Attending Motorcycle Rallies, An Important Component Of...

Rallies played a big part in the change of the biker culture. As D. Mark Austin (2009) stated: â€Å"Attending motorcycle rallies is an important component of social life for many touring motorcyclists. The significance of these events transcends the mere recreational experience of riding a motorcycle and spending time with other riders (p70). There has always been a bond between riders, ‘with motorcycles not being as mechanically reliable as cars due to being made of lighter materials causing vibrations †¦it is not uncommon for most bikers to stop and assist one another when there is a breakdown† (Quinn Forsyth, 2010, p. 234). Riders passing each other will drop a hand down to signal a hello and as a sign of respect. It comes from a†¦show more content†¦These also could have commemorative shirts or patches (Austin D. , 2009). The rally itself would also have shirts that depict the rally and riding. Most riders like to advertise where they have been thro ugh their Tee shirts and patches. As these shirts and patches made their way back to different parts of the country they would spark an interest in others to attend the next one. This branding â€Å"drew new types of rally-goers who desired an experience of the countercultural life style† †¦Ã¢â‚¬  replacing their collared shirts, dress slacks and dresses with collarless and often sleeveless tee shirts, denim jeans, leather vests, boots, skullcaps and bandanas (Krier Swart, 2014, p. 5). All to blend in and belong to a culture that has a dark side with a seductive mystique that frees them from the stressful day to day lackluster life. Yet for others (the more dedicated bikers) the ride there became almost as important, if not more important than the rally itself. Hours spent on the open road knowing your destination and savoring the freedom of the ride. These long rides could be challenging so it was better to ride in groups. Associations formed around the type of bike ridden like Harley-Davidson’s Harley Owners Group (HOG) and Honda’s Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) and yet others formed around organizations like the police officer’s and firefighter’s associations (Quinn Forsyth, 2010). The growth of these associations would