I stated in the open forum that I was happy to see BI63 back in the forum. I received a brief e-mail today stating that I had offended him.

I'm old school. You apologize as fast as you insult. I insulted a brother.

BI63, you have my sincerest apologies. I would rather shed blood than injure the feelings of a brother who has been kind and loyal to me. Please forgive my actions.--Chico

Yesterday BI63 and I had a lengthy and candid telephone conversation about current events here, and what turned out to be a misunderstanding of our individual actions. Well, what do you expect? Bikers have strong opinions, we do not run, we do not concede and we value brotherhood above all else.

In seeing his missing posts replaced, I thought he was back. In hearing about my posts, he thought I had betrayed him. Frankly, he didn't give shucks about his personal plight, it was his fear I had turned on him. I would not hide my joy about his possible return, he felt abandoned.

Once again, let me underline an important matter. As for motorcycles, it's the mental, not the metal. The manner in which we conduct other lives might have been poignantly demonstrated to us in clubs, but it is how we apply those lessons throughout our lives that is the crux of our existence. First when we were boys, and now that we are men.

Two years ago I intervened between a 90 year old man and a banger. Dug my heels into the carpet and prepared to take and dispense enough blows or cuts to end the ridiculous event. But it was my wife who made the final analysis to that exchange that should be a lesson for us all. She moved out of my peripheral vision during the heat of the moment. When things cooled down later that evening, I asked her about it. She stated (quite matter of factly) that things were about to explode, and standing behind me was the safest place in the restaurant. I had just turned 60 years of age.

I remind you of this not to tell a war story, but to cite an example as a mentor. If we are to be bikers, and I mean real bikers, not just drugstore posers, this is the conduct that must be expected. When BI63 thought for a moment that I had let him down--even amid a few comments in a hobbyist forum--he had a perfect right to call me on it.

His life mirrors mine. I might not wear that emblem on my back daily, but the life lessons are still there! He must now stand behind me during this conflict of words and ideas, and I must grant him the conduct of vows I took over 40 years ago. He has that right.

As we concluded our conversation, he expressed concern that this incident might get me banned. I asked what he would do if by accident he bumped into a brother in a tavern and spilled his beer. Without thinking he said, "Apologize and buy him another." A minor thing. But I would expect no less from him.

You might laugh at the idea of the "old code." But both of us rest peacefully because of the commitment of the other. In a fight, in jail, in life, and in a forum.