Motorcycle riding is more than just a mode of transportation. For many it is a passion that transforms into a lifestyle. Riding becomes a way to express individuality, a bond shared with others, and an exciting journey that brings relief from the mundane. Riders come from diverse backgrounds; their motorcycles telling a unique story, reflecting the rider's personality and style. From adventure motorcycles to road glides, the bikes are as different as the people who ride them, but the joy they bring is universal.
Ryan Frank, an avid rider, is drawn to the freedom and excitement of touring bikes like Road Glides. "They make you feel like you're in the cockpit of a small plane," Ryan says, relishing the process of customizing his bikes. From changing seats and handlebars for comfort to modifying exhausts for that authentic Harley sound, Ryan believes in making each bike uniquely his own. "Once you get the bike to where you think you want it, you change your mind and start again," he laughs, emphasizing the never-ending process of customization.
Ryan's most cherished riding memory is a trip to Colorado with his dad and friends. "The views were incredible, and the memories will last a lifetime. The bonding between riders is indescribable," he recalls. Riding, for Ryan, has evolved into a kind of therapeutic experience now.
"It's emotional. It's freeing. It's the open roads and the brotherhood," he reflects, highlighting how riding helped him cope with personal challenges, including the loss of his mother. Ryan also talks about how he is hopeful to continue the father-son tradition with his son Grayson when he’s older.
Chris Zatek, another seasoned rider, finds his exhilaration on a 2019 BMW R1250GSA, a bike known as an "adventure motorcycle." These bikes are designed to cover all terrains, from smooth highways to challenging off-road trails. "I got into customizing bikes as a way to spend time with my dad from an early age," Chris recalls. His journey began with a dirt bike at age 7 and a street bike by 15, customizing each of the nine bikes he's owned to suit his evolving style. "All the accessories added to our bikes serve a purpose, enhancing the riding experience," he explains.
The concept of "wind therapy" resonates deeply with Chris. He describes it as a state where riding becomes second nature, allowing him to focus on the joys of the journey—the wind on his face, the scenery, and the shared moments with his dad. "Every trip brings new adventures and challenges. My favorite memories are the ones where we sit down at the end of the day, recapping and laughing about the day's events," Chris shares.
Amy Hartman, who works in the finance department at the Woodstock Harley Davidson, has spent 21 years in the motorcycle community, discovering her calling unexpectedly. "It started as an in-between job, but what I found was a passion for motorcycles and a family that truly cares about each other," she explains. Amy began her journey at Wildfire Harley in Villa Park, where she first experienced the kindness and camaraderie of the biking community. "If I needed help, the first people to respond would be from the motorcycle community, ready to drop everything," she shares.
Four years ago, Amy decided to buy her own bike, a 2012 Harley Davidson Street Bob, stepping away from riding on the back. "Being on a motorcycle is the one place where my mind stops thinking, and as an over-thinker, I need a break!" she confesses. Her favorite rides are those out west, away from the noise, enjoying the solitude and freedom that only a motorcycle can provide.
For Chris, Ryan, Amy, and many others, motorcycles are more than metal and rubber - they represent freedom, adventure, and a sense of belonging. And above all, the universal theme of connection. Connection to those who share in the experience with them, whether that’s community or family. And whether they are navigating rugged trails, cruising open highways, or finding peace in the solitude of a ride, for them, each journey on two wheels becomes a memory worth cherishing.