Biker Boy: Riding with the World
World Ride 2015 aims to unite bikers with its simple concept
It's not about what you ride, but rather, how much or how far you ride.
That's the message that World Ride 2015 - a global event hatched by the Harley Owners Group when it was launched in 2008 - seeks to convey.
I am showing solidarity with this event because of its simple concept.
Ride as many kilometres as you like on two given days and at the end of your ride, Harley dealers worldwide will tally the total mileage covered.
The beauty of this event is that it's flexible.
You can ride alone or in a group, and you can even ride any brand of motorbike above 401cc.
It doesn't matter if you ride a cruiser, a dirtbike, a scooter or a sportsbike.
Last year, World Ride 2014 clocked more than 10 million miles or roughly 16 million km.
This year, let's hope riders can break that record.
The event's tag line of "Just Ride" is a poignant reminder why we've chosen two-wheelers in the first place.
Remember that buzz? The wind in your face and the punch in your gut as you grab a fist full of throttle.
On Wednesday, I showed up at the Harley-Davidson Singapore showroom in Alexandra Road to sign up.
I know you're supposed to ride only Class 2 machines to qualify but that was my test run. I wanted to see how far I could cover on a full tank of petrol.
Instead of riding on the road, I chose to go off-road in the eastern part of Singapore.
The first 10 minutes was hard going as it was hot that day. But I was encouraged by Harley's sales manager Willy Low.
Says Mr Low: "World Ride 2015 in Singapore unites all local riders with the passion for motorcycling."
If I'm going to experience a little pain for a good cause, well, so be it.
My bouncy ride got easier after I found my rhythm.
I rode in circles, ducked trees, slid into corners and accelerated like I was being chased by a pack of wolves.
I was hiding a fat grin under my helmet, probably because there were no speed limits.
Others, I suspect, will be clocking up the miles on roads, expressways or maybe even dirt trails for World Ride 2015.
My low-fuel light came on close to the one-hour mark.
Soon, my bike's engine sputtered, signalling the end of my ride as my fuel tank was empty.
HAPPY
I walked away tired but happy, knowing my bike had exceeded the event's 50km minimum requirement.
Your contribution to World Ride 2015 does not have to be a bumpy ride like mine. All you need to do is to participate and enjoy your ride.
Show your solidarity by registering online now. Learn more by visiting http://hdsworldride.strikingly.com/
Registration ends on June 25. Participants must log in their "start mileage" at the Harley-Davidson Singapore dealership on June 27. Likewise, clocking your "end mileage" on June 28 with the organiser is also required.
The rider who clocks the highest mileage stands to win a three-day, two-night "Harley-Davidson experience".
If you're unsure where to ride, just join the guys from Harley-Davidson.
They're leading a 50km ride in the spirit of SG50.
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