Most of you know me as a Chef but some of you also know that I’m a biker too. I’m not the stereotypical gang looking biker dude, but I do love taking road trips by motorbike. Over the last 3 and 2 years ago, I’ve ridden with friends to Mexico and Guatemala for my fix.
Not long after my last Mexico trip, I unfortunately had an accident on my bike. It was due to a mechanical failure. I was wearing protective gear and a helmet so fortunately I just experienced some significant cuts and bruises. Since then, and following other life incidents, I have not had the opportunity to ride my bike.
Even though I’m not riding at the moment, I still uphold the Biker’s Honour Code*. In September the Elmer Guerra Bike Rally took place in Hopkins Village. Roughly 400 bikers descended on the village for 2 days of family fun, competitions and performances.
On the first afternoon of the rally, I was busy at my resort when a call came through from a friend of mine. He is also a biker and he called to ask if I knew of anyone who had a vehicle capable of recovering a stranded bike. As it happens, I possess a vehicle and ramp capable of carrying a motorbike. And hearing that a fellow biker was in trouble, I felt obligated to honour the Biker’s Honour Code*. I quickly brought the tasks I was doing to a natural pause where I could delegate, jumped into my truck and was on my way to do a bike recovery. My friend had sent a location to my phone so I knew the spot I needed to get to on the Southern Highway.
20 minutes later I spotted my friend and the stranded biker at the side of the road. After pulling my truck into position I got out to say hello and see what was going on.
The biker’s name was Charly and it turns out he had ridden from Honduras that morning on his way to the bike rally in Hopkins. Just about 15 miles from getting to Hopkins he had some mechanical trouble and his engine died and refused to start again. His phone was out of juice and he was miles from any garages, stores or even residential homes. Fortunately my friend, who I mentioned is also a biker, would not drive past a stranded rider on the road without checking if all was well. So he stopped when he saw him at the roadside and was able to make some calls for Charly and also call me for assistance.
Interestingly, Charly told us he had been riding with a group, but when he broke down, the rest of the group decided to go on without him. I thought this was a very strange decision for his group to make but never mind, we’re here now. I put the ramp in place and the 3 of us were able to to load the bike into the back of my truck.
When we arrived back in Hopkins, the rally was in full swing and we unloaded a very grateful Charly and his bike. Having upheld the Biker’s Honour Code, I drove back to my resort where a hot kitchen was awaiting me. Being a Chef you quickly find out the true meaning of ‘Some Like It Hot!’
To those of you who ride, Happy Biking and remember to look out for our fellow bikers on the road!*
— Rob
*The biker’s honor code, often simply called “The Bikers Code,” is a set of unwritten and often widely respected principles within the motorcycle community. It emphasizes values reminiscent of a modern-day knighthood, focusing on a strong sense of family, personal integrity, and mutual support.
The core tenets of the Biker’s Honor Code typically include:
Loyalty and Brotherhood/Sisterhood
- Stand with Your Own: Never abandon a “brother” or “sister” in need, whether they are in trouble or simply broken down on the side of the road.
- Ride Together: Never leave anyone you rode out with behind. If someone breaks down, you wait for them.
- Family First: The community is seen as a family that stands shoulder-to-shoulder through all hardships and struggles.
Honor and Integrity
- Your Word is Your Bond: Always be honest with your brothers and sisters. Your word is considered everything you truly own, so guard it carefully.
- Stick to Your Guns (Integrity): Do what you say you will do and be where you say you will be.
- Never Cheat, Lie, or Steal.
Respect and Conduct
Show Respect to Get Respect: Treat others in the community with respect and expect the same in return.
