Papers are requested on motorcycling and its impact on North American and other societies and cultures. Although the field described is a broad one and a multiplicity of topics and disciplinary approaches are acceptable, a primary methodological consideration is suggested: mindfulness of the need to de-colonize motorcycling culture and to prevent its colonization by interests adverse to riders or to riding as an activity.

Likely topics:

• Riders' Narratives or Descriptions of the Ride
• The Motorcycle as Art, Poetry, or Agency
• Rituals, Norms, Customs, or Influences in Motorcycle Culture
• "The Biker" as Subaltern or as "Other"
• Movies, films, or other Images of Motorcyclists
• Analyses of media, corporate, or other power structures in relation to motorcycling culture or popular myth
• Biographical Analyses of Noteworthy Motorcyclists and their Influence upon Myth, Culture, or Cultural Capital
• Racial, Gendered, Class, or Demographic Aspects of Motorcycle Culture Other Literary, Anthropological, Geographical, Historical, Sociological, or
• Psychological perspectives of Motorcycling Culture or Myth

Also, as part of the 2005 Motorcycle Myth and Culture Area, we are arranging a special exhibition session. Conference participants will be able to meet authors of motorcycle books, and tour exhibits of motorcycles in photographs, video and film. Presenters interested in contributing to the exhibition session should contact the Area Co-Chairs.

Please respond to the Area Co-chairs with a biographical statement and an abstract of 150 words by October 1, 2004. Since responders may be assigned to presentations, completed papers should also be sent to the Co-Chairs, to be forwarded for review, not later than March 1, 2005.

Basic information about the conference can be found at the web address given below.