Thanksgiving is always a time to reflect on and take inventory of what truly matters. For us, it’s a little different. Being immersed in the riding community, it’s important to take stock of the core community – those not in for the glory and the gold, but for the thrill of the ride.
We give thanks to those building, bruising, and busting their ass for both themselves and their fellow riders. In an Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter-fueled world it’s easy to selfie yourself into a persona of motorcycle godliness. But this lifestyle was never moved forward by those individuals, but by those who give back, lend a hand, and never leave riders behind.
It’s been a difficult year for motorcycling in America both financially and media wise, but there still remains those that internalize what makes this sport great, and continue to represent in the best possible way.
Here’s a toast – to those on the street and the lot breaking bike and limits even when mainstream acclaim is not the goal. To the dirtbags and ner’do wells building motorcycles and furthering the garage life for the love of custom, not attention. To the track rats and innovators scraping by to scrape off seconds of a lap while also helping those pitted right next to you. Regardless of bike, opinion, or income bracket, you are the riders furthering the sport.
Keep the rubber side down, and don’t let the instamonsters hold us back.
Have a happy Thanksgiving, and thank you again for your support.
As always, Ride Among Us.
And if you want to see what we’re taking about, check out the Dirtbag Challenge Documentary. The trailer’s been embedded in this post.
