Continued....

But in some ways they aren’t needed. Riding is such a unique pastime with each biker drawing something slightly different from it and in return, bringing their own individuality that makes the motorcycle community as rich as it is.

So even if any number of prior presidents were avid riders, it would be foolhardy to use their passions to predict the current holder of the office. But it apparently doesn’t stop us from playing the guessing game.

It’s by looking to the individual that became the 45th President of the United States then, his character and qualities that will all speak volumes to what he would ride and wear.

Does it lean towards Marlon Brando’s bad boy in The Wild One or Peter Fonda’s Captain America from Easy Rider? While we’re not saying there isn’t a little of these motorcycle rebels filling those perfectly fitting suits, the analytical thinking and problem processing abilities that took President Obama through college and law school would most likely lead him to be a rider with safety in mind.

And while the attire of a bandana can be confidently written off, we shouldn’t be so quick as to put the leader of the free world in a full-face helmet. Mr. Obama’s curious nature and appetite for life would more likely have him in a three-quarter helmet with a flip-up visor allowing for immediate access to the wind in his face and sensations only found on a motorcycle.

Covering his ears, the helmet would help with blocking the wind noise, not only preserving his hearing which is important to such an intense listener, but making it easier to hear the tunes from an MP3 player that would surely be wired up.

But something as simple as riding while listening to music through ear buds highlights just how hard it is to place such a prestigious person in a saddle.

The subject of riding with ear buds always creates a little controversy with many concerned over the safety issue of music blocking out surrounding traffic noise and limiting a rider’s situational awareness. To this point during his Senate career, on the campaign trail and for the short time he has occupied the Oval Office President Obama has never taken the completely safe course, instead choosing to swim against the current on many matters. When explaining his decision, sometimes a sense or feeling is given instead of a quagmire of gray-shaded facts, which just happens to be a common argument for those who enjoy riding with ear buds.

It’s actually his ability to pull together a collection of facts and thoughts to arrive at a conclusion or solution that tells us the President would enjoy riding that much more with his own personal soundtrack playing on the open road. Indeed, many bikers feel the music enhances the sights and senses that come with every ride.

So what would he listen too?

Stevie Wonder, Alison Krauss, Union Station, Brad Paisley and country music legend Charlie Pride have all played at the White House while Beyonce sung the newly inaugurated President and First Lady through their first official dance on the night of his inauguration.

Needless to say, the MP3 shuffle would take any ride through a variety of rhythms and tunes.

Looking again to the possible biker gear, popular opinion around the Clutch and Chrome office has the President in a leather or jean jacket rather than a mesh jacket featuring armor. Although this isn’t to say Mrs. Obama wouldn’t assume the role taken by every non-riding better half and try to slip the latest armor lined biker jacket into her husband’s motorcycle closet. But more on this later.

Like any responsible rider, President Obama would think of his hands and most likely opt for half-finger leather gloves allowing for tactile enjoyment of the surroundings but still give the needed possible protection during a spill. Meanwhile, a pair of well-worn jeans will look good while addressing the safety aspect. He could even wear the type of jeans designed with Kevlar or other such protection aimed at riders for that look of cool with the assurance of safety.

Ever the sharp dresser, President Obama would know out of all the biker gear worn, it’s the boots that make the rider as well as the ride. Of course we would assume his analytical side would scream the advantages proper riding boots bring as succinctly stated by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), ‘they protect from stones that may fly up from the road, heat burns from hot exhausts and offer good grips on footrests as well as the pavement when stopped’.

But the final thought would be the same as millions of other bikers around the world, ‘these make me look good!’