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“Bikers”

No more than 20 years ago, “bikers” were viewed as frightening, dangerous, and mysterious individuals (Watson, 1982). Today in the 21st century, people use the term “biker" to describe anyone from a member of the Hells Angels to anyone who rides something on two wheels. For example, Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France winner, is often referred to as a “biker”, but so is my father, a tool and die maker, who has been riding motorcycles since age 12.

For my ethnography I wanted to answer two questions: how are "bikers" different than anyone else and what does it mean to be a "real biker"?                                                    

On April 11, 2009 I conducted my research, focusing on "bikers" in terms of people who ride motorcycles. During this research, I observed my father and his best friend while they were spending time together, eating dinner, and taking a bike ride down to Presque Isle. The main thing I was observing was their change in behavior while doing things non related as compared to things related to motorcycles. After the evening was over, I interviewed my father to take a deeper look into the “biker” subculture.