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What is a biker? (a real one)

Ride The Wind, One Per Center
Front fork extended and raked beyond the standard, the chopper cruises loudly past as all heads turn to marvel at the audacity of America's modern day cowboy. Old ladies frown, mothers gather their children, and fathers nervously keep watch out of the corners of their eyes.
Gliding towards the corner store, wind whipped hair backwards flowing, the machine comes to a full throated stop. The put-putting of the idle lets you know from afar that you're not dealing with any ordinary weekend warrior. This is the real deal. One who has chosen 'the life', the road his only home, and late, lonely nights sleeping under the only true friends he'll ever know.

Stepping into the store, all the air seems to get sucked out of the room, and worried shoppers try not to look at the leather clad form shaking the dust off of his colors. Gathering their purchases, they scurry quickly outside, the only ones left in the establishment are the owner, the biker, and a young mother and her child. Shades seemingly glued to his eyes, he saunters over to the beer cooler and after reaching in, pops the top and drinks deep, long draughts. The owner glances disapprovingly, but says nothing as the man finishes his beer, and gathers up the rest of the six pack, heading back towards the counter.

The young mother is clearly distraught at the price of her meager purchases, counting out coins on the counter as the owner sighs and tells her she does not have enough, she can count it all day, damn it all! Chaps squeak that leathery sound and boots clop loudly on the sawdust strewn wooden floor as the man reaches the counter.

The owner tells the woman to put some things back, she can't afford the food and the candy, why don't you get your sorry ass down to the welfare office or give that kid to a good Christian family somewhere? Beer cans hit the counter with a silencing thud, and three faces turn to look into the weathered eyes and full bearded features of a man with no patience for the antics of fools.

He slaps down a hundred dollar bill, picking up his beer and grabbing some jerky, give the woman whatever she needs, and then give her the change. Mother's mouth drops open as the kid asks can I have some M&M's Mom, and the rider disappears out the door before a thank you can be issued. He doesn't want any thanks, he just wants to see that child smile.

Sitting astride his shiny chrome horse, the beer goes into the saddle bag along with the meat. Throttle releases as thunder


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

What is a biker? (a real one)

  • by Paul Wylie

    Ride The Wind, One Per Center
    Front fork extended and raked beyond the standard, the chopper cruises loudly past as all heads

    read more

  • 2 of 19

    by Laura Leigh Fields

    Motorcycles and the biker lifestyle in general have taken the world by storm, enticing many folks from various walks of life.

    read more

  • 3 of 19

    by Michelle Ward

    The term biker has had many meanings Thur the years, in the 50's, 60's and some of the 70's bikers were consider to be outlaws,

    read more

  • 4 of 19

    by writethisway

    A real biker knows who they are. On a hot day, when there is no breeze, and you feel you are suffocating, have you ever done

    read more

  • 5 of 19

    by Donald Hancock

    GENTLEMEN BIKERS:

    She is not with us any longer. She died several years ago. But she told us a story of Bikers that changed

    read more

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What is a biker? (a real one)

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