Bikes and Beer

Today, by coincidence, I was reading an ad this morning about a tour of Austria and Germany by motorcycle, and then, this afternoon, watching a show about the history of brewing beer. Why is it that bikes and beer seem to go together?

I've heard it said that when "bikers" (meaning the gruff, hulking nogoodniks on two wheels....I think this stereotype goes back to "The Wild One" starring Marlon Brando) get together beer is inevitably chugged down in great quantities. Of course, we all know that drinking and riding has fatal consequences sooner or later.

But what about that expression, "Drinking and riding"? Or more commonly: "Drinking and Driving"? Why do people insist on bringing those two ideas together in a handy-dandy slogan?

I think this started being popular sometime around 1980, at least in my experience. I can't tell you how many times during high school in health class, at assemblies, in TV ads, I've heard those two ideas paired up: Drinking and Driving. Who thought this up? How about "Drinking OR Driving??? "OR" I said! Don't combine the two with "and"!!! Who's with me on this?

Who is willing to make up the bumper stickers? "Drink OR Drive" ? I'd even be willing to put, "Not both." in parentheses after.

I've read a number of articles in British motorcycle magazines where they talk about being on tour in Europe or elsewhere and they drink fine wine and beer at the end of a long day on the "tarmac". Superb. Enjoy your riding. Then enjoy a beer. Life is good. Just don't get mixed up!

The title of this should be "Bikes OR Beer"!!!