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Dodging the Roadkill: Old School Respect

Dodging the Roadkill - A Biker's JourneyClarksville, TN – I will admit, I’m not an “old school” biker. By no fault of my own, I discovered motorcycles late in life. Now that I have, it’s my only regret about this whole journey, and that’s I didn’t get started when I was younger.

I’ve been riding since January 2016. Since I started, I’ve tried to absorb EVERYTHING I possibly can about this culture and this experience. Through the people I’ve met, and the friends I’ve made, I’ve learned so much and become a better biker because of it.

I follow many blogs and social media groups pertaining to bikers and motorcycles. Something I’ve noticed from time to time is how some old school bikers want to make fun of “baggers,” or bikers who ride newer bikes that may have a few more “whistles and bells” than what they ride.

Old School Biker
Old School Biker

It doesn’t bother me one bit that they feel that way. 

It’s the natural evolution of things and motorcycles are going to do the same thing. Manufacturers MUST bring new customers to their product, and things change.  But, we wouldn’t have made it to this point if the old school biker hadn’t paved the way.

I have the absolute UTMOST respect for those men and women who have been riding for decades and ride a machine that is nothing more than motor and metal.  No fancy windshields, radios, GPS, back rest and other little luxuries we have today.  It’s perfectly OK for those bikers to look at us and sneer.  

I’m jealous.  I really am!  I wish I had that experience and those memories. 

I look at it this way. I prefer classic rock, classic movies, classic movie stars etc..  The music and muscle of MY generation.  When I listen to the music of today, I just don’t get it.  When I watch TV shows of this generation, I long for Andy Griffith, or The Carol Burnett Show. 

The same thing applies to bikers.  Some prefer the “old days” and they keep that alive by riding the way they always have, and on the machines they’ve always ridden. 

I’m as proud of the old school biker as he is.  I wish I had those memories.  I wish I could have ridden a chopper, or pan-head, or whatever some of those legendary bikes are. (I’m still learning, don’t hate)

I’m surrounded by great friends who are old school.  I envy them. I love them. I respect them.  I’m happy I’ve been able to ride with them.  To get to know them.  Their stories are priceless.  Their memories are legendary. 

So, don’t get offended if you read an old school biker, make fun of your new Street Glide.  While your journey is just beginning, he’s forgotten more about motorcycles and the open road than you’ll ever know.

I RESPECT THAT!

God Bless you old school.  We wouldn’t be here without you.

Hank Bonecutter
Hank Bonecutterhttp://www.clarksvillesmotorcycle.com/
Hank Bonecutter is a retired broadcaster and media consultant based in Clarksville, Tennessee. His career includes stints at WKDA/WKDF and WKQB Rock 106FM, WLAC-AM in Nashville. He concluded his career as owner/talk show host at WJZM-AM in Clarksville. Currently the President of Bonehead Promotions, he's an advertising consultant and media strategist. An avid motorcyclist, Hank blogs about his travels exclusively at www.clarksvillemotorcycle.com and www.clarksvilleonline.com You can follow Hank on on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dodgintheroadkill/, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/?lang=en, and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dodgetheroadkill/?hl=en  
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