Motorcycle clubs all over the world have one thing in common: these are big girls and boys with their grown up toys. Bikers just love their machines, more than anything else in the world. I am now going to use the “we” form throughout because I include myself.
We cherish our machines, we tend to their every ping and tinkle; we keep them in our living rooms during periods of inclement weather, or even the hint of bad weather. Wives and girlfriends will almost always be in the club, or they will be left alone as he joins all the other hobbyists as they go on long and exciting rides.
Bermuda may indeed be a small island, but Bermuda bikers have a big heart and a love of biking on a par with any other club one might care to mention.
I was privileged to attend a blessing and dedication of the club on Sunday, April 15, 2007 while in Bermuda. It was quite an impressive sight as bikers rolled up on their customized “Hogs”. The maximum power rating allowed is 150cc, but other than that all the gear that could be expected was in evidence.
Please bear in mind the size of the island is 35 kilometers long by three kilometers wide, and the maximum speed limit is 35 km/h, so really 150cc is way more power than actually needed. Club riding is not about speed or long distance necessarily, but is more about the camaraderie and the feeling of fraternity that comes from the sense of brotherhood.
The club draws its 150 members, both male and female from all walks of life. The common interest is the machine.
Before setting out on a ride that would cover seventy kilometers, there was a very touching moment when an ailing member who was off-island in a North American hospital was contacted by phone and was able to speak with all those assembled. We wished Mr. Carson Marshall a speedy recovery. Alas, it was not to be as he has since passed to ride the great highway in the sky.
When you visit Bermuda the only form of transport that you can hire is a moped. Consequently, you will be able to retrace the ride of The Long Riders as experienced by myself.
The day was perfect, sunny with a light breeze. We set off in a convoy of thirty-five bikes from the City Hall parking lot in Hamilton and headed towards the East End of the island, traveling along the South Shore Road.
Thirty-five bikes is not a lot, considering I have ridden in a group of 500 in another country, but in that small space that is an impressive number. Our ride took us along roads shaded by overhead greenery and a riot of color of spring flowers and vegetation.
The pungent smell of flowering bushes and hedges was at times so strong as to be heady. That included the smell of fresh cut grass that I love so much. Not that I love to cut the grass, but to my sense of smell if one actually tasted the grass it would probably be quite sweet. I must ask a cow!
Always, the cleanliness of the island is outstanding and noticeable. That is no accident, as the island is a tourist destination and is kept pristine clean for the showplace that it is.
Bermuda has been described as a grown-up Disney World. Perhaps, that’s not too far from the truth.
Our route took us along roads that passed churches that were emptying of their congregation in their Sunday best. Cheerful greetings were exchanged.
We had crystal clear blue seas on our right as we hugged the coast for part of the way. We passed sun worshipers on the beach at John’s Smith Bay, and bewildered golfers waiting to tee-off as our seeming never-ending procession meandered through the world famous Mid-Ocean and Castle Harbour golf courses.
Bermuda’s buses are painted pink, and meeting one coming in the opposite direction resulted in a very happy greeting.
And on we went passing small boats in the bay, airplanes on the tarmac at the island’s only airport, The L.F. Wade International Airport, and across bridges while sea traffic passed below, until we reached the Ole Town of St. George’s, which is twinned with Lyme Regis, Dorset, England. This was the original capital of Bermuda, established in 1609 upon the re-discovery of the island by Admiral Sir George Somers, the British explorer.
The island was originally discovered by the Spanish explorer, Juan de Bermudez approximately 100 years before. However, about 1543 the Spanish Crown declared it had no further interest in this tiny rock in the middle of the Atlantic. It is entirely possible that should the present Spanish Crown visit Bermuda they may very well want it back.
We terminated our outward bound ride on Ordinance Island just off the main square in the town. The following week that would become the berthing place of weekly cruise ships from New York and Boston. On May the 13th the Long Riders were joined by a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Club that were carrying their bikes with them on a cruise. They were given special permission to ride their over- powered cycles on Bermuda’s roads in what would was a very exciting event, the likes of which Bermuda had never seen before. Even those people who know the Harley-Davidson and Honda Goldwings well discovered a new appreciation for them in that context. I wish I could have been there!
The Bermuda Long Riders Motorcycle Club are a truly delightful group of well disciplined men and women, and I am certain that they would be very happy to hear from clubs here in Spain. Their web address is http://www.blrmc.com/ Like many other clubs they use the power of their association to do good and positive works, such as to Ride for the Needy; and for specific Charity Fundraisers; and therein lies their strength. They will no doubt be happy to welcome you and to show you their Bermuda from the saddle-seat.
Motorcyclists! Be Seen to be Safe! Wear a lime-green reflective “Gerry Jacket” vest at all times.
Copyright (c) 2007 Eugene Carmichael
