Biker's bell

The Biker's bell - also guardian bell, ride bell, or gremlin bell - is an urban legend among some motorcycle enthusiasts. Like many pieces of folklore, it has several variations with elements common across all versions. Essentially, a small bell is hung from either the handlebar or the front wheel and serves as a device of mystic protection. [ [http://www.pikerpress.com/article.cfm?form.id=1333 Ask Biker Ed 04 by Ed Moyer; nonfiction ] ]

There are many websites that describe the legend of the biker's bell. Some of the pages are of private enthusiasts [ [http://www.geocities.com/azricsworld/belllegend.html Ric's World -Legend of the Ride Bell ] ] , others are of online community representatives [ [http://www.cycleconnections.com/articledetail.asp?TypeID=8&ID=563 Motorcycle Magazine: Cycle Connections ] ] , and yet other web sites containing the legend are of retailers of motorcycle equipment and accessories. [ [http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/search/search.jsp?x=0&y=0&searchString=guardian+bell&store=Main&resultType=subCategories DennisKirk.com - Search Results ] ] There are even companies that specialize in selling these curious artifacts. [ [http://www.guardianbell.com/ Guardian® Bell manufacturers of the Guardian® Bell, made in the USA ] ] [ [http://www.gremlin-bells.com/ All American Gremlin® Bell - US Made Biker Accessories ] ]

Tales

One version describes a rider ambushed by evil road spirits or demons that force him to crash. Unable to move, presumably from an injured leg, the unfortunate biker threw whatever he could get his hands on at the approaching demons, emptying the contents of his saddlebags in the process. Having run out of impromptu projectiles, a small bell was found. Deciding to ring the bell, rather than throw it, he inadvertently summoned a pair of fellow motorcyclists from some distance, who saved him from certain death. The biker thanked his rescuers by giving each of them one of those little bells.

This leads to the moral of the story: "So when ever you see a biker with a bell you'll know that he has been blessed with the most important thing in life -- friendship from a fellow biker."

A second story of the biker's bell begins by describing evil road spirits that haunt motorcycles, causing mechanical failures. The bell serves as a trap, forcing these spirits into the hollow of the bell, where the constant tinkling drives them mad. Insane, the spirit falls to the ground, causing a pothole where it lands. While a powerful protective fetish in its own right, the bell's potency is doubled when given to the rider by a friend or loved one.

Finally, the bell can be used as a memorial to fellow motorcyclists who have passed away. While cleaning the bell of tarnish and dirt from the road, one is reminded of one's fallen comrades. Also, the ringing of the bell while riding is meant as a reminder that the rider that he can join his fallen brethren with but a moment's carelessness.

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