Celebrating the Motorcycle Community

America amazes us with its unique cultural diversity that combines innovation and originality. Many local and international cultural and entertainment events are held that attract tourists from around the world, trying to get to know American society closely.

The hobby of motorcycle riding is highly popular and finds many audiences for it, part of the culture of American society that is emerging today and that attracts lovers of this vehicle from all over the world.

A motorcycle, whether a two- or three-wheeled vehicle, is driven by a gasoline engine installed midway between the front and rear wheels. It has a more sturdy chassis than that of a regular bicycle, which itself is an evolution. The first real motorcycle was invented in 1885 by German engineer Gottlieb Daimler, who installed an engine on a regular bike.

People in different countries of the world use a motorcycle for transportation, or for entertainment and sports. It is also used by policemen in pursuit, and in organizing traffic, for its potential in easing movement between vehicles. Some fire departments use it to transport medical personnel to accident sites. And in large cities, the couriers use one to deliver documents and small parcels.

In most countries, traffic rules apply to motorcycles the same as cars and other four-wheeled vehicles. Almost all countries require their own driver’s licenses, and the holder needs to pass a special test to ensure that they have the necessary skill to use one. He or she may be required to wear a safety helmet and goggles to safeguard against the sun and dust.

In many countries, many people rely on motorcycles to go to work or school, especially in France, Germany, Britain and Italy. But many drivers use them mainly for fun and sports.

PORTLAND FESTIVAL

And this is what we were able to see at the One Moto Show 2022 festival, held April 29 to May 1 in Portland at the historic Zidell Barge building in the South Waterfront district. I went with a friend to the event sponsored by One Moto, which specializes in organizing such festivals.

The displays and organization were professional, attracting many photographers and visitors from different ages. It was a great feeling. Near the headquarters there was a special booth selling clothes for motorcyclists and a special place for getting haircuts, for those who want to keep their styles up with their bodies. Also, there was a booth selling personal effects.

In general, I came to find that in their private lives and way of living, the motorcycle hobbyists have their own uniform and a special body. In fact, they are more like a private society.

I entered a huge bazaar that displays all kinds of old-style bikes, dating to more than 80 years ago. As we finished with viewing the latest new models, I realized I had thought that the design of the bike was in one form, until it became clear after discussion with one of the organizers that over the ages its manufacture passed through gradual stages, like many other inventions, where each stage takes a new trend in its time.

We also had the opportunity to see some collectible classic cars – the old models that express the way cars originated and how they evolved into what they are now are – of course, now very expensive due to their rarity.

It is worth mentioning that the exhibition consisted of three periods of time: We saw the past and the present, and we can predict the future, based on the first two.

Holding events like this is something that deserves attention because it highlights cultures and encourages joining them and getting to know them – and is also supporting learning the

tributaries of the country from the social, cultural and economic aspect. We saw in the Portland festival the investor, the tourist, and the hobbyist all in one place that unites them with one common denominator, which is the motorcycle hobby.