the morning
meetings which ran into afternoons and occasionally finished over
drinks are still fresh in everyone’s minds around the office. It’s not surprising then to read every
news story that finds it’s way onto the pages of Clutch and Chrome
with an eye to what will be nominated, and possibly win next years
awards. But who would’ve thought that just ten days into the
new year we’d not only be reading, but for some possibly living, a
shoo in for Dumbest motorcycle moment of 2008?
January 2nd, 2008
Riding one big bottle-rocket
into 2008 Like trying on a
new pair of jeans in one of those trendy boutique clothing
stores with too many younger shoppers looking on, we find
ourselves awkwardly in a brand new year wishing it would fit
better and the whole episode just didn’t feel so weird.
December 20th, 2007
Like looking in a mirror
One of the biggest ironies must be
that of the holiday season and the biker.
In many ways, your average rider has so many similarities to the big
man and his magical visit that children the world over look forward
too.
November 29th, 2007
Santa Claus and Cynics Who needs any
reindeer or the silly red suit? Okay, maybe the suit isn’t
so silly and surely enough bikers will tell you that well
insulated Santa attire is just what the bike-doctor ordered
for your upcoming local and possibly cold Toy Run. It
even looks good when you make the local paper and for some,
it’s the rare occasion a color other than black can be worn
while riding.
November 2nd, 2007
Facing down destiny with a Podcast
The road ahead is lit by sunlight
streaming through dark, looming storm clouds. It’s not just the
turning of the season bringing a chill to the heavy lying air.
Bikers are riding across the Great Plains of life straight towards a
menacing storm front, stretching for as far as the eye can see.
September 25th, 2007
Trying to ignore the sound of crashing celebrities
So it had been weeks in the making, between the first few
thoughts, organizing them into some kind of order and then
typing it all out. Everything was looking
great.
It was a deep introspective into our riding world, what
bikers are facing, possible consequences and most
importantly how we as a group will face them.
The new darling of advertisers everywhere There is no doubt the humble
motorcycle is experiencing a wave of popularity and
acceptance across all sections of society. Our riding
brothers of yesteryear who were at best judged and at worst
actively discriminated against could only watch in amazement
at how beloved bikers and their machines have become.
June 11th, 2007
Riding gear,
new look and life lessons I know, I know,
certainly a lot of road to cover in one trip, but it has
been two months since the last editorial so it’s
understandable having a lot to write about.
April 3rd, 2007
Our big
screen
biker brothers..... After
nearly a year of the first inklings the demonic motorcycle
daredevil would burst onto the big screen, and a shorter six
months of build-up for the all-star comedic biker-buddy
movie, both Ghost Rider and Wild Hogs are quickly fading
into movie history.
March12th, 2007
Perfection over passion Although
this editorial may at first feel the furthest from
motorcycles and the people who love to ride them, I’d ask
for indulgence and patience while we go around the houses
eventually getting to the point.
February 2nd, 2007
The
fresh smell of fines in the air The first
month of the New Year is still fresh in our minds and
already the world of riding is greeted with gainsaying.
December 26th, 2006
Why Bikers are dogs Admittedly
it’s a loaded and possibly inflammatory headline, open to a
range of interpretations. But before all the female readers
have their heads fall off from nodding in agreement with much
enthusiasm, don’t jump ahead of me.
November 12th, 2006
Politics on
Two Wheels
Just when you thought there
would be a sanctuary from the endless stream of political
reporting, electoral Monday morning quarterbacks and analysis
of the analysis which picked apart the original analysis,
here’s an editorial which should be about motorcycles but
instead references the mid-term elections.
October 23rd, 2006
Riding with a
bullseye on the back
There are
always signs. This editorial isn't about the ones that stand on the
side of the road which help various vehicles navigate the
endless roads of this great country.
September 20th, 2006
Changes
and perspectives
It's always a hard making a decision
for change, with the degree's of difficulty usually corresponding
with how much it impacts your life.
August 19th, 2006
Two
sides Of the
Worlds Coin
A quick informal survey around the
cyber-office has all the staff of Clutch and Chrome admitting the
same thing. Everyone is crazy about motorcycles. Sure some may lean,
if you'll excuse the pun to one kind or even one brand of bike, but
all in all if it's moves, is motorized and has two wheels, we're
interested.
July 26th, 2006
Life is like A sharp blind curve
I always find the
best friendships are those built on complete understanding
and upfront honesty. Certain buddies are quite happy with
riding once a month while others look forward to weekly
mini-excursions. Being the easy-going biker types and not
pushing anyone for more than they're willing to give has our
circle of friends happily wearing smiles and enjoying life.
June 16th, 2006
Limited run only!!! Tragic news and
moral outrage
The last week just goes to
show that any type of momentum, regardless of how strong it
may appear is stoppable and maybe even reversible. But
before we get to the conclusion, lets baby-step our way
through the connecting dots.
May 1st 2006
Looking back, glancing forward
It’s been just over three weeks since
Clutch and Chrome has been
‘live’ on the internet. That is, according to the official
launch date and schedule the Clutch and Chrome staff was
working with.......
April 1st 2006
A note from the Editor I’m honored to be the first to welcome you to
Clutch and Chrome, a
website devoted to news, information, facts and figures
about motorcycles for those who love to ride them.......
Fixing
political mistakes 