We’re All In This Together
Motorcycling is often seen as a solitary pursuit—a rider, a bike, and an open road. But ask any experienced biker, and they'll tell you that motorcycling is also deeply rooted in community.
There’s a shared understanding among motorcyclists, a feeling of camaraderie that transcends background, language, and geography. It’s one of those rare pursuits that allows total strangers to become instant friends based solely on a common love for two wheels.
The often unspoken connection is seen in the friendly nods and waves we exchange when passing each other on the highway. It’s felt when you pull over to help someone with a breakdown or when you stop to check on a fellow motorcyclist on the side of the road.
These gestures may seem small, but they represent a larger bond—a feeling of being in this together, united by the shared challenges and thrills that motorcycling brings.
On the Road
I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve had with people while traveling on a motorcycle. Almost every time I stop somewhere, I end up speaking with the locals, travelers, and—more often than not—fellow motorcyclists.
I’ve traveled a lot in a car, too, and it’s just not the same experience. I always say that if you want to make friends, start riding a motorcycle.
Strangers have helped me on several occasions when I was thousands of miles from home. They’ve picked me up with a trailer, fed me, housed me, and given me parts and tools.
I’m always astonished by people's selflessness when it comes to taking care of a fellow rider. We always have each others’ backs. It makes me feel hopeful for humanity, and it’s something I always try to pay forward when I can.
I’m never too busy to make sure another rider is OK.
Virtual Bonds in a Digital World
The internet has certainly added a new dimension to the motorcycle community. Now, not only do we talk shop when we run into each other at a gas station, but also when we have our feet kicked up at the end of the day. The instant connectivity with riders all over the world is a unique way to interact with the community.
The development of super-niche groups allows us to dive deeper into specific moto interests at the click of a button or a tap of a screen. On top of that, there is likely someone who knows more about your chosen obsession than you just a message away.
I’m good friends with people all over the world that I’ve never met in person (but hope to one day). It’s all because we like to ride motorcycles.
RoadRUNNER Readers
Of all the niche communities I’m a part of, my favorite is the one made up of RoadRUNNER readers. We often receive letters from readers after they have completed one of our tours, telling us how much fun they had or what they enjoyed about the trip we put together.
What I love most is when someone spots our logo on a shirt, hat, or sticker while we are traveling and stops to chat about the tour we are working on. We’ve had so many interesting interactions with our readers while on the road, and it’s one of the things I look forward to most when traveling.
I hope I get to meet YOU on a ride one day too.
No matter how big, loud, and chaotic the world sometimes feels, it’s comforting to know you have an extended family of riders that spans across the globe. Thanks for being a part of this community.
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