By: Monica Peralez
“Motorcycling is a tradition among the males in my family. Motorcycling, as well as my Latino roots, has made me who I am today.”
Jorge Merlos is a student who attends the University of Oregon. His dad was born in El Salvador and his mom was born in the states. He grew up with his dad’s side of the family in Los Angeles.
“Although I was born in America, I identify with being El Salvadorian because I grew up in a household where my dad instilled his Latino values. It is sometimes hard to combine American culture with my family’s culture, however, I believe it’s crucial to know your family roots because its your blood, its where you came from.”
Not only did Jorge’s dad make sure to teach his son about their family’s cultural background, but he also sparked Jorge’s love for motorcycling: something that brought them closer in their relationship.
“My dad put me on the back of his motorcycle and took me out for rides for as long as I can remember. It was the fondest memory of my childhood. When I turned 13, I realized something; I no longer wanted to be in the backseat, I wanted to be one in the driver’s seat.”
Jorge received his first bike as a hand-me-down from his father. However, he got into a bike accident that changed his outlook on life forever.
“After my bike accident I learned to stop taking things for granted and started appreciating what was given to me. My dad gave me my first bike and I acted reckless and crashed it. From that point on I started saving up my money to buy a bike on my own, the same way my dad bought his first bike. Motorcycling is the activity that bridges the cultural gap between my dad and me and I wanted to prove to him I was capable of being a conscientious rider.”
Jorge and his father don’t agree on everything, but when it comes to motorcycling, they are always on the same page. He didn’t want to ruin that relationship by being irresponsible on his motorcycle. Jorge describes his dad as the ultimate role model who works hard to give him accessibility to opportunities that weren’t possible during his own childhood. Jorge hopes to become a similar father and share the same cultural values and motorcycling tradition with his children.