An interesting set of tribes are the motorcycle tribes. We all know those crazy Harley people motor off to some poor small town in North Dakota every year, but did you know there are OTHER motorcycle tribes?
We have friends who recently purchased a Honda Goldwing motorcycle. Suddenly, they were members of the Goldwing Tribe. The Goldwings hold ‘gatherings” (they eschew ‘conventions’) in order to meet and socialize with other Goldwings. Only owners of Honda Goldwings can officially belong to the Goldwing Tribe. Goldwing members can be any size, shape or color. They can come from any religious affiliation or political leaning. They can have any job or no job. Nothing distinguishes one Goldwing from another in the Goldwing Tribe. All are equal members.
However, you cannot, I repeat cannot, join the Goldwing Tribe if you do not own a Honda Goldwing motocycle. No matter how hard you may try, until you legally purchase that motorcycle, you cannot join. Once you make that purchase – poof! – you are a Goldwing and may join the official Goldwing Tribe.
Why did the Goldwing Tribe ever get started? Probably Goldwing owners started gathering to share maintenance tips and to talk about places they had been on their cool gold motorcycles. Now, at gatherings, members cheer about how great the Honda Goldwing motorcycle is and therefore how smart and special the people are who belong to the Goldwing Tribe. I’m sure the Honda company supports these Goldwing Tribe gatherings, because these are the product’s greatest fans.
Our friends have met some new friends through the Goldwing Tribe. I am glad for my friends, but I have no desire to join the Goldwing Tribe.
However, I must admit, for just a tiny moment, I wanted to be part of that Goldwing Tribe. It seemed my friends had found something special and I wanted to be part of that. I wanted to belong.
Anyone out there a member of the Goldwing Tribe? Willing to share what it's like?
Other quirky tribes anyone has heard of? Let me know!
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