The history of motorcycling is dominated by a single word that has been used, again and again, to try and define exactly what is so fulfilling about riding.
This word, spray painted in 20-foot high letters over everything else, is FREEDOM.
But what does that really mean? Is it just about being as loud and brash as you want to be? Or is it tied to some deeper intangible thing?
For the last eight years, a big part of my life has been taking really long motorcycle trips around the Great Lakes - some might call these the very essence of "freedom". I never knew exactly where I was going to go each day, where I was going to sleep, eat and gas up. These open-ended voyages have a profound effect on your mind, spirit, and body—one that is almost universally positive and life-affirming.
What’s so special about the freedom of long rides? What makes it such a positive force in the life of riders? Let me try and put my finger on it...