Up@dawn 2.0

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

We are "The Misfits" by Tanner Everett

Twice a year I embark on a motorcycle trip with a group of people that have become like a second family to me, and I initially had nothing in common with any of them other than the fact that we all ride motorcycles. We all come from different walks of life; some of us are high-end airplane mechanics, musicians, students, and everything in between (also, one of us is a Kiwi). Because of our wildly different backstories and bikes, we have dubbed ourselves “The Misfits.” (Unrelated to the band, though their album art sure does go well with a traditional biker theme)

One of the rare moments when we were able to get the entire group in the photo a few years back.

Over the years, the bonds I have developed with these friends have grown stronger than I could have ever predicted they would the first time I set out on this trip. And even though some of the members of the group I may only see once or a twice year just on the trips, I know our friendships span further than any gap of distance or time. I have stronger connections with these friends than I do with many of my blood-related family members.

Some of the gang just hanging out, enjoying one another's company.

I look forward to these trips all year long. And then two years ago I wrecked and totaled my motorcycle. I was so bummed that I wasn’t going to get to go on the trip that fall, and when I told the group about my accident and they knew that I was okay, they immediately began to ask what vehicle I would be taking on the trip. And though it may seem somewhat insignificant, it was at that moment, with that gesture, that I had one of the most profound realizations in my life: I didn’t have to have a motorcycle for them to be friends with me; it wasn’t about the motorcycles anymore. I guess it never really was. Sure, that was the context in which we all met, but we got along so well that it quickly grew into something much more.
My totaled ZX-6R. Looking back, it doesn't even look that bad, but the frame was bent and most of the fairings were shredded (bike plastics aren't cheap) and there wasn't anything I could do about it. Don't skimp on insurance, friends.


One of the best parts about the whole thing is that almost every year a new person or two get brought along on the trip and inevitably become part of our little club. What initially started out as some friends wanting to take a weekend off to ride some scooters in the mountains has blossomed into something that has its sphere of influence expanding all the time and has deeply impacted all of us in a profound way. There are very few, if any, places I would rather be than in the company of these good people.


Group picture of the first year that my girlfriend tagged along
(she's third from the right).
The newest member of The Misfits.
I will go ahead and tease my 2nd installment here with some pictures and the nice, cliché title "It's Not the Destination, it's the Journey."



2 comments:

  1. Great job Rudy!
    We do have a wonderful growing family.
    Can not wait to hangout and ride again.

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  2. I'm sure you'll agree with what an old non-motorized biker said: "it's not about the bike," it's about the camaraderie and the relationships, the vitality, the caring, the memories...

    Thanks for sharing this, and these alluring images. You almost make me want to ditch my Raleigh for a big loud rumbly cycle. Almost. Gotta save something for me next life.

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