| We Ride Alone Together
- By Mike Newton (Grizz)
I coined that term last year on the way to an RTE and thought it really fit. I happened to be at the Rhode Island SS1000 pre ride dinner this June and had the opportunity to try that description out on our First Visitor (Alan Leduc).
I sat next to Alan at dinner and wanted to thank him for starting this eclectic group of wayfarers. I mentioned that when someone asked me what we were I described us a group of motorcycle enthusiasts that ride alone together. Alan cocked his head and that little smirk appeared on his face and he said “I never thought about it that way but that sounds about right”.
I do enjoy the local rides with my Southern Cruisers chapter. We have a great first officer and some stand-up folks as members. I credit them with getting me started back down the path of safe riding when I re-entered the sport. In fact one of my most cherished memories came several years ago as three of us returned from a sad occasion. On the way home I was in the middle of the group of 3. We were riding into the sun on the downside of a 600 mile day. I felt safe and at peace…..the image is forever burned in my memory.
I also enjoy my time on the road alone…..a lot! It is my time to have deep inner reflections, validate that I am at peace with my decisions in life, and to clear my mind. I have some of my most personal and spiritual moments during my solo excursions.
As personal as they are, many of us choose to attempt to share part or all of the experience with each other. We know more about some of us in this group than their family does….. and we have never met. It’s because we ride alone together.
When Tom Sayer rode the Americas Ride I couldn’t wait to read his next entry. I was a junkie needing a fix. He couldn’t have been more alone on much of that ride but if he looked really quickly behind him, he might have seen my shadow…..because we were riding alone together.
During the Iron Butt Rally this year there may have only been 90 plus registered participants but because of the sharing of the adventure there were truly thousands suffering through the downpours, plugging tires, cussing that green Triumph Trophy that wouldn’t start and waving to Brad as he paced us in the patrol car……because we ride alone together.
When we are asked about taking long solo trips, a high percentage of us get a big smile and start mentally calculating the days until we can leave. The next thought is how we will record the experience so that we can share them with everyone. We know how taking long trips with a group can ruin a friendship but we also know how sharing the experience can build friendships. Finding a riding partner that compliments your style is a rare find. Making new friends by sharing your experiences is easy.
Most Ride To Eats (RTE’s) are a perfect example. Some one yells “Food at this location date and time” and they will come. Riders roll in solo or in very small groups. They form one big ball of fun for about 2 hours and then disperse in the same manner. Anyone reading the recaps of the events would have sworn that it was a well organized ride. They are really a well organized group of folks……that rode alone together.
Just prior to my ride home from the Florida Coast to Coast ride this year I had breakfast with Richard Buber, Barb Smith and my cousin Paul. We talked about riding styles and trips and bikes and friendships. Richard made a very profound statement during that discussion. He said that he was closer to his last ride than his first one and that he was going to make every one count. My wish is that everyone takes that to heart and makes the most of every mile, and then share as much as they can…….so that we can all ride alone together.
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