My dad came over to my house today to see if I wanted to go Lowes with him. So we get to the stoplight and there is a Harley parked behind a Blazer. The guy from the Harley is yelling and punching the guy in the Blazer in the face while his wife is sitting on the bike. The guy in the Blazer finally took off when the light turned green and the car in front drove off. The guy in the Blazer was covered in blood. The biker guy was a lot bigger. I would have put the Blazer in reverse and ran over the bike and the wife. We later saw the couple at Lowes. The wife was looking at her husband’s head so I guess the other guy got in a shot too. Crazy people. You can’t do that stuff in Missouri anymore with the concealed carry law.

i agree. you never know what the other guy is packing no matter what state you are in or if its legal to carry or not.

angel

Those darn Harley riders, LOL. I would bet something happened before they got at the stop light (like maybe the blazer cut him off or something of that nature). Since of course I wasn't there it is only speculation. In either case is doesn't make it ok to pound the guy, ummmmmmmm well maybe, depends on what he did. As a "biker" (man who rides a bike) there are some drivers and times out there you really have to keep your composure so there aren't more scenes like you saw today. For those that ride or have in the past you can understand, there are no fender bender motorcycle accidents. Maybe you should have ran up and pulled the "biker" away from the poor guy in the Blazer, LOL.

I agree walking up to someone in a car (or anywhere) you have to be careful. You just never know who's packing and who's not.

I have to admit there were times in my illustrious past where I have administered "curbside traffic school" to some moron (usually in a Volvo or SUV) who came close to running me over or some such "gee, I didn't see the motorcyclist because I was on the phone" type B.S. And, in extreme cases only, if they didnt pull over, then they were assessed a fine, usually a mirror (which they obviously DON'T use anyway) or a size 13 door ding. I mean, if they honestly made a mistake and own up to it, thats one thing, but to do something like that, and then you call them on it and they give you attitude, or the finger or whatever...thats it! We're goin' to class.
But, yeah, times have changed. And I have certainly mellowed somewhat. Discretion IS the better part of valor. Too many guns and not enough honor out there. Its one thing to slap some sense into a real jerk, but its another thing to get shot over someone else's stupidity.
(And don't tell me that you never wanted to smack the smugness off the face of some self-centered, rude idiot who just keeps cutting you off and...oh, nevermind. I feel a rant coming on and this could get ugly, so I'll just stop right here.)
But my guess is the guy in the Blazer will probably be a little more aware of his surroundings for at least a little while.
Loud pipes save lives. ;)

Yeah, those Harley riders are good drivers too. LOL Just yesterday, I was in some heavy traffic, when an idiot on a cruiser in the right lane stuffs his bike in between my 3/4 ton Crew Cab HD and the car in front of me in the left lane. Fine, he wanted to be 5 feet in front of me, so that's what he got. He spent more time looking at the grill of the HD in his mirror than he did looking ahead. Well, you idiot, you wanted that spot so bad, there you go. It works both ways, you know. Maybe I should get a bumper sticker that says Start Seeing 3/4 Ton Trucks, or maybe, 3/4 Ton Trucks Save Lives. LOL!!

When I rode, I developed a way to deal with moron's who would ride my back wheel. I always carried a marble or two in my shirt pocket for those people. One marble flipped over the shoulder on to the offenders windshield would always get them off my butt.

I don't even ride motorcycles, but out here the pr!cks in BMW's or Mercedes will pull out in front of everything... I want a bike, but not until I'm back in the midwest!

LOL, Steve you sound like some of the guys I ride with. Of course I would never do any of the things you mentioned ;)

Prime example splitting lanes IS legal here in California but, there always seems to be one or two cars/guys that get jealous cause they are stuck in their cage in traffic, so they attempt to block you. This usually calls for instant mirror removal. Even a slight bump with a 2ton car can result in broken bones for the biker, so most take it pretty serious when their health is needlessly put at risk. Sure there are accidents or maybe you didn't see the guy. The problem comes after that fact, when you decide to flip the bird or ignore the fact that you almost killed someone.

People that have never ridden just will not understand. When you are on a bike, you don't have doors, bumpers, big steel fenders, etc... So when some dummy cuts you off or tailgates you it is not fun at all. We are talking life and death (or at the very least serious injuries). If you are walking accross the street and some guy thinks it fun or funny to come very close to hitting you with his car, how do/would you like that?

69ProTouring while I am sure the guy on the bike may have cut you off it in no way endangered your life but, by you tailgating him you endangered his life. I am sure you were upset and probably rightfully so. All I can say is be careful when pulling antics like you did (tailgating a bike), in your case it must have been one of the "new" yuppie "bikers". If you had a problem with him you should have followed him until you could of had a word with him about it (or better yet just let it go).

jackr, LOL marbles, batteries, spark plugs all work well.


"Can't we all just get along"

I'm not saying that motorcycle riders cant be jerks too...far from it. And this isnt an 'us vs them' type of thing. But the NHTSA study pointed out that in the overwhelming majority of car and motorcycle accidents, it was the car driver's fault and the excuse was..."I didn't see him". The reality is, the car driver didn't LOOK for him. Or, lacking any intelligent or defensible reply, they think that its a valid excuse. Its not.
Look, I don't want to go off on another rant here, but the point is, it does take TALENT and a great deal of coordination to be able to pilot a motorcycle and riding in traffic is always a risk.
It takes a certain talent to drive a car properly too, but few actually concern themselves with developing it. For the car driver, its usually not life or death. And if you have absolutely no talent at all? Buy a Volvo!
Here in California, they really push the Motorcycle Safety Foundation training. In fact, its mandatory for the new rider. And a good idea! There is no such mandatory training for car drivers. Driver's ED doesn't count, its a joke. And testing from DMV? Pathetic! So there are lots of people driving who shouldn't be.
Also, here in Ca, lane splitting for motorcycles is legal. The CHP endorse it. It moves traffic. (Every little bit helps) And still, as I'm riding thru there, there will always be the jack that tries to intentionally squeeze me, maybe forcing me over into the first available spot(...like 5 feet in front of a 3/4 ton truck?) I know that people stuck in cars (usually one person per car during rush hour!) get mad when they see the motorcycle rider splitting the lane and going past them. Too bad, if they are so jealous, they can get their own damn motorcycle! But they cant...no cup holders, no cell phone. At least the m/c rider is doing his part to cut down on rush hour traffic....thats why we can use the carpool lane. Imagine what 4:00 traffic would look like if the car-to-motorcycle ratio were reversed!
Like Royce said, there are no fender-benders for motorcycles. So do we, on occasion, over-react just a little? Maybe. But we have more at risk.
Just a thought, but when was the last time you heard about a motorcycle running down and killing people at a bus stop or farmers market or a street party a in college town?
And remember, that weekend-warrior-loud-pipe- Harley rider that just passed you on Sunday, might just be a doctor, lawyer, CEO or Governor.

...or not.

[ 04-18-2004, 04:45 PM: Message edited by: Steve W ]

LOL...hey Royce, wanna go riding? Seems we were thinking along the same lines, and seeing as how our posts are like one minute apart, you must be a much faster typist than me! :D
And maybe we can take Scott along with us. tongue.gif
Just kidding, Scott.

graemlins/beers.gif

" here in Ca, lane splitting for motorcycles is legal."

Do so at your own risk. I am sick and tired of bikes zooming thru thick traffic between cars. I am concentrating on the car in front of me and the one behind me. I am a good and attentive driver but I cannot tell you the number of times a biker has come out of nowhere at 70 mph between my Tahoe and another Suburban next to me. Is it my fault that there is only a few feet in there. NO but the biker sure thinks it is as he flips me off. If you guys want to do that at speed go right ahead but I am not going to feel sorry for you if something happens. I have also seen bikers administer "street justice" in the form of a broken antenna or a dented door panel. Who and what gives them the right to do so? I don't mind sharing the road with bikers but just because they are on a bike and I am in a truck doesn't make them right and me a moron. Sorry for the rant but this is a pet peeve of mine.

bob graemlins/angry.gif

Yeah, well get over it Bob. While I don't condone lane splitting at 70 mph, and I've already said that there are some jerks on bikes too, the majority of riders are picking their way thru at 5-10 mph faster than barely moving traffic. That's still a "pet peeve" of many drivers. Truth is, the rider is sharing your space for all of, what, 2 seconds?
I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say they want to open a door as the rider goes thru. Or...here's a good one...stick a broomstick thru the spokes. If they were to do that (and trust me...its been tried) as I go thru there, and I live thru the ordeal, that person will be handing over everything they own and every dime they have, or will ever have, to me. Laws are very specific in these matters.
And who's the bigger problem anyway? The motorcycle rider, or the one person vehicle (usually in some huge, unnecessary SUV as a commute vehicle) during rush hour?
Before I go any further with this, let me just state that I was an owner/managing partner of 21 traffic violator schools in the 80's. I was multi-licensed by the DMV and I was a MSF instructor, as well as completing Police Recruit Orientation with the CHP in Sacramento. So I'm not just venting an opinion without anything to back it up. I have sat with and interviewed literally thousands of traffic violators. The problem with the system is you only get the drivers AFTER they have screwed up.
No offense to you, Bob, I'm sure you need that big ol' Tahoe as a daily commute vehicle up there in Saratoga (nice part of the state, by the way), but there are a lot that don't. The roads are congested enough already without these behemoths, but next time you're stuck in traffic, take a look around. One person in one big SUV, multiplied by thousands...not going anywhere versus the dozen or so (if that) motorcycle riders zipping thru and getting the hell out of the way. Hmmm....and thats your pet peeve?

correct me if im wrong but lane splitting is only legal at 30 mph or under. im not a big ticket guy but i believe this is the rule. after that, i think it becomes a safety hazzard. im a rider and ive also used to drive tractor trailers and 5 ton military trucks so when your doing 90mph and splitting traffic, and that tractor trailer is in the middle of changing lanes, your hamburger meat because the driver will not see you.

Originally posted by Steve W:
.....I'm sure you need that big ol' Tahoe as a daily commute vehicle.......The roads are congested enough already without these behemoths, but next time you're stuck in traffic, take a look around. One person in one big SUV, multiplied by thousands... Like this has ANY relevance to traffic and congestion..... Ooo... that big ole scary SUV is almost as big as some egos as I read. It isnt one big SUV multiplied by thousands, its one big ego multiplied by thousands.

You wanna be a target....drive like one.

Like it or not, thats reality.

No hard feelings here, but that just rubs the wrong way.

[ 04-18-2004, 03:24 PM: Message edited by: chicane67 ]

O Boy!! Here we go :rolleyes:

Wow guys, some of you feel pretty strongly about this stuff!

I have only had one run-in with a biker. When I was a kid I was pulling out onto a four lane road and there was a car on the inside lane so I thought I could pull into the outside lane and be OK. Unfortunately hidden just perfectly on the other side of the car was a bike. I saw the bike at the last second and nailed the gas and he tried like hell to miss me. Somehow it worked out but he gave me a piece of his mind at the next light. There was nothing that I could say except that I didn't see him and apologized profusely. He didn't really acknowledge my apology though as I'm sure the adrenaline from a near death experience was pumping pretty good!

Anyway, regardless of how reckless any biker is driving I always give them a wide birth as I don't want any part of hurting or killing them. It has worked out as I haven't had any close calls with a biker since!

I don't know if I'd call it respect or what, but I do feel something for people on bikes as they are really letting it all hang out while riding. Bikers are so susceptable to serious injury or death! It's not just from bad drivers though, even good drivers can have a lapse of attention and make a mistake. Considering that it only takes a split second to have an accident, I think I'll keep my a** wrapped with lots of steel while driving!! :D

Nah, I'm not too serious, I'm just blowing hot air. I've ridden plenty of street bikes, and my best friend is a dealer for Victory Motorcycles. To me, it was a lack of respect that he showed me, so I just returned the favor.

I don't do stuff like that normally. smile.gif

Quote:
"Like this has ANY relevance to traffic and congestion..... Ooo... that big ole scary SUV is almost as big as some egos as I read. It isnt one big SUV multiplied by thousands, its one big ego multiplied by thousands."

(...deleted as promised...)

My guess is that Dennis will probably show up and kill this thread before it gets out of hand, but as long as its still up...
What, did I touch a nerve because you drive a SUV or big truck? That wasn't the point. Its was the ratio of single-occupant cars to motorcycles during rush hour traffic. And yes, the bigger the vehicle, the more room it demands. See, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. I'm not saying you caused the problem, but you're part of it. So am I when I'm in my car.
(...the rest of this was deleted as promised...)

No hard feelings here either.
We'll just have to agree to disagree.

And to Angelglo,
Actually, lane splitting isnt in the VC. Its tecnically lane sharing and there are some guidelines governing this. If it were against the law, the motorcycle cops wouldn't be able to do it either. Obviously it shouldn't be done at 70 mph, in fact it shouldn't be done at all if it is not safe to do so. But then again, there are specific laws regarding lane changes (re: ALL vehicles) and oversized vehicles too.

[ 04-18-2004, 06:56 PM: Message edited by: Steve W ]

steve,

yeah, i know that it isnt against the law. i just remember someone telling me that you can only do it under 30 mph. i used to be a motorcycle cop in 93 but again but i dont think that counts because i was working plain clothes on a motorcycle. that was a cool gig.

angel

Angelglo,
Plain clothes cop on a motorcycle??? LOL. Pretty cool gig indeed!
So, you know, as an m/c cop, its really up to YOUR discretion as to whether or not the motorcyclist is safely moving thru traffic or not. I mean, its the Basic Speed Law, it might not even be safe to do it at 10 mph. The cop in the car has no shot of catching the motorcyclist anyway! Although its hard to outrun a radio! ;)

And Chicane,
I'll go back and edit my post and delete some of the more mean-spirited things in the same spirit in which you did yours. Its just that I saw your first post proir to your edit and it was insulting, to say the least. Perhaps we are both equally as passionate in our arguments. I'm not one for hiding behind the old "we are all entitled to our opinions" baloney because some opinions are based on ignorance and bias and as such have no merit. Others have actually earned the right to make a stand. Some of us actually DO get out there and roll up our sleeves and get involved in a very hands-on, street-level way. I don't know, maybe you do too. But I have personally seen motorcyclists purposely run down for no other reason than they were "targets" for some demented jerk. I myself was run down by a cab driver in San Francisco, who came across 4 lanes of one way traffic (on Franklin) to take out me and my Ducati, because he was trying to beat the light. So am I a bit passionate about this? Yeah, damn right I am.

Ya know Steeve, I am sorry you feel that way. I did retract my comment as I wasnt wanting to point a finger at anyone specific, I wanted to point it out as being a general observation.

I apolgize for my approach with this towards you, but just like anything else there are those that make a bad name for others. Case in point, we all have prroblems with ricers....and we have that same mentaility in every form driving, to include motor cycles.

Yes, I have ridden motor cycles for years, NO I am not the 'says all to be all' on this subject like I though you were portraying. My bad.

No, I am not one of those big SUV or truck's, but I have been on the same freeways as you. I will not ride here in Vegas however, because the general populus is completely moronic and un-predictable while behind the wheel no matter what they drive.....I feel safer riding in Los Angles. At least the populus there is somewhat predictable.

I do not however, have any idea on here you think you were going by your statement of:
And when was the last time YOU stepped up to help or serve in any capacity whatsoever? Sniveling on the sidelines doesn't count. Care to share your direction?

There are many misconeptions on motorcyclists "sharing" lanes (riding in between two lanes of traffic) in California. I'd like to educate the public:

A lot of people THINK that there is a "10mph over traffic" law or something. NOT true.
A law was passed that allowed two vehicles to occupy the same lane - it was designed to legally allow two motorcyclists (specifically CHP) to ride beside each other in the same lane.
Although that was the law's intent, it only said VEHICLES and not MOTORCYCLES, therefore it is legal in California for a motorcycle to occupy the same lane as a car. This should be called lane SHARING, not splitting.
It is illegal for you to "change lanes" (cross over the line that separates the lanes) without signaling. When you are "lane sharing" you have to do this often (obviously). A police officer can ticket you for an illegal lane change if you do not signal.
If traffic is going 0 and the speed limit is 55, then you can legally go 55 while lane sharing as long as an officer thinks you are being safe (no officer would think that, because doing that is not safe). If an officer thinks you are being unsafe, he/she can ticket you for reckless driving. An officer may or may not have a "10mph" rule in their head - it's ultimately up to their judgment.

Your quote didn't read like a "general observation" at all, nor do I believe at the time you wrote it you meant it as such. Re-read it and I'll think you'll see why I got a little sideways.
As to where I was going with my statement, it had to do with your since-deleted snide comment about my licenses and P.R.O. training.
I was merely making a point that at least I was trying to make a difference by taking the time and making the effort and investing large sums of hard earned cash to educate and teach classes, council traffic violators and volunteer time teaching motorcyclists to be better riders, not just complaining or insulting someone on a message board. (I guess that was my "back-atcha").
As I said in my previous post, perhaps you do help out in your own way.
As to your comment about "ricers", I don't have a problem with them at all. Some of my best friends are....LOL, sorry, I couldn't finish that line with a straight face! Yeah, from what I've seen they can be pretty obnoxious, but they really don't bother me at all. Its their generational thing. In fact, most of the time they compliment me on my car. My guess is that a lot of those guys would LOVE an original American muscle car, they just can't afford them. I've seen what some of these guys do to their cars...just amazing. But dollar for dollar, its still cheaper than what it takes to get our cars to the same standard.
And, yes, you'll also see from my previous post I was refering to lane sharing. The 10 m.p.h. thing was a more-or-less "rule of thumb" that a lot of watch commanders started in the 70's, but it doesn't hold up in court. As far as signaling a lane change (you said yourself you drive the freeways here) who does that anymore? Why hold the motorcyclist to a higher standard than the box jockeys? By the way, thats selective enforcement anyway. (kidding)
But the truth is its more than just a ticket if the officer deems you unsafe. They can actually arrest and "de-horse" you. Ever see what they do to motorcycles at the impound yard? Its not pretty.
And I wasn't suggesting bikers can just go errantly attacking cars. That wasn't the point at all, nor was it stated. No one goes around breaking mirrors or kicking doors just for the heck of it. (Besides, if you don't do it just right, it can really hurt your hand!) There's usually a pretty damn good reason. And if you spent any time at all on a motorcycle in the real world (not just the Sunday putt) you know what I'm talking about.

Understood......

I knew you and I were on the same page pretty much....(afterall, I see you too own a real bike ;) ) and both know my comment was rather pointed and not really stated as a generalized observation. I happen to be on both sides of this coin (like many) and see this from both points of view....and see the mistakes of both the cyclist and the box jockeys.

Saddly to say, the field is pretty even. Thats more where my 'ricer' comment strews from....there is always a few that ruin it for the rest. And yea, I too have even been found doing a things with imports as well. They have their exceptional group just as we do.

I am not saying that I havent had my share of near misses, just think of the commute down the 605 to the 405 north to West Jefferson.....but yea, I too have done the mirror high five a time or two. :D

Now that we have highjacked this thread long enough, back to the trenches.

graemlins/beers.gif

tom, steve,

did you guys kiss and make up yet?with you guys bickering, i feel like im at work. boy i miss work. :D :D

angel

You guys do 'Cyber Disputes' too ? I didnt think that was under DRS law :D

Took the wife out saturday night for her birfday and watched this MORON on a bike Not paying attention to the traffic in front of him, he was looking at his boot or shifter or something. Anyways the traffic in front of him comes to a stop and Me and my Wife both at the same time say UH-OH! this guy locked em up and I don't know how he managed to miss the *** end of that car but he did!

To top it all off he then pulls up next to the lady he almost rearended and starts flippin her the bird, like it was her fault!! :eek:

Some people should not be allowed to ride a bike in traffic!

As Steve has already stated several times, there are plenty of guys on bikes that shouldn't be. Since I ride and have for years, I have seen some real dummies on bikes (I have been one myself on occasion). The point is people tend to feel that since they are in a 2 ton car they have more right to the road. Accidents do happen, for those of you that have never been down or had a VERY close call it will be impossible to explain the feeling. You tend to get very upset weather it was an accident or not. Things can get ugly when the person flips you the bird after cutting you off or nearly killing you.

There are times when I take off on my bike and my mond isn't right (just don't feel right or not paying attention) I turn right around and park it. Un-fortunately people in cars don't tend to do that (me included), to ride a bike you need to be 100% (and then some) to drive a car you can "get
by" with much less effort/attention.

When splitting lanes which IS legal, and people try to squeze you that is un-called for. The SILLY excuse of "I am watching the car in front and behind me" doesn't hold water. That why you have side view mirrors, if you can only focus on what's in immedietly in front and behind you, you have no business driving PERIOD. I manage to watch all around when I am in my car stuck in traffic and if I see a bike coming I give them extra room. You should try that some time.

I have managed to squeze through some tight spots before, and I did so at my own risk, if I would have munched it, that would have been on me. There is a difference when people purposely make it a tight spot. You can see them in their side mirror as you approach on the bike. These are the people that we are talking about and since they don't use their side mirror they must not need it ;)

Everyone should ride a bike at least once in traffic and on city streets. Everyone would become a better/safer driver if thay did.

Bikers do not need to be worshipped or given special treatment, just treat them like you would like to be treated if you were on the bike. I think that is all we are asking.

Not to offend anyone here - but I think if you ride a motorcycle on the street you should be nominated for a Darwin Award. Too many crazy bastards in 2 ton missiles who haven't got a clue. Eventually, someone is going to smotch you, regardless of how careful you are. I guess that wind blowing through your hair thing has a pretty strong allure, but scooters scare the living hell outa me!

BPOS, They are not for everyone. I don't want either of my kids on a street bike. But if you have to ask you wouldn't understand. No offense taken unless you are calling me stupid?? ;)

The one thing that bothers me the most is when you are being tiregated by a big SUV, especially at night. I work 3rd shift and on the way to work on my Lowrider saturday night this big A** SUV with his gigantic headlights and fog lamps (and NOOOO fog, that's my pet peeve) would not get off my back tire no matter how fast I was going or how slow I slowed down to let him pass, he just stayed right there. I could hardly see with the lights in my mirrors. The roads I travel to work have no emergency lanes, so pulling off into someones driveway is out. I really don't want to start doing that...it would really take the fun out of riding if you have to do that every time you go out.

Nah, not calling you stupid, and not trying to change anyone's mind. I've read most of your posts and I know better.

I don't consider everything I do to be "Einsteinian", by the way.

I'm a firefighter and have seen the effects of car vs. scooter many many times, up close and personal as they say. So far after 23 years it's a shutout...cars winning, laws be damned.

I went on one where a scooter T-boned a pickup at such a high rate of speed it rolled the truck onto its roof. (Crotch Rocket) Sadly, the scooter rider was a pile of mush. You feel sadness for the dependents and loved ones left behind, and then you go home and give your own an extra big hug.

That's why I say the allure must be strong, because you HAVE to know the odds.

I ride and used to race motocross bikes. No traffic, just you and the terrain. You screw up... It's all you. The street however is different. You may not screw up, but what about the other guy? I give motorcycles a wide berth and respect for distance. I watch out for them because I understand. I don't own nor will I own or ride a street bike. I love em, but I think my style on a motorcycle does not fit the street and I would probably kill myself. I'm watchin out for bike riders but I think I'm in the minority.

Originally posted by angelglo:
steve,

i used to be a motorcycle cop in 93

angel HEY! Did you go by the name of John and have a partner name Ponch? tongue.gif

I also have a dirt bike background, but have ridden street bikes as well.

I was aggressive when I was younger, taking dumb chances on the streets.

All of a sudden (with age I think) I became passive when it came to dueling with traffic, and I learned to get out of the way, and go into a defensive mode.

Street bikes are fun I'm sure...But obviously,the bike rider loses every time in an accident,whether they were wrong or right.

When I go to the drag strip, I watch the guys on thier street bikes doing wheel stands and such and running 10's at 120~130mph. With nothing between them and the asphalt except a couple of feet and maybe a leather jacket and helment(the track makes them of course!).

I don't know about you, but I value my pink hyde more than that!

No offense intended to the bike riders however!

- Mark P.

Originally posted by Steve W:
Why hold the motorcyclist to a higher standard than the box jockeys?
Because we* have to take a special test to get that "Biker" Endorsement on our License... :D
* - at least here in sunny 'kalifornea'.

I don't think the state came up with the license requirement because they wanted to keep closer tract of number of bikers.
In the specialized training and licenseing we go through they are trying to help us realize (like someones already stated) that the 'Box Jockeys' have their mirrors on the "Ignore Bikers" setting and really don't look for or see us.
I have no problem with lane splitting - even when I'm driving my "big ole scary SUV" tongue.gif (I haul my test equipment in the back).
I consider it a real plus in traffic here! If the bikes had to 'stay in line' with us they would be taking up more space and moving me farter back in the 'queue'...
I scan my mirrors constantly and move to the edge of the lane (away from their path!) to give them as much room as possible to get by. I get a whole lot of graemlins/thumbsup.gif & graemlins/waving.gif as they go by.
After 'laying a couple down' riding on the street I've become a 'fair weather' rider - but, I still long to be right behind them as they go by me in traffic... besides, it's hard to carry all my equipment and parts in the bags.

I now return control of this thread to SteveW and Chicane... ;)

John

As a motorcycle rider I don't take offense, but I can totally understand peoples fears about riding and to be honest there a lot of people that shouldn't be allowed on a motorcycle.

But you know, a lot of things in life can be dangerous, it just comes down to personal choices, how many of you own guns? All the same arguments can be made for gun ownership. What about drinking and smoking, I guarantee you more people die from drinking and smoking then riding a motorcycle.

Just everyone be safe, I need you all to help me with my camaro problems :D

I commuted from the woods to Boston every day on my bike a few years ago, rain or shine (no choice) I used my horn button daily to "wake up" someone...

I saw a fight once, between a jogger and a Boston cabbie a few years ago... I guess the cab tapped the jogger, the jogger went nuts when the cab stopped and the jogger pummelled him through the open window. The tourist in the back was horrified... lol

I gave up riding my little Yamaha 400 XS Special II years ago b/c I got scared of the cars, not my riding it!! (Heck, I kept it for years under a tarp on a small trailer until I finally got tired of hearing the wife bitch about it so I all but gave it away!!!)...

And I have been knocked off a Bike by a car back when I had a little bitty Honda 160 Street Scrambler when I went back to School!! Flew through the air like a bird for 30 or so feet!!! The uninsured SOB's stopped, took me to the Hospital before the Cops showed up and I ended up paying the bill!!

My long gone crippled Buddy was crippled b/c he got ran over on his KHK Hog one morning tooling around and to top it off, his only boy got killed on his Hog before my Crippled Buddy left us..

No, you can have your bikes and I'm glad you do..

But not me anymore!!

pdq67