ODE TO A HARLEY DAVIDSON

ODE TO A HARLEY  DAVIDSON

I have ridden these things for over 25 years now
and I still do not understand the emotion behind this pleasure.
I have just finished a 1000 mile Blue Ridge mountain ride with you:
another time of solace, pleasure, beauty and adventure.

Those who have not done this motorcycle thing
do not understand the experience, and
even those who have,
are not always able to understand your allure
or articulate your many attractions.

I have known you now for 13 years.
I have traveled the length and breadth of this country on you, and you
have given me many, many hours of pleasure and excitement.
As I shined and cared for your metals, and your leather places
and I could feel  the connection we have with each other.
25,000 miles together is, hopefully, just a beginning.

Others who see your gleaming structure comment,
"That's a beautiful bike," but
they do not feel or understand OUR connection.

I have named you "Liberty" because you have given me
a freedom from the labors of this life.
James Madison named his horse "Liberty"
and I understand his feeling towards his friend.

If we are able to feel emotion towards a collection of metal and plastic
and leather, that emotion brings you, my friend, in a real sense, to life.
You have captured my respect and admiration as you have carried me through this nation as no one else has done or cared to do.

We have become partners in this experience I call "living."
I have used my knowledge of the dangers  and obstacles to weave our adventures on the roads of this nation,
and we have done this together, as a team.

This is a bargain, a partnership, isn't it?
I will watch over over you with care and attention to all the intimate details you can't conceive of or take care of,
and you will give me the power and mechanical beauty to
carry me to new and different  avenues of joy.

Can one thank something that is inanimate?
I think not, but I can praise our connection
and your many gifts to me as I travel, with you,
the roads of this brief life we have both been given.

James P. Weaver, 2013

Motorcycling and Surgery

I'm afraid to write this because it might cut into my credibility, but the internet is a "safe" place to write, so here goes.

I am a surgeon, and I also ride a motorcycle. I have ridden off and on for forty years! I rode for a while while I lived in Cleveland, Ohio, but it was too cold, and the children were too young, and it wasn't very safe in a big city. So I sold the bike (a 1969 Triumph tiger) and quit for about 20 years.

In my early 40's I picked up the bug again, and bought a Yahama Virago, and living in North Carolina then, I decided to ride the length of the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you have never ridden on this road it is a must. Probably one of the most beautiful roads in the United States.

Well, I practiced, took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course on safety, and took a 10 day vacation and took the trip. It was beautiful. I stayed with friends along the way, and had a ball. I had intended to sell the bike after the trip, but I didn't and that was over 20 years ago. Since then, I have been up to Ohio to the Vintage Motorcycle Days meeting, ridden across the USA twice, and traveled up the northeast part of the country besides taken numerous smaller trips of a few days in the surrounding vicinity. Finally, I took a once in a lifetime 10 day trip over to Europe and traveled through the alps. It just never left my blood, and I still yearn for more travels.

But why do I do this, and for that matter, what can it possibly have to do with surgery? More that most of you folks that do not ride a motorcycle can imagine.

To get right to the point, motorcycling is like surgery because you have to know what you are doing or you get your butt in a jam. You have to know the rules, be careful, and watch our for unexpected circumstances. The major difference is that when you ride a motorcycle, you get a full sense of freedom and a deep appreciation of the nature of your surroundings.

It hurts me to go to a state (like Arizona) where there are no helmet laws, and see riders biking without a helmet. That makes me immediately think they do not understand the depth of the risk. They are being foolish as far as I can see. When I see someone drinking alcohol, and biking, I get the same feeling. I guess that's why they are not surgeons. There are more effective ways to demonstrate the idea of individual freedom. Our heads are fragile at 25mph, and it's just not worth it.

Because I do what I do, I feel at home on a bike. The best part is that even though I am in familiar surroundings, I can get the additional benefit of the feeling of freedom. I don't get that in the operating room.

So when you ride, I would advise you to ride safe. Wear good clothing, helmets, and shoes, and enjoy the experience. I have enjoyed it for years, and hopefully can continue to enjoy it for many more.

James P. Weaver, M.D., FACS