A temporary illusion

Observing Sturgis courtesy of a man with a camera walking Main Street. Strangers milling around, some sitting at street bars facing the hordes motor cycles. Participants riding back and forth on opposite sides of Main Street. Bikes parked lining the middle of the street in mass, look impressive. Makeshift and local stores sell liquor and merchandise for the occasion. You can get a tattoo by professionals immediately.

Perhaps, a sense of temporary illusion where life is free and unanticipated breaking from ordinary. A camaraderie of individuals experiencing temporary unity. Even here freedom can step over the line when safety of others is threatened.

The cameraman chooses bikes showing creations of beauty meticulously engineered and painted to perfection. Works of art conceived in minds of master craftsmen.

The atmosphere leaves euphoria adequate to circumstances. Serving more beer during the rally than almost anywhere. There is high-dollar entertainment, motorcycle races and risky displays of courage, and pretty girls distracting from life, entertaining the soul.

Departing gives time to recover while leaving behind a magic freedom. A realization of trading places with another someone, presumably yourself. New thoughts born from a tenable experience. Most hit the road believing brothers will return.

I noticed one man wearing a handkerchief over his face, concerned for his fellow participants. The majority seem detached while our nation is in crisis. I have admiration for the man wearing a mask, whose concern was for others.

Herb Batterson

Spokane