The Trust Issue

The article “The Trust Issue” by Bud Miller was originally published on the “RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel” magazine website on 08/22/2012.

Quite often when talk turns to riding I’ve noticed people feel the need, for some reason I’m not quite sure of, to explain why they don’t ride a motorcycle. The most common reason I hear is, “I trust myself, I just don’t trust other people”. I find it a bit amusing because I never feel the need to explain why I don’t take part in certain activities. Many of my friends are hunters but when I’m around them I never feel compelled to explain why I’m not. Motorcycles, on the other hand, seem to do that to people, probably because they are seen as inherently risky.

The trust idea is lost on me and I don’t believe it is what they actually mean to say. I looked up the word trust and it’s defined as “reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence”. I have always liked the phrase “trust is earned”. That being said, it isn’t realistic to expect to be able to trust drivers on the road. You can prepare for the unexpected, gear up to protect yourself, take safety courses, practice, buy the right bike for you, and take every precaution possible; but you can never trust the actions of others.

I believe what people who say this really mean is that they are unwilling to accept the manifold risks and unpredictable situations that are a part of each ride. I get asked things like “don’t you get scared?” and my answer is to say that I’ve been scared a few times sure; but I’ve been scared in my car, I’ve been scared walking, bicycling, and running on occasion. Fear isn’t a reason to avoid anything; it’s a reason to use caution and to develop a skill set that minimizes risk.

Still, when I explain to people who ask these questions that I’ve taken the safety courses, practice panic stops and obstacle avoidance maneuvers, read up on the latest techniques, and understand the physics of riding, they still shake their heads and say “I still don’t trust people”. I usually walk away thinking that they don’t get it; that it’s enough to prepare and to trust yourself and enjoy all the life affirming qualities riding embodies.

Calvin Coolidge once said: “Those who trust to chance must abide by the results of chance.” Out on the road with the wind and the sun, or moon and stars, explosion of color and smells, memories, blur of colors and thoughts I’m not thinking of the trust I’ve placed in other people. I’m thinking of the trust I’ve placed in myself and that’s enough… trust me. 🙂