The Motorcycle Philosophy of Arthur (Fonzie) Fonzarelli

Welcome to Peace , love Moto , the podcast for motorcyclists seeking that peaceful , easy feeling as we cruise through this life together . Are you ready ? Let's go . It was 1974 . A TV show featured a motorcycle rider who proved that tough guys can have the biggest hearts . That's right . We're talking about Arthur Fonzie Fonzarelli of the iconic TV show Happy Days .

Now , if you grew up in the 1970s and 80s , and even if you've caught some of the reruns , you know the Fonz . He was the epitome of cool . Yeah , he had the leather jacket , the slicked back hair and the confident swagger you might say . And of course , he rode a motorcycle , and not just any motorcycle .

It was often depicted in the show as a triumph , a classic British bike that just screamed of rebellion and freedom . I have a Triumph Bonneville in the garage , which is , among

other things , my distinguished gentleman's ride . I just love to go cruising on it anyway . Cool , cool bike . I may not be the coolest rider , but I'm on a cool bike , that's for sure . When Fonzie rode up in cool bike , that's for sure . When Fonzie rode up in his bike , heads would turn .

He was the tough guy , the outsider , the guy who snapped his fingers and all the girls gathered around him and with the tap of his elbow he magically made the jukebox play . His image was true grit . You could say that I guess he was strong , he was street smart and he wasn't afraid of anything .

In appearance anyway , he could handle himself in a sticky situation . Let's be honest , he probably looked cooler doing that than anything else . In Milwaukee he kind of embodied the classic motorcycle rider stereotype Independent , a bit dangerous and utterly self-assured . You wouldn't want to cross the Fonz , that's for sure .

As we watched Happy Days spanning several years , or several seasons as they call it , the character of Fonzie evolved . And here's the beautiful paradox of Fonzie and why he resonates of Fonzie and why he resonates , I think , so much with the intentions of the Peace , love , moto podcast .

Beneath that tough exterior , beneath the leather and the cool facade , he was genuinely kind , loving and deeply moral . He was a moral individual . Fonzie might have looked like he could take down anyone , but he would never , ever intentionally harm anyone , especially not an innocent person .

In fact , he was often the first one to step in and protect those who couldn't protect themselves .

That was his character , and I love that . Just think about it . How many times did Fonzie use his tough guy image not to be a bully but to diffuse a situation ? How many times did he offer good advice to Richie and his buddies Sometimes surprisingly profound good advice , sometimes surprisingly profound good advice .

He was the ultimate big brother figure that these guys probably needed , and a lot of guys needed a protector , but also a mentor . He was fiercely loyal to his friends , especially the Cunningham family , who took him in because he didn't have a family of his own . They became a surrogate family and he blended in so so well .

A bit of a black sheep , but still what a wonderful person . And he , just in the show , truly cared about people . As I've watched interviews with Henry Winkler , who played the Fonz , that was Henry too , although he was never really the tough guy in real life .

As I've seen documentaries about Henry Winkler , from what I understand , he was such a nice person when they were filming the show and now , as he's up in age , he's just still the kindest person In the show , especially as the character developed over the years . Fonzie's kindness was born of integrity and a deep understanding of right and wrong .

He had a strong moral compass and he often used his influence for good . He defended the underdog and was surprisingly a good listener when someone needed to talk . He and Richie had some very interesting conversations and he truly cared , had some very interesting conversations and he truly cared .

He might have been a high school dropout , but he had wisdom that formal education probably could never teach . And his love ? It wasn't this romantic kind , though he certainly had a share of girlfriends . Fonzie's love was a deep , abiding affection for his friends and for the Cunningham family who took him in .

Especially , again as the show developed , he wasn't afraid to show vulnerability when it truly mattered , proving that true strength isn't about never showing emotion but about always being authentic . So what can we learn from the Fonz , the motorcycle-riding tough guy with the heart of

gold ? Well , he taught us that appearances can be deceiving . Certainly he showed us that you can be cool and strong and still be kind and compassionate .

He personified the idea that true power isn't in dominance , but it's about lifting up someone else , at least for me , on the Peace Love Moto podcast , I'd say that Fonzie is an example of what I try to relay in every episode maybe A love for the open road , certainly , and the freedom and joy of being out on two wheels , but also a commitment to try to do

good in the world just as best we can . It's such a hurting world . Some people just need a smile . A hurting world . Some people just need a smile . So , whether it's an over-the-top tip for a server or a smile and a hello to a total stranger who sees your bike , you just got to do it , we just have to do it .

So maybe next time you take a ride , think of the Fonz . He was this cultural phenomenon who taught us that you can be that tough guy out on a motorcycle , but you can still have a heart of gold ,

as always . Thank you so much for listening and until we visit again , I wish you peace and I wish you love .