At the Kimball Art Center there is an exhibit titled "Danny Lyon: Bikeriders" that is open now and runs through July 26.  The exhibit shows the lifestyle of the Chicago Outlaw Motorcycle club in the American Midwest from 1964-1967. The photos depict the fringe culture associated with motorcycle riding in the '60s and, compared to the crowd that showed up on Saturday afternoon on all types of bikes, it seems that culture has changed significantly over the past half century. Lyon's photos portray what Vangeison, and the motorcycle community in general, call "the one percenters" or gang members. [The term was coined to emphasize that 99 percent of motorcycle riders were law abiding citizens and only one percent were outlaws].

The exhibit, at least in part, portrays the motorcycle culture in Utah and how it has changed over the years.  That image of motorcycle riders as low-life criminals who impose violence on society is not the motorcycle community I know.  I have never met a motorcycle rider I did not like - I mean it!  There are all kinds of bikers - from mechanics to lawyers to doctors to salesmen - men and women and entire families.  Getting out on the road and enjoying the unique connection with the outdoors and the camaraderie of your follow bikers is unique and in a single word enjoyable.  There is no pressure to be like anyone else - simply enjoying the ride and the company of like-minded people is enough.  All of the motorcycle riders I know are of two basic types.

One type is the party goer type of rider.  They go to a lot of charity rides with their friends and raise a lot of cash for very necessary groups.  There is often a party at the end of the ride and we all get together and have a good time.  The other group is a non-group - loners if you want to call them that.  You see them riding alone on the highway just enjoying the ride.  But even the loners are in a group of follow riders knowing that they are not alone.  The familiar hang low wave to fellow bikers cements who we are are - simply enjoying the ride on the motorcycle we currently ride or simply enjoying life.

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