Posted on 06/14/2005 7:08:57 AM PDT by bmweezer
Motorcycle Summer Posted: June 14, 2005
Ah! Summertime in America. Such sweet sounds, smells, and feelings! Here in the modern US of A, we the people are treated to the joys of American summertime activities. We can sit and lounge around to the smell of blossoming flowers, buzzing honeybees, soft, gentle summer breezes…AND then we get the smell of engine oil, the sound of rumbling engines, and the breeze of… passing motorcycles. Hundreds, maybe thousands of motorcycles. The darn things are everywhere!
Huh?
Yep. Summertime in America is rapidly becoming the season of the mega-motorcycle runs. Just what gives nowadays? It’s an epidemic (or “pandemic” if you read it in the news).
Ever try to take a nice, leisurely summer drive down to the local watering hole on a Sunday morning only to find yourself pulled over, or perhaps waved to a stop as hundreds of “dirty bikers” thunder past on their motorcycles, riding en masse to some party or other? And you wait, and you wait, AND you wait.
And they keep coming, guys and gals, guys, gals, guys and guys, gals and gals, solo or in pairs keep passing. Big motorcycles, little motorcycles, quiet motorcycles, loud motorcycles, three wheeled motorcycles (!) Custom motorcycles. Expensive motorcycles, old motorcycles held together with wire, new motorcycles resplendent in their debut. Red motorcycles, white motorcycles, motorcycles of every color under the rainbow roar past, tooting the horns and waving at anything that moves, or sometimes doesn't. I saw some riders waving to an empty pickup truck on the side of a road).
But the predominant color is black. Black motorcycles, black t-shirts, black leather outfits fly past in some orgy of dark rebellion, a joyous cacophony of noise and colors that just drives you crazy. And some cops tells you that you can’t do anything about it. (sigh!).
So whilst you’re sitting there fuming about just what is going on lately, about how this country is going to the dogs (was that a dog that went by on that motorcycle?) please pause to think of what drives normally respectable people to don crazy outfits, mount expensive, loud machines, and tie up your street for what seems like hours? What drives these people to drive? What is going on?
Well… each ride is different, and if you check the “motorcycle guy” web site, you’ll read about thousands of motorcycle runs, parades, shows, meets, and general gatherings from New York to Maine (and other parts of the country as well in their own regions). Each entry lists an event, starting time, cost of entry, and a person to contact. Besides most of these entries is a list of whatever charity is the beneficiary of the event.
Charity? Whoa! Hold on! Did I just cay “charity”? Yep. These “dirty bikers” all deck themselves out, gather on a hot summer weekend day and ride in huge groups for charity. Not for some nihilistic reason that one might suppose (had one not known better,) but for causes like Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, Domestic Violence, Children’s charities - heck there’s even rides for the Jerry Lewis Telethon. The ride I went on yesterday was for needy veterans. These people gather together, pay for their own gas and maintenance, pay admissions fees, etc., as a way of giving to charities. Who’d a thunk?
And these charities rake in big bucks. Consider that many things are donated to the run by local businesses, if you take the ten dollar per person cost to participate in the run, multiply it by a thousand bikes (a moderately large event), you get ten thousand dollars. Then try to figure out how many of these bikes carry passengers and add that amount. A lot of non-government funds goes to helping out society in these events, all provided by them “dirty bikers”. (Oh! And every dollar given to charity by these events, that’s one LESS dollar that the federal government will grab from your wallet at tax time.)
Now before the “ten percent-ers” decide top camp on my lawn, please let me point out a few facts about these “dirty bikers” who happen to have bigger hearts than most people recognize. Each major event has a ride pin, which many riders purchase and wear in their riding vests, jackets, or what have you. These vests, jackets, etc., are like a travelogue for that person. It shows where they have been, for how long, and often carries the logos and insignias of the various organizations that the rider supports. Mine is denim, but many are leather, and most are black - the unofficial color of motorcycle gear. While many don’t brag, most will take the time to explain their pins and patches to you, if you take the time to ask. It not only shows how serious he is at his sport, but how big his heart may be.
I’ve been riding to events since the 80’s and have yet to see riders fight amongst themselves. These “dirty bikers” are amongst the most polite and congenial folks I’ve ever had the pleasure to associate with. You can sit down at a table with complete strangers, and join in the conversation without angry stares or rudeness.
And these folks are respectful. During the opening of many of the rides I’ve attended, there has frequently been a singing of our National Anthem. If you go to any event, a ballgame, for example, there are always those people who ignore the anthem, talk, run about and generally disrespect our country’s anthem. Not at a bike run. Last Saturday you could have heard a pin drop during the singing. A person at our table said “the anthem!” and we all stood respectfully, hands over hearts, facing whatever flag we could perceive (there wasn’t a shortage), and listened. Try seeing that at the ballgame.
These folk are laborers, craftsmen, policemen, professors, lawyers, from every walk of life. Upper and lower class, they all come together for the event. Even the untrained eye can see the difference between the large, new, and expensive bikes and the older, smaller, less expensive economy models as they pass by. All kinds of people, doing their thing in peace helping the social condition of America. And yet some still call them “dirty bikers”
Oh, and speaking of “Dirty bikers”, one seldom sees litter at one of these events. Trash cans are used, and even smokers show courtesy to others.
But back to the event. Each event needs a meeting place large enough to hold the group, and the people who host these events have to get there early in order to be able to setup and take entrants like me who habitually arrive hours early - to check out the newest and fanciest bikes, and to socialize. The sponsors, often dozens of people working together, toil in the heart and noise for hours with no compensation other than that of a job well done, and the appreciation of all concerned. They prepare food, vend souvenirs, patrol the grounds for cleanup, collecting soda cans, etc., Many groups even provide little wooden platforms for the kickstand so the bike doesn’t sink into the ground and fall over. Some organizations provide water on hot days.
The organizers provide police and traffic control for major intersections, so that cars don’t try to break into the run, and so that the bikers can proceed safely. Many of these people volunteer their time without pay, and have to deal with irate motorists inconvenienced by the run. It is people like these who exemplify what is Good with America.
Routes have to be planned well in advance, local authorities must be involved and in accord with the event, and all this must be completed months before the actually event. Some events are advertised on various venues. Others are word of mouth, like the 7500 bike “Pappy’s Run” of Eastern Connecticut.
Food must be procured, prepared and served. Serving food can be a tedious process often involving standing in a hot, humid tent constantly ladling food into plates, trying not to overturn anybody’s meal. This can consume hours of time without break, yet these people do it year after year.
Parking must be directed, which involves standing and walking on the hot pavement for hours making sure people park correctly in order to maximize the quantity of motorcycles whilst minimizing the acreage required. Wearing heave, often plastic reflective vests help identify these folks.
Whilst many bikers love to “hoist the wee cup”, I have seen very little beer and other alcoholic drinks. Whilst some venues offer these, I have never seen a drunk biker on a run. I have seen drunk motorists try to cut into the run taking little regard for the life of the bikers, and of their family members. Seldom have I heard of violence resulting from this kind of dangerous car operation. Oh! And I have never ever seen any drug use whatsoever. So much for the stereotype.
And I see black and white bikers. And I see men ride, I see women ride. I see straight bikers and gay bikers, young bikers, old bikers, fat bikers, skinny bikers, you name it, it rides. And these people all come together and nobody judges anybody, nobody picks on anybody, everybody gets along and there is no social agenda. There is no need for one.
So if you happen to be driving about on some summer weekend in America and happen by one of these motorcycle parades, please consider a few things: These people are giving their time and money into the social fabric of this country, and are helping the needy in whatever venue they opt for. What you see may inconvenience you - heck it can take a hour just for all those bikes to go past - but what you are seeing is merely the tip of the iceberg of the commitment of these people to the cause. That these people are among the most respectful people you’ll ever meet. I’d rather my daughter hangs around these “dirty bikers” than a roomful of lawyers teachers or businessmen. I trust these folk more.
I remain grateful for those people who take the time to organize staff and support these runs. I cannot appreciate enough all the long hours, the behind-the-scenes planning and organizing that goes behind each and every one of these events. You toil hard and long for months for one big day, people like me come and go, but then you start again for next year. Thank you. You might be volunteers, but your reward will come.
I’m sorry if anyone is inconvenienced by these runs that are proliferating across the fruited plain, but I hope that you can understand that this is a simple show of support caring and empathy for those among us who cannot join the ride. I know that driving into a parade route is a drag, and takes time, but maybe if you shut off your engine, step outside and really look at the group passing by you’ll see families with their children, husbands and wives, friends and lovers of all different stripes coming together for one day to help support the betterment of our society.
But for all those motorists who are inconvenienced as the motorcycles pass by, and become understandably miffed at the delay, I for one appreciate your forbearance. I know that it must be a drag for some of you to have to wait whilst all those noisy, smelly things roar past, and I really appreciate your tolerance of the activities. Thank you all for being neighborly and amiable.
Children love motorcycles. It’s instinctual. And motorcyclists love children. The same can be said for the elderly, to whom this country owes so much. This is a fun event for them - can you see the joy? The promise in young hearts? The remembrance in wizened eyes? Maybe if you can really see what roars before you, then maybe you can understand why these folks spend five hours in the heat and humidity waiting for a one hour ride. And when you understand what those “dirty bikers” Are all about you can take pride in your fellow American - and wave back.
Love my Yamaha!
LOL! I remember the first time I set off a car alarm with 'Baby'. Startled the bejeebers out of me...! I had never seen a car alarm before...(Yep I've been riding for a long time).
ya see? if the pipes are loud enough, then folks will hear 'em, and they won't be running all over them - no need fer the helmet;-)
It just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy knowing some yuppie (who looks down on bikers) has to run out of the house and turn off the car alarm.
In my neighborhood, the people most likely to run over a motorcycle couldn't hear it if it was in the back seat.
Helmets are, in some states, and should be a choice. I wear a half helmet when in NJ and when I cross to PA, it comes off and it is my choice there. Most accidents are caused by cars not paying attention to the bikers. The loud pipes get their attention unless it is a bunch of kids with the stereo louder than the pipes!!
That's been my experience as well! The chrome plated monster is invisible, yet a 35 oz. piece of steel on the rider's hip is glaringly obvious. That's why I always assert that motorists who run over motorcyles and then say "I didn't see him (or her)" are liars.
Time to ride ~ Bump!
Frankly I didn't have the nerve to try it, but it looks like a series E-Ticket ride! I know that at Heartland Park, on the straight, I had been clocked at 125MPH, and that was as fast as I cared to go... Reg and a passenger passed me as if I was standing still!
Mark
These monster boats are the curse of the Lake of the Ozarks.
A helmet is just as likely to break your neck as it is to save you from a head injury. As for me, I would rather ride safely than crash safely.
the motorcycle safety foundation found that large bikes are "underrepresented" in crashes. i gots me a big'un.
they're more comfy on long trips too.
Yeah....The funny part was that they were standing on the other side of the car--and jumped as high (or higher) than I felt like. Our end of the State has really low crime, and I noticed it was not long before they no longer turned the alarm on..(8^D)
That makes it fun. The look on their face is priceless!!
I hope your knowledge is more valid in other areas. A cager screwed my neck up in '79. I can't look around with a helmet on. I'd rather be able to see and avoid a developing accident than trust a brain bucket to keep my corpse pretty.
Yep,,, talk later, sun is shining, roads' are dry and I got a few hours to kill. Ciao....... Vrrooooommmmmmmm
You are 100% correct. The whole absurd idea of "Loud Pipes Save Lives" has been promoted by sophomoric motorcyclists for decades. In addition to not wearing a full-face helmet, you'll see these same L.P.S.L. riders still have their anemic and tinny stock horn installed.
If they were "all about safety" they would have upgraded their electrical systems to handle a thunderous dual-tone Fiamme horn. Unlike exhaust pipes, a horn faces in the PROPER DIRECTION and is universally recognized as a warning in traffic. The other thing to do is upgrade the headlamp so that it is much brighter than other cars around you.
My motorcycle is outrageously fast, but I can slip quietly in and out of my neighborhood at all hours of the day or night. By contrast, my horn is so loud that it easily overpowers any stereo systems, air-conditioning, or drivers on cellular phones, etc. When the headlight is switched to highbeam, it looks like a 747 coming in for a landing. There are all sorts of simple steps that serious motorcyclists (I'm at nearly 150,000 miles on various bikes) can take to boost safety without angering folks trying to sleep or relax.
I'm ready for the flames from people talking about "how a helmet killed a guy they know" and how "revving their motor at a stoplight alerted traffic behind them" and all that rubbish that doesn't stand the test of scientific scrutiny.
~ Blue Jays ~
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