"Bikers" vs. people who just own bikes

[Blues]

I want to see what y'all think about this. I feel there's a difference between "bikers" and people who just own bikes and sometimes ride. Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong either way..hell, do what you will. But I do wonder, however, what exactly qualifies one as a biker. Me, I think I'm a biker, through and through. I ride everywhere, and damn near every day. Rain (if it ain't too bad) or a little cold or hot weather isn't going to stop me. In the interest of full disclosure, I too considered fuel economy when I decided on the GZ. Now, after almost 10,000 miles, I find out that I'd ride even if gasoline were free. No radio to listen to, no cupholders to fool with and no ability to talk on the cell phone on a bike...just concentrating on riding. Me and the road. For me, it's almost a form of meditation. So many of the crappy distractions of the day have to go by the wayside when I'm on my bike. I'm sure many of you in here know what I'm talking about.

Then there's people, like some of the guys I work with, who just ride out of the desire to save on gas money. If it rains (or even threatens to) they bring the car. Or it's too hot..or too cold. It's almost like they might be looking for a reason not to ride. Hey, as I said, that's cool. Man, it's your bike..ride it or not. I do, though, almost feel bad for these cats because I think they might be missing out on the best part of having a bike. It ain't the 60 mpg, it's the ride. It's the interesting people you meet. It's the cool feeling you get sitting on a bike eating lunch at a drive-in restaurant.

I don't think one need be a "1%'er" to be a biker. I feel, instead, that a "biker" describes one who looks for every reason to ride (or rides with no reason) vs. those who feel required to ride or jump in the car at the first hint of weather. If you haven't guessed..I love my bike and being on it :2tup: Let me know what you think...can we 250 riders be called "bikers"?

Peace
Aaron