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The Biker’s Code

Two Tone — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:20:28 +0000

This was sent to me from a friend….
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The Biker’s Code
by Author Unknown

It used to be that all bikers shared a common bond, an unspoken code of ethics and behavior that transcended words and was built on actions. There was never a bible written on this Biker’s Code and there was no need for such. But the times are a-changin’ and there seems to be a lot of new riders out there.

These days the riders you see blastin’ down the road are just as likely to be clad in shorts and sneakers as jeans and engineer boots. And the roughest, toughest-looking biker you pull up next to could be your doctor or lawyer and may be wearin’ a Rolex watch under his leathers. There’s nothing wrong with that, so long as these new riders learn the Code just as we old-timers did. Being a biker used to be about using your creativity to take a basket case old hawg and using only grit and ingenuity, turning it into a one-of-a-kind eye dazzler, then risking your life on the asphalt on a bike you made yourself out of pride. Bikers wore leather and grease because they knew cagers would just as soon run them down as look at them, so they had to be intimidating.

We were a breed unto ourselves with no union, no support group, and in many cases, no family (they threw us out). We had to make it in the world of our own, against all rules, against mainstream society, and against all odds.

We survived and prospered because of the Biker Code and we never took shit from anybody. As an old scooter bro once said, “It’s every tramp’s job to school the young. How else are they gonna know a Panhead from a bed pan?” With that in mind, we bring you a primer on the basic two-wheeled Code. Take heed, brothers and sisters, for our Code is a hallowed one filled with honor and loyalty, the likes of which have not been since the days of knighthood:

Don’t take any shit. Be kind to women, children and animals, but don’t take any bullshit. This is an essential part of being a biker. It has to do with respect and honor. Anyone can be a quick-tempered fool. Be cool, stand tall and backup what you say with action.

Never lie, cheat or steal. Another way of saying this is to always tell the truth. Bikers are always the greasy bad guys in the movies, but every real biker knows that his word is his bond. Your word is all you have in life that is truly yours. Guard it carefully and be something noble, for you are a true knight of the road.

Don’t snitch. If you see a wrong, fight it yourself, if you are about anything. You’ll take care of problems yourself and never feel the need to snitch someone off. Snitches are the lowest life forms on earth, right up there with biker thieves.

Don’t Whine. Absolutely no one likes or respects a whiner. Another way to say this is hold your mud. Still another way to think of it is, “Don’t sweat the small stuff” Most of life’s little inconveniences work themselves out whether you whine or not. Keep your chin up, dammit! You’re a biker, not some lowly snail..

Never say die and never give up. Whether it’s in a fight, a debate, or a business deal, no matter how bad it gets, a biker never gives up.

Help others. When a brother or sister is broken down by the side of the road, always stop and help them. Even moral support, if that is all you can give, is better than riding on by. Remember life is about the journey, the ride, not getting there. You already are there. And don’t just help bikers, show the world that we are better than our image portrays us. Courtesy costs you nothing and gives you everything.

Stick to your guns. Do what you say you’ll do, be there when you say you will. This is called integrity. This also goes back to standing for something. Like the song says, “You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.”

Life is not a drill. Yeah, this ain’t no dress rehearsal. This is life — go out and take big bites of it. You’ve got no time to lose and bikers don’t stand around waiting for the party to come to them. You only go around once. Tomorrow you could be road kill, thanks to a chain smoker asleep at the wheel of his Caddy. Live life now, make the most of each moment.

All right, now let’s review.

You are a biker, a modern-day knight of the road.
Protect the weak, walk tall and stand proud.
Your word is your bond.
Stick to your guns.
Don’t take any shit.
Life is not a drill.

Now go forth and ride. When in doubt, ride. That’s what we do…ride. If you want to ride around in a Day-Glo Hawaiian shirt and sandals, go for it, but if you intend to look like a idiot, at least don’t act like an idiot.

These commandments are just a few of the broad strokes, there is a lot more to being a biker than buying a bike. If you just buy a bike, you are a motorcyclist. Being a biker is a way of life, a proud way of life we hold in high regard with a burning passion for the open highway.

What say you?

Download the file I received of the code here: The Biker’s Code

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Come Out To Christmas In July w/ABATE!

Two Tone — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 04:01:42 +0000

Visit http://www.abateofalaska.com & click on the poster to view!

Well Christmas in July is upon us once again! ABATE need’s donations (money, toys, coloring books, small hand held electronic games, etc for ages newborn to 19). If you want to help out, let either Laura Goggins or Jan Plummer know.

The ages of the children will be unavailable until closer to the run, so any kind of donation is welcome and appreciated.

Also, ABATE will need door prizes – so if anyone has anything they want to donate, again contact either Laura & Jan.

Also, we’re having a cook out after the run, so if anyone is willing to provide a dish as well that would also be appreciated.

We’ll probably be sorting toys again the night before the run (23rd) and getting the sleigh built, so I’m sure there would be plenty of opportunities for someone to come and volunteer. Again, just let Laura & Jan know & they’ll fill you in on the details.

Thanks & we look forward to seeing you on the run!

NOTE: For those unfamiliar with the Christmas in July event is – it’s a “toy run” that ABATE & all the biker community do in July to bring toys to children in local area hospitals. While we ride our bikes (including Santa), we welcome automobiles for this community event. The runs goes to the 3 major hospitals in Anchorage & the Salvation Army home near Mulcahey Stadium to see kids that are either sick or that are having a hard time and Santa gives them presents (UNWRAPPED)! After we’re done we have a cookout, courtesy of the VietNam Vets M/C.

Here are my pictures from the event: http://www.flickr.com/photos/karlleray/sets/72157621828890725/

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Did I Mention I’m In A TV Commercial?

Two Tone — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 06:57:52 +0000

So…. As many of you know I had the privilege of being in the locally produced ABATE of Alaska Motorcycle Awareness commercial titled “Ice Cream Showdown.” It was a LOT of fun to do and the outtakes were also hilarious…we just couldn’t stop laughing. Anyways, many have asked to see it so I posted the HD version to youtube tonight. So…enjoy the commercial that we had as much fun making as it is to watch.

I also have to say that the guy who came up with this, Steve Stripling of the Big Alaska Show, came up with a genius concept! He’s just got more talent in his little finger than most people I know.

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My Presentation for Ignite Anchorage!

Two Tone — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:54:22 +0000

About a week ago I had the privilege of speaking at Ignite Anchorage 2. As it went, my presentation of “What the @!#%$! Do Those Motorcycle Hand Signals Mean?” was very well received by the audience.

The wonderful team at Ignite have posted the video of the presentation on Youtube for all to enjoy! So…if you missed it here is my 5 minutes of fame (10 more minutes to go):

Yes…that is me in a suit. Don’t faint!

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Wishing You & Yours All The Best!

Two Tone — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:04:52 +0000

Happy Holidays From Twotone & Minx!

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This is my Year of Jez ride.

Two Tone — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:08:27 +0000

Some of you may remember that a delightful young lady I had the pleasure of knowing had passed away in 2007: http://www.hogbiker.com/2007/09/17/we-will-never-forget-you-jezreel/83.

As I had my accident in 2008, I was not able to participate in Live Ride for MDA that year (I did raise funds though). That year the ride was dedicated in her honor which was both wonderful, touching, and saddening all at the same time.

So since I did not get to ride in her honor last year, this will be my year for her.

I have my 2008 shirt that proudly displays “The Year of Jez” and will wear it knowing that it’s wonderful children like her that we ride to find a cure for so that one day NO CHILD will be affected by these deadly diseases.

If you want to know more about Live ride, visit http://www.mdaliveride.com. If you’d like to help me in my goal of raising funds for the cause visit https://www.joinmda.org/lr09/twotone (you can even donate after the ride).

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Memorial Day Pictures

Two Tone — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:14:59 +0000

I just realized I had not posted anything about the great time we had celebrating Memorial Day with the Vietnam Vets M/C.

The weather was the best it’s been in years, & everything went off smoothly.

For Lynn & I, this year was especially emotional because we didn’t know they’d be honoring our friend Gen. Tom “Pugs” Tinsley. It reminded us of a friend we lost & the hurt & pain of his wife Joanna’s & daughter Eden’s loss. It really hit home that our friend Bud was really gone.

We’re always proud to be part of the weekend events and so without further ado…here are the pictures. Enjoy!

Beyer's Lake Memorial Day Celebration

The VNV's Memorial Day celebration at the Alaska Veterans Memorial at Beyer's Lake.

195 Photos

Anchorage Park Strip Memorial Day celebration

The VNV's Memorial Day celebration at the Anchorage Park Strip Veterans Memorial in downtown Anchorage, Alaska.

146 Photos

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Celebrating Memorial Day

Two Tone — Mon, 25 May 2009 15:41:22 +0000

Was again part of the annual VNV M/C’s memorial day run at the Alaska Veterans Memorial at Beyer’s Lake.

The Day was great, the ceremony stellar and the reuniting with friends the best.

More pictures forthcoming…in the menatime enjoy my Memorial Day writeup on my regular blog: http://www.leray.us/nukem/2009/05/25/on-this-memorial-dayon-this-memorial-day/721

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May is Motorcycle Awareness Month!

Two Tone — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:13:00 +0000

I wanted to make a post as May is Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Some simple statistics:

Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than passenger vehicle drivers in the event of a crash.
Research shows that approximately 80 percent of motorcycle crashes injure or kill a motorcycle rider, while only 20 percent of passenger car crashes injure or kill a motor vehicle driver or passenger

As a “motorcycle enthusiast” I have a vested interest in every vehicle driver being aware of those of us who ride on two wheels. I have found that, for the most part, people keep a polite distance between their bumper and my rear. This gives us both a “space cushion” in case something were to happen and I end up on the pavement like I did last year.
As a motorcyclist, with minimal metal protections like a car, I am always appreciative of the gesture.

The situation that concerns me more than the vehicle behind me is where a car in the oncoming lane is attempting to turn left across the lane I am traveling on. Statistics have shown time and again that this scenario is one of the most dangerous to motorcyclists. It is easy for the driver of a car to become distracted (cell phone, adjusting radio, talking to passengers, ad nauseam) and never “see” that motorcycle traveling in the lane they are about to cross is there. The most common comment from vehicle drivers involved in an accident with a motorcyclist is “I never saw them.”

Those of us who take the various riding courses available are taught techniques to improve our visibility. Techniques such as wearing bright colored clothing and helmets (not every motorcyclist is a “black on black” – black leather chaps & vest – rider), shifting our lane position from time to time so that you can see us in different mirrors which reminds you that we’re back there, having strobe headlights/taillights, and other tricks.

The most powerful tool out there for motorcyclists is just a general overall awareness by automobile drivers. In other words if the thought “is there a motorcycle there?” crosses your mind as you lane change, merge or cross a lane of traffic then you are doing the absolute most you can to help keep we motorcyclists safe.

For all of you willing to do this, on behalf of motorcyclists everywhere, our sincerest thanks.

I’d also like to share several important tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways

Remember: a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway. Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width—never try to share a lane;
Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections;
Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic;
Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed;
Remember that road conditions that are minor annoyances to other vehicles pose major hazards to motorcyclists;
Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when following a motorcycle, so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars
Motorcyclists have responsibilities, too, by following the rules of the roadway, being alert to other drivers, as well as wearing DOT-compliant helmets and protective gear.
All too often after a crash, the drivers of other vehicles involved say they never saw the motorcyclist and were unable to respond in time. This is no excuse. Too many crashes are occurring and too many lives are being lost

Of course, no one has forced anyone, myself included, to ride on two wheels. I am aware that I choose a mode of transportation that puts me in a more vulnerable position than the person who rides solely in a car.

That choice is not your problem.

However I want you to know how much I (and other motorcyclists) appreciate those of you who care enough to put effort in to being aware that we motorcyclists are out there on the road with you.

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Pepper Took My Whip From Me!

Two Tone — Fri, 01 May 2009 08:03:58 +0000

But for a very good reason. For those who don’t remember, in 2007 my buddy Pepper made a getback biker whip for me (http://www.hogbiker.com/2007/04/03/have-my-own-getback-biker-whip/53).

I’ve had that whip on my bike all that time…whind, rain, snow (yep…been caught in snow while riding), you name it. That whip has been a steady friend.

Even when I had my wrech last year, the whip survived and was able to be placed back on the brake handle as always.

So…last night, Lynn and I are riding home from dance class and low and behold we pass Pepper! We do a U turn and catch up with him.

After a few hugs and some spirited chatting, the next thing I know Pepper grabs the whip off the bike and in his normal blusterous voice (he’s a very LOUD dude) he says “this thing need an over haul!” and it’s in his tour pack.

At the time I really didn’t think much of it. The guy who made the whip wants to re-dye and re-braid it so it looks like new…cool!

However since it’s been gone, it’s like I’m missing an old friend.

I know it will be back on the brake handle soon, but I just never knew how much I really liked the thing till now.

I can’t wait till I have it back.

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