The Nicest People

Back in the day when the Harley driver image was epitomized by the Hell’s Angels, Honda introduced its small step-through frame motorbikes to the US. They were akin to what we would call mopeds today. The slogan was “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.” Implying that you would not meet the nicest people on a Harley- they were for hooligans and degenerates. On the contrary, I have met the nicest people on a Harley at every turn in the journey.

Over all, most people seem to smile a little easier, I think. Or maybe it is that I am in a little better spirits and I just get more smiles back. Dudes are quicker with a howdy and ladies seem to have a hello waiting for me at the tip of their tongue. Bikers are almost automatic comrades, even if for a couple of minutes.

People I have had the pleasure to make an acquaintance have been kinder than I imagined; All the people who took me in for a night… or ten, all the people who shared there experiences with me and pointed me in an interesting direction, all the people who supported me, all the people who just plain helped out a stranger when they didn’t have to.

The funny part is that after each act of random act of kindness, I never thought that it would be trumped. But it never failed- a couple of days later here comes a stranger or near stranger and out does the previous act of kindness. Most everybody helped out before they knew why I was riding.

I guess what I am saying is this: if the world has gotten you down and you are sick of all the shit going on at the 6:00 and 10:00, get yourself a Hog, slap on a helmet and a smile and let the world show you it’s good side for a change. Oh, and a pair of chaps never hurts either.