by Maureen L. Bonatch
I often refer to myself as a backseat-biker. My hubby
controls the over 800 lb. sexy, metal beast while I sit on the back clinging to
my hero. Last week my hubby and I made our yearly trek to attend Thunder in the
Valley. One of Pennsylvania’s largest biker rallies known to attract
over 200,000
 |
| One of my photos from Thunder in the Valley |
There’s a certain peace when you’re riding on the open road
outside of the confinement of a vehicle. You see the world from a
totally different up-close and personal perspective.
As a writer, it’s always
been a great way for me to work through a story. But this ride, while hugging
my hero as we passed a multitude of other bikers with many toting their own
heroine, I contemplated about how biking compares to the essentials of a
relationship.
More Than Skin Deep
You have to look further than skin deep in a relationship. Just like there’s
more to the stereotypical bad boy biker than what is on the outside. You know
the loud, leather-wearing, tattooed, sexy, confident men that straddle the back
of those metal beasts that the heroine loves to ride off into the sunset with?
I’m
not judging–lucky for me I have my own ‘bad boy biker’ and it came as no
surprise to me to find that
The outside appearance might draw you in, but it takes more
than that to maintain and grow a relationship. But if you look a little closer
at most bikers you’ll find many groups participate in fundraising/charity
rides, support military, retirees or simply enjoy motorcycles as a social group.
It Takes Teamwork
As with any relationship, it only works well if it’s not
one-sided. Even though you may ride in silence with only the company of your
thoughts, there is a non-verbal communication occurring on a motorcycle. No
words need to be spoken as you rely upon body language to lean together to take
the twists and turns of the road.
There’s a certain comradely that comes from riding a
motorcycle, a sense of community and connectedness with other bikers that you
don’t share when you’re in a vehicle. Kind of like when you find that special
person who you feel an instant, intense connection.
Trust
 |
| Don't be fooled- I'm getting on the back |
Most bikers have a special bond with their motorcycle. When
I didn’t ride, I used to be a tad jealous of my hubby’s love for her–his
motorcycle. (I wrote about that here. ) I didn’t ride for many reasons, but one of the big
reasons—which is the same with any relationship—was the fear of getting hurt.
When you’re riding a motorcycle you have to be much more
alert to the scenery (wildlife, rocks, potholes, water) and other vehicles. Just
like a relationship, one of the most important things necessary in order to
relax and enjoy the ride, is that you have to trust your partner.
Did You Know About the “Biker Wave”
Biking seems like a solitary endeavor, and it is in many
ways, but usually you wave when you pass another motorcycle. Even though the most
likely a complete stranger, you feel compelled to greet them like a friend. The
wave is a variation of two fingers pointed parallel or down toward the ground,
as if a symbol of peace. There are different assumptions behind the reason for
the start of the “wave”. Some stating it
stems back from when motorcycles weren’t as common, others state it was a
“biker necessity” when they saw Arthur Davidson wave to William Harley.
Author Bio: Maureen Bonatch grew up in
small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat
pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading
paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and
laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook & Twitter
No comments:
Post a Comment