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Ever wonder why they call it a Jerry Can? Or how a burlap bag could save your life? Explore the strange and true stories behind some everyday objects.
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“Buy the ticket, take the ride.”
This oft-cited Hunter S. Thompson quote from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas has become a cliché; it gets tossed around loosely, especially in the motorcycle industry. But there is more to it — the less sexy part — that is often left out:
Tune in. Freak out. Get beaten. No one wants tickets for that ride.
The heavy events of 2020 forcefully expanded our collective consciousness more than anyone had in mind. We tuned in, we freaked out, and in many ways, we were left beaten. Even more, we felt paralyzed, unable to travel freely or choose our company and activities. In many cases — figuratively and literally — there were not even tickets for us to buy.
Trite or not, the Thompson quote illuminates the fact that the reward is in making a decision rather than the guarantee of a desired outcome. Too often, we celebrate risk only when there is a positive outcome, and vilify it as poor decision-making when things go sideways. The real tragedy is being paralyzed by indecision.
So this issue isn’t about rewards or consequences. It’s a testament to the value of making a choice in the first place, to knowing that even in the direst of times, we still have options. We can still decide to ride, even when the only road we have is an active minefield (page 026). We can give joy to others when a negative prognosis robs us of everything else (page 038). We can decide to make our livelihood by jumping into the flames (page 018) or by triumphantly emerging from the fire to bring life to others (page 070).
Our tickets were bought at birth and the ride’s already well underway. From here out, it’s a matter of decision-making. Choose wisely. Choose poorly. Let the cards fall where they may, because the reward is already yours.
Caylee Hankins: The Artifacts We Leave Behind
Remembering The Life And Work Of This Lil' Rebel.
The Passenger: Much More Than a Motorcycle Movie
Filmmaker Gentry Dayton found a way to include drama and appeal to art house fans as well as moto nerds.
Bessemer, Alabama & the Ongoing Mission To Do Better
A ride through this section of the country is a reminder that we must meet the moment and finally do right by all Americans.
Iron Buffalo: Returning to Vietnam
Ten years have passed, and yet the most beautiful road in the country still beckons.
How Long Beach’s Oil Stain Lab Finally Built the Half-11
The Bridan twins went through extreme ups and downs bringing their Porsche-based Half-11 project to life.
I Spent Three Days Riding With a Kurdish Motorbike Gang
Above all, I knew I had to document their passion and show the world another human side to Kurdistan.
Meet Daredevil Earl Teter: America’s First Stunt Driver
Though he never suffered a serious injury, Teter broke ground with his inventive stunts.
Blechmann’s BMW R nineT is a Mind-Blowing Work of Art
A tag-team effort between Vagabund Moto and enigmatic craftsman Bernhard Naumann (aka Blechmann) produced a jaw-dropping stunner of a motorcycle.
This Custom KTM 300 XC-W Street Tracker is Truly Next Level
Moto Mucci took a rowdy trail bike and converted it for street use.
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Iron & Air celebrates both the journey and the destination. We’re motivated like most who seek more out of life: to leap out of bed (or stumble), embrace risk, and chase after a life worth living. While the machines that move us are the binding thread, it’s the places they take us that create the lasting stories we collect and share with you here. Members get digital access to every back issue and the latest issues as they drop.
Adam Fitzgerald Co-Founder, Iron & Air Media, Editor-in-Chief
Gregory George Moore Co-Founder, Iron & Air Media,  Director of Marketing
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The things that move us.
Iron & Air celebrates both the journey and the destination. We’re motivated like most who seek more out of life: to leap out of bed (or stumble), embrace risk, and chase after a life worth living. While the machines that move us are the binding thread, it’s the places they take us that create the lasting stories we collect and share with you here.