Dancing the Polka has nothing to do with a dance style rooted in 19th-century Bohemian culture. It doesn’t even have anything to do with dancing. Not in the literal sense, at least. Instead it is a blog dedicated primarily to motorcycles, motorcycling, and the human experiences and connections that exist around them.
Dancing the Polka is a motorcycle blog that goes far beyond specs and numbers. It is chock full of motorcycle reviews, motorcycle gear reviews, and motorcycle ‘How To’ articles. It is also a motorcycle blog full of stories about motorcyclists and motorcycle adventures.
So, how did a motorcycle blog get such a funny name? It comes from an experience I had many years ago, when living in Southern California.
On a warm and sunny October afternoon, I found myself attending an Octoberfest celebration in El Cajon, one of San Diego’s multitudinous suburbs. Held in a large parking lot, it lacked a certain Bavarian authenticity, but all the requisite elements were there: beer, pretzels, bratwurst, and, of course, a polka band.
As is common at community fairs and events all across the United States, it was attended by local business leaders, city councilmembers, someone dressed as a school mascot, and, most importantly, a group of beauty pageant winners. Namely, Miss Santee, Miss Lakeside, and Miss El Cajon.
It was the latter who approached me while I stood listening to the band. She extended her hand, raised her eyebrows, and made the universal gesture for: “Would you like to dance?”
“Uh, I’m not a good dancer,” I said, feeling awkward and self-conscious.
“No one is,” she smiled, still extending her hand.
“No, thank you,” I replied.
She nodded politely and moved on to a man near me who very happily accepted her offer, the two of them stomping in wild circles across the parking lot.
Almost instantly, I was overcome by regret and frustration, and embarrassment at the feeling of embarrassment that had kept me from saying yes. What was wrong with me? What possible downside could there be to dancing the polka with Miss El Cajon?
The moment has stayed with me ever since. I hold on to it to remind myself that life is heartbreakingly short and we must do our best to make sure it is worthwhile. Its beauty is made up of the times we say yes, rather than standing on the sidelines fearing opaque and possibly nonexistent consequences.
So, Dancing the Polka is (mostly) about motorcycles, but it is also about being willing to make a fool of yourself. Take joy in the things no one else cares about. Find adventure in the mundane. Wear that silly hat. Eat that ice cream. And when she offers her hand, say yes to the beauty queen and dance the polka with everything you’ve got.
About Chris Cope
I’m a fourth-generation journalist and storyteller with almost three decades of professional experience. Originally from the United States (born in Texas, came of age in Minnesota), I have lived in the United Kingdom for two decades – first in Wales, now in West Sussex.
I have written for dozens of motorcycle magazines and websites in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia, including Bike, Adventure Bike Rider, Visordown, New Atlas, Motorcycle.com, Common Tread, and RideApart.