The Great Bully

The-Great-Bully-772x579The article The Great Bully by Bud Miller was originally published on the “RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel” magazine website on 7/23/2013.

When a resolute young fellow steps up to the great bully, the world, and takes him boldly by the beard, he is often surprised to find it comes off in his hand, and that it was only tied on to scare away the timid adventurers”. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

My girlfriend Cori sent me that quote in an email last week and, as always with things she sends, it resonated with me. To be honest our lives are in flux at the moment, with houses we’re trying to sell and careers we’re trying to change. We have our marks to make on the world, and that takes bravery and an adventurous spirit.

When I was young, I was always amazed when I saw motorcycles riding by. I wondered how they worked—it all seemed like magic to me. But as you learn, mysteries fade slowly away.

Ever since I began motorcycling, people who don’t ride seem compelled to explain why they choose not to. I never really react because I simply don’t care. I’m not a judging sort, I’ve always accepted people as they are—it’s just the way I was raised. I do, however, sometimes feel a pang of regret for those who I think would love riding if they tried it. You know, the ones held back by fear or outside pressure, or those with a glint in their eye that contradicts their words.

I like to think I alter the course of my life every time I mount up. I thumb my nose at what most people call “safe, responsible, normal, mature” and embrace individuality, choice, free will, and the refusal to pursue someone else’s version of security. Too many people take far too much comfort in where they rank in the status quo.

I frequently get asked “don’t you get scared?” Sure I do. I’ve also been startled, surprised, pissed, amazed, and furious; but to that list, I can add that I’ve been moved to tears, inspired, joyous, felt lighter than air, tasted spring on my tongue, paid homage to lost loved ones, planned a future, charted a course, gotten away, and buried a grudge. I prefer to think of the things that have elevated me personally, rather than what some may consider a risk.

Riding has always been a conduit of change and growth for me. It’s not difficult to change your life; it’s just hard to decide to. The rest is just a process of believing in yourself, working your butt off, and to paraphrase Mr. Emerson: boldly tugging at the beard of the great bully, the world.

2 Comments

  1. Steve Johnson

    "It’s not difficult to change your life; it’s just hard to decide to."

    Well said. What I find is that people often don't know that they're held back by the Great Bully. They still see themselves as comfortable, and even grateful, to live with what they have. Yet, they don't know how bonded and shackled they are. It's not enough to encourage someone to take a swing at the Great Bully, you first have to explain the reason why they should.

  2. Rich Story

    Funny thing you post this. I was at my physician's office today for a routine visit and as I was escorted into the office from the waiting room, she happened to be in the hall with someone else and right away began to describe to me how she was driving on I80 the other day and she passed "a guy on a motorcycle riding in the pouring rain… isn't that awfully dangerous?". "What do you do when it rains like that and you are on your motorcycle, do you stop and call someone to come and get you?" I kind of took a deep breath, smiled and said, you could do that or you could just keep riding to get to where you are going, that's what I do. I knew the comments were directed at me because she knows I ride and she did cause me to stiffen up into a defensive posture a bit. But, then I thought, just relax… she knows not of what she speaks. All she associates with motorcycles is fear and danger. She does not even care to think about or listen to all the research, study, practice and effort I have put into motorcycle riding, safety gear and vehicle maintenence… nor do I care that she doesn't. She would never understand a person's sense of adventure because she has none. Too bad for her is all I can say!

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