So, you bought a brand new shiny bike and you don't want to get it dirty. You've decided that taking it to the rally at Sturgis by trailer should protect it. Get real! The whole idea of the Sturgis Bike rally is not just to meet people at the rally but the adventure and experience of the ride there. Maybe you don't want to ride there because it might rain or your butt might get sore. Well, boo-hoo, what are you a big sissy? You're supposed to get sore, you're suppose to get wet, you're suppose to get dirty; you're a biker! Okay, if you're over 75 and want to be with the guys one more time, you're forgiven, otherwise buck up, spray some "Old Fart Spray" on those achy muscles and use the bike for what it was made, the freedom of the road.

You only need trailers for two things. The first is to haul a bike that no longer can function on its own. The second is the other kind of trailer, the one you haul BEHIND your bike. When you haul the bike, you miss the greatest part of the trip, the adventure, the experience, the fun, THE RIDE! You ride around the town as though you hit the road and manned it all the way there, you're a poser. You're the jogger that gets a ride to the destination and sprays himself with water to look like he jogged all the way. You're a fake, a ruse, a poser, a biker wannabe.

So, what other excuse do you have to put that beautiful machine on a trailer? The weather might be too cold, too hot, or too rainy. You didn't become a biker to be safe. You became a biker to work through that rebellious devil-may-care attitude you've had since your youth. You started biking to scratch that itch for the freedom of the open road with the wind in your face and bugs in your teeth. When did you become so... so civilized? Bikers don't care about the weather. They love a good challenge. A sudden shower is only an invitation to find an out of the way bar and party for the rest of the night.

All right, Manly Man, maybe riding more than an hour is too tough for you. It's just such a shame to waste that beautiful machine on a trailer. I'll even bet you used your Volvo or 2 wheel drive Cadillac SUV to haul it, didn't you? You may have even used your $150,000 RV with the microwave, digital TV, gaming system and Jacuzzi tub. Why look like you're headed to Yosemite instead of Biker Rally?

Okay, I'll quit picking, get there any way you want. The biggest part of the rally is the rally itself. But for those stalwart riders, a look at the other kind of trailer seems appropriate. The only trailers real bikers use when they travel, the ones that are pulled behind that 2 wheeler, not under it.

Today there are so many accessories for the avid riders. They range from your seat to your feet and your tailpipe to your head light. They encompass all things, from sunscreen for bikers named "Redneck Repellent" to trailers you haul behind the bike to either transport Fido or camp in. These types of trailers are completely acceptable to the real biker because a real biker wouldn't go anywhere without their dog and, what the heck, you do need a place to sleep.

There's a whole world of motorcycle trailers. They can look like coffins or Corvettes, they cover everything from a little extra packing space to providing a rustic home away from home. The campers come in a variety of sizes and prices, depending on the quality, size and the amount of amenities that you choose. The prices can be a little steep for the upper end ones, but if you travel a lot, they save you quite a bit of money and give you more sleeping arrangement flexibility. You no longer have to hear "We don't have any rooms" or "That"ll be $125 with taxes and your discount"

When it comes to keeping the whole family together there's nothing better than a trailer to haul the family pet. No one wants to leave Rover at home, or kenneled, while they're out on an adventure traveling to a rally. After all, he's family too. There's nothing better than taking him along, and short of getting him his own motorcycle and teaching him to drive, these trailers are the ideal way to transport the family dog, or cat for that matter. Most riders claim the trailer doesn't affect the way the bike handles and their pups love it, although many need a few short rides before they totally appreciate the ride and are convinced they're not going to the vet.

So, if you're thinking of using a trailer, make it the kind BEHIND your motorcycle, not under it. If your butt can't take the trip, you really need to see about a new motorcycle, a new seat or, start working out with that tape "Buns of Steel" to get ready for the next season. You might think you need to haul your bike, but with a little ingenuity, you'll be amazed at the real "Easy Rider" that lurks beneath your surface softness. For those of you that rent their bike, then trailer it, Oh My God, but that is another article!