Your wait is over...
Ever topped an uphill crest to have your front wheel tap back down and end up in a full tankslapper?
At risk of flames, it is my OPINION that people who ride without helmets have never crashed a bike.
Posted on 05/16/2006 9:26:35 AM PDT by Uddercha0s
I saw you, Hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But, you didn't see me, Put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.
I saw you, Pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But, you didn't see me, Playing Santa at the local mall.
I saw you, Change your mind about going into the restaurant. But, you didn't see me, Attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.
I saw you, Roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by. But, you didn't see me, Driving behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.
I saw you, Frown at me when I smiled at your children. But, you didn't see me, When I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.
I saw you, Stare at my long hair. But, you didn't see me, And my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.
I saw you, Roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves. But, you didn't see me, And my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none.
I saw you, Look in fright at my tattoos. But, you didn't see me, Cry as my children where born and have their name written over and in my heart.
I saw you, Change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But, you didn't see me, Going home to be with my family.
I saw you, Complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But, you didn't see me, When you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.
I saw you, Yelling at your kids in the car. But, you didn't see me, Pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.
I saw you, Reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But, you didn't see me, Squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.
I saw you, Race down the road in the rain. But, you didn't see me, Get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.
I saw you, Run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But, you didn't see me, Trying to turn right.
I saw you, Cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But, you didn't see me, Leave the road.
I saw you, Waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there.
I saw you, Go home to your family. But, you didn't see me. Because, I died that day you cut me off.
I was just a Biker ......A person with friends and a family.
Author Unknown
ROFLMAO!
Only on FR ...
Excellent.
Words of wisdom I have heard before: Ride like no one can see you.
Stay safe, all my 2 wheel friends!
I sure wouldn't (then again, it's a crapshoot in this land on judges), but, the point is, know the limitaions of your vehicle and know your limitations as a driver. I grew up in snow, but every year come the first snow, I went out and practiced sliding in it. If you don't use it everyday or practice it, you may not have it when you need it. We take things for granted as drivers of all types of vehicles until one day the unexpected happens and we're not ready.
For every one of you there are 10 who never look.
Like it or not, you are a member of a set that includes some true idiots. I am, as well. Just a different set.
Play the odds ...
And I didn't make it into a high school equivalency program ... but I did manage to study random variables, stochastic processes, and symbolic logic somewhere along the line ... Kindergarten, maybe. Most of the time, I was a mediocre student, so maybe I got to that part a bit late.
We had nazi helmets on this one. Still time yet...
That's a fact. As a general statement (general, no flames please) the best drivers I have come across on the road are:
1. Truck drivers (they do it fo a living)
2. Motorcyclists (they do it for survival)
I will say I understand what you're saying. As the pillion on a rather hot R1, I cringe when I see the stunts that some bikers pull in traffic. Nightmares! However, I have also seen plenty of 4 wheel drivers who don't pay attention.
prodigy?
"...Furthermore, those who choose to LOOK like a "badass" have no room to be offended if people TREAT them accordingly..."
Leather jackets, pants, gloves, heavy boots, and helmets are a way of life when aboard a motorcycle. If you're going to have contempt for folks, aim it the people dressing unsafely and incorrectly for the activity. A pair of khakis, red golf shirt, tortoise sunglasses, and penny loafers without socks simply won't do on a motorcycle because it doesn't even remotely offer sufficient protection. It does look pleasant and approachable at a backyard barbecue.
The only other protective garment choice is an armored suit usually made of Cordura fabric that have recently become available. Given a few more years, I'll estimate you'll see just as many of them as you do leather garments now. A technologically advanced Aerostich suit will be one of my next purchases as soon as I have another $800 to earmark. Right now, it's my tried and true Langlitz Leathers gear. Regardless of which protective riding garments are chosen, the insulation from impact and painful roadrash is what is paramount.
Lastly, it is incorrect to treat people badly on sight alone. If you're simply sharing the roadway with someone dressed head-to-toe in protective gear you're inclined to treat them as if they're a "badass" out to cause trouble with no supporting interactions? That rider could very well have thirty years experience in the saddle and be a retired state police instructor...which would describe my cousin perfectly. Just my $0.02.
~ Blue Jays ~
I've been wondering.. was about to break out my differential equations book.. maybe a little physics (that's definitely involved here) and psychology is definitely in order.
LOL!! Ok -- I am not a helmet nazi -- but I do feel naked on a bike without one. I also feel naked without my aerostitch or my Joe Biker gear on. Ya'll wear what you want -- I guess I like my fun with a safety net! (I know, I'm a wimp.)
We're in the same demographic with regard to sportbikes and I'm in 100% agreement with you.
I'm an adult, college-educated, technology professional who has been riding Honda CBRs since the first year they were offered as the Hurricane into the marketplace. It is annoying when the absurd assumption is made that one is a young squid based on the style of motorcycle alone.
~ Blue Jays ~
Thanks for your 2/100 of a dollar. I agree. I live in state, SC , where helmets aren't a requirement (except those under 21). I don't mount my bike without one even if I am moving it in the driveway (I'm unlucky that way and would hate to read the tombstone). But, that's my choice. My point.. being long winded.. when I'm on my HD, I'm in full leathers, helmet and the works. To some, I may look intimidating (at 5'4" that's impressive) but it's for my protection. When I ride my sportbike I change off to my Joe Rocekt gear, it looks much less intimidating but protects me more for the riding I'm doing. I guess it is ignorance (and I don't mean that bad), that leads some people to believe what they do.
hehe.. been there, done that
Every assertion of fact in that last paragraph is true. Parse carefully, and don't ASS-U-ME anything.
Steel ball bearings. Marbles shatter when they hit the pavement - bearings bounce. They make a helluva racket bouncing against the undercarriage.
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