I found that it's kind of a push/pull thing, and I almost hate making an analogy for fear that might spark controversy. I think the atmosphere here is like a club. Let me explain.

I believe we have amassed enough honest to goodness bikers to create a fun place to hang out. But consider what that means. In doing that we have a herd of Type-T personalities that by nature hate rules, and will probably break most of them. I know I have.

However, isn't that what this forum represents? Isn't it about bad boys who need a forum? We might fight a bit amongst ourselves, but I feel no spite in that interaction.

*sigh* With that freedom comes some very severe boundaries. Consider that faction a Chief Club Enforcer. When someone screws up, it's usually big time, and the only one to handle a member like that is an Enforcer who is also like that.

I told my wife that my tombstone should read, "Good Friend, Bad Enemy." I believe that's how I should act here.

One funny thing about a bunch of guys that have respect for themselves, once proven to each other they have respect for those others. Once mutual respect is established the act of information exchange can take place. Basically you can go with what another member says as truth, and advise can actually be given/received to help one another. As a very young wannabe I was told by a mentor that, "All bikers are brothers in the wind". He went on to explain, He told me "It doesn't matter what they ride or who they are, when one goes down - YOU HELP THEM - PERIOD". He told me a story about riding home one night, He saw something on the side of the road, circled back and found a motorcycle in the ditch, the rider not too far away, busted up real bad. He stayed with him until he could flag down a passing car and sent the car for help (before cell phones). As it turned out the guy in the ditch was a sworn enemy (Club Politics), he said at that point it didn't matter - he was a brother in the wind and it was his duty to help him.

I grew up with that mentality and I do my best either on the road or in cyber-space. I feel that attitude here with the members we have, yeah its a Harley forum but we all come from different parts of the country and banded together for mutual friendship and a common cause.

I agree. I tell bikers that if they are stone broke, hungry or have a busted scooter to go to our clubhouse. We believe in that same kind of brotherhood.

Yeah, our younger guys can get a tad mouthy, but there are enough fudds around to maintain the standard.

During the old 'political days' we could get 600 bikers, and as many old ladies, into a farm field or state park and party for two or three days and not have so much as a dime stolen or one fist fight. And these weren't choir boys.

This leaves a lasting impression on anyone who saw those days.

Who is the Enforcer here at this site? I don't have problems with people I just have solutions!

Amen Brother!!
I hope we can all get a HRF Rally someday, and have the kind of get together just like the one you just described. To me, that would be a real treat and one to remember for a lifetime. We never know how many miles we got left, memories like that can bring a heart peace.

The one and only HEADMASTER

I never met him, but both of my Sicilian Aunt Clara's kids call him "Sir."

I heard an urban legend that RK and him had a late breakfast at some greasy biker diner. HeadMaster was scarfing down what appeared to be some mystery canned meat with his eggs, and RK asked him if it was 'Spam.'

The HeadMaster, grinned, picked his teeth with a stiletto and snapped, "Spam? Hell no. It's spammers..."

I laughed so hard on that one I think I wet myself

Of course, now the important thing is did HeadMaster laugh?