Get a group of non-bikers together and ask them what they know about the biker community, and you're likely to get a long list of answers. Setting aside the bad reputation a small number of clubs have managed to create, bikers are well known as people who are fiercely patriotic, loyal to family members and fellow bikers, and people who love the feeling of freedom of the open road.
From our experience, there is another aspect to the biker community that everyone needs to know about, bikers are a generous lot time and again. Those of us who love motorcycles are happy to take advantage of opportunities to support charitable organizations and all sorts of special events. A case in point is a recent ride for Alzheimer's in Ames, Iowa.
The annual ride was organized by Paul Rhoads, a local biker who lost his mother to Alzheimer's disease a few years back. Rhodes would normally be happy to participate in annual Alzheimer's walks held in the fall, but his hectic schedule made it impossible for him to remain committed to them. Instead, he decided to organize an annual spring ride that combines his love for motorcycles with a desire to raise money for Alzheimer's research.
His first ride raised about $10,000 with the help of 70 riders. That was five years ago. The second year the event was held, attendance doubled, now it averages 500 to 750 riders. Just a few weeks ago, some 500 bikers got together for the 2014 ride and raised and impressive $70,000.
The amazing thing is that events like this are not at all unusual. Last week we wrote about the charitable ride put on at the annual Sturgis rally in South Dakota. Nevertheless, there are literally hundreds of other rides as well. From coast-to-coast, in large cities and small towns, motorcycle riders are always enthusiastic about joining a ride for a good cause. They have no trouble spending their hard-earned money to help those in need. It is truly amazing to witness.
Bikers Are Great People
So, what is it you love about being part of the biker community? There are some bikers who join an organized club because they love the camaraderie and fellowship such clubs afford. Other bikers remain independent even though they regularly get together with other, like-minded individuals. Yet it's really not about whether a biker joins a club. It is about those who love motorcycles and the open road to getting together to enjoy the lifestyle they are passionate about.
In the end, it comes down to this: bikers are great people. Yes, there may be a few bad apples who give the entire community a bad name. However, that's to be expected. The same can be said about any demographic group. But by and large, the average motorcycle rider would give you the clothes off his or her back if you needed them. That's just the way we do things.
We wish Paul Rhoads all the success in the world for future rides. Here's hoping that this year's $70,000 becomes $140,000 next year. The more money he and his friends can raise for Alzheimer's research, the quicker the medical community will find a cure. And that's a good thing.
