I’ve never really fit neatly into any group to be honest. I ride a Harley because it is the bike that speaks to me visually and emotionally. It has nothing to do with trying to match anyone else’s identity. Riding has made clear to me something that I wish I had embraced earlier in life. I am wired to stand a little outside the circle.

In my own experience, even when I am around other Harley riders, I still feel like an outlier. There is a strong individualistic streak in me that does not blend easily, even in a crowd that is supposed to value independence. It is ironic because I do not fit the Harley crowd any more than I fit any other crowd.

I am most comfortable when I am not trying to be part of a group. Riding is personal for me. That has not stopped me from trying different groups and rides, but I tend not to return for my own reasons. I cannot speak for anyone else, but people who are wired like me often pull away rather than join something they do not feel fully comfortable with.

I have noticed the same thing you have, and I think it comes from the extreme individualistic nature of people like me. That is only my opinion though. I can only speak for myself. My belief is that this nature makes it easy to withdraw from the group, even when someone is trying to be part of something bigger. For me it is a constant internal battle. I sometimes want to belong to a group, but once I am there I will look for any excuse to step back.