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Bill0351
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 02:15 pm: |
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Is started out as a great day. I woke up early this morning, worked out and went for a run. When I got home, my 8-year-old daughter was up and watching AMA racing on Speed. Then she asked if we could take one of the motorcycles to get some breakfast. She chose the GSX-R, so we geared up and hit the road. About 10 minutes into our ride, we pass a Harley rider going in the opposite direction. Jen loves the whole friendliness/brotherhood among riders thing, so when the guy lifted up his hand, she automatically waved. The a**hole wasn’t waving. He was flipping us off. It took every bit of willpower to not turn around and chase him down, but I would never risk my daughter and deep down, I know it isn’t worth it. Even now I have visions of pulling up next to that sawed off little douche and showing him what 210 pounds of seriously pissed off pathologically protective father and U.S. Marine looks like from really-really close up. This isn’t even the first flip-off this season. About a month ago I was flipped off by some passenger on an Electra-glide, which was a repeat of the exact scenario from last year. I didn’t even mention here because I’m a big boy and I can deal with it. But seriously? Who flips off an 8 year-old when they wave? F*****G LOSERS DO! I guess I answered my own question. Rant off… There, I feel a little better now. Bill |
86129squids
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 02:29 pm: |
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"Hey there buddy- is that the new FLDC you're riding? You know, the F**king Loser Douche Canoe model?" Then a proper bitch slap, etc., along with a lesson on how to raise kids up right, which this motherf's mother obviously didn't do... |
Ft_bstrd
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 02:38 pm: |
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There are $hitty people everywhere. Unfortunately, getting their head kicked in won't change their character. More than likely, he saw a squid and his girlfriend on the back of one of those foreign made bikes and acted accordingly. More than likely, he wishes to have a life a meaning and feels that showing people like you his version will bring him that. I doubt he has any idea the sacrifices you have made for him and his family. Chances are that even if he did, it wouldn't make a difference. |
Fahren
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 03:38 pm: |
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Being at peace with yourself matters so much more. The other biker has a problem - don't make it yours. Feel sorry for him, and let it go. But it's good to have a space like this to rant once in a while, isn't it? |
Mr_grumpy
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 04:10 pm: |
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Funny, we don't get that crap here. Most bikers, no matter what they're on, will acknowledge you with a wave of hand or foot, or a nod. Most cagers will pull aside to let you lane-split too. France is one the bike friendliest places. Don't think I've ever been flipped off like that, worst case I've been ignored. |
Dbird29
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 08:32 pm: |
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Good teaching moment for your little girl. Not everyone waves but if she enjoys waving she should continue. Not everyone is an A-hole. |
Xb1200rick
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 08:42 pm: |
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I pulled up the the HD dealership last week to get some filters. A guy on a softail springer pulled up at the same time and parked next to me . As we were taking off our gear I made some smalltalk about weather, bikes bla bla .. He just looked at me, looked at the bike and went back to what he was doin.I have a electraglide also and sometimes I still like to put on the village people biker gear and go ride. It is amazing how differently the harley riders treat you. If they only knew what they were missing. |
Xl1200r
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 08:49 pm: |
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There are some Harley riders that are total douches. But, as Ft_ said, there are also douches on sportbikes, including Buells, believe it or not. I've never been flipped off by another rider - like Grumpy, the worst I've gotten is no response. |
F_skinner
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 09:05 pm: |
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It takes all types. I see this more from people on Harleys than any other bike. I tested that theory this weekend over 1000 miles of stopping for gas and making small talk. EVERY brand X bike rider talked to me about their bike and mine. It was about 60 percent of Harleys riders that would talk to me. Funny, I rode Harleys for a lot of years and it was not always like that. They sure did buy into the BS that Harley advertising is selling. I talked to a few guys on vintage Hondas and I got to tell you they knew more about their bikes than most of the chrome and leather crowd. It is sad really... They are not bad people, they just pretend to be on the weekends when it is above 70 degrees. I am meeting a lot more people of the "I used to ride a Harley" variety lately. |
Brumbear
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 09:14 pm: |
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I get it from Harley guys mostly I have a laugh about it though cause mostly they are only playing biker guy someone here posted once about baggers being trailered that says it all and if they think I get intimidated well just thinking about it makes me smile. Bills right it aint worth showing some weekend wantabe what a properly motivated angry MF can do to POS when so inclined its a no win position they usually get there's in due time. same goes for the hollywood moto GP freeks as well but they are mostly just dum kids trying to show the world they got balls so it's easier to laugh off and they usually don't last to long cause when you run with the real hard riders they can't last that long but I believe you can fake it longer on a criuser |
Vanvideo
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 09:41 pm: |
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Wow, that's incredible. Flicking off another biker - that guy was a total douchebag. I've never had anyone give me the middle-finger salute. Well, not on my bike, anyway. He is not a true biker. He can't be, not with that attitude. Bikers have to stick together - it's dangerous enough as it is with all the inattentive cagers. Like someone else said, he believes the Harley advertising too much. That a-hole is due a serious ass-kicking. |
Tq_freak
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 10:29 pm: |
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That guy is a total douche canoe. how do you flick of a child? even at speed you can tell its not an adult on the back of a bike. I haven't been flicked off but I take the same 20 miles to work each day, wear the same helmet and jacket but will swap between the Buell or the Electra glide. Almost every day I pass the some guy on a roadking going the other way and he ignores me on the Buell but has the had way out and cant wait to wave to me when I'm on the HD I don't get it I wave to everyone on 2 wheels. On the flip side, the ricers look at me like I have 2 heads when I wave on the dresser. |
Cyclonedon
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 10:32 pm: |
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+1 with what Fahren said! Bill just let it go and continue to be a role model for your 8 year old daughter. She's far more important that that a$$hole. Also how cool is it that your daughter wants to go on motorcycle rides with you! That has to make you feel proud! |
Socoken
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 11:01 pm: |
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This thread is making me feel guilty for riding around flipping the bird. |
Iamike
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 11:04 pm: |
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I've had guys driving pickups, with the typical HD sticker in the back window, tell me to "Get a real bike". As if having the sticker makes them a "Real Biker". I just point out if I can, that at least I'm riding my bike. |
Ourdee
| Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2009 - 11:34 pm: |
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$18,000 and 18 miles doesn't make you a biker. If it went to court, he'd swear she flipped him off first. I'm thankful that I'm not trapped in his cranium. Man, you got it made, 8 year old daughter, and a bike to ride. Enjoy! |
86129squids
| Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 02:07 am: |
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Great responses, youns! My inner sociologist sez (yes his name is Simon the sociologist) Bill's little girl is well on her way to understanding the childishness of many adults, some of which choose to douche canoe themselves down the highway and self-negate the basic goodness of being a RIDER. Glad I ride Buells and Shovels with kewl peeps. |
Jb2
| Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 09:16 am: |
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Sadly that's the attitude of the majority of Harley riders from my neck of the woods. If you ain't on their brand of machine you ain't shit. Most of them ride to and from the bars and poker runs and think that riding a 100 miles is a real trip. The other side is I have many friends who ride Harleys and don't carry the baggage others do. They ride with the same passion that I do and have respect for other brands. I keep hoping that I'll pass one of those bigots broke down on the side of the road and could blow by flipping "him" the bird. The rider in me wouldn't let that happen though. I'd still stop and lend hand since I still carry duct tape and bailing wire from my Harley days. :-) JB2 |
Bill0351
| Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 01:51 pm: |
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Great responses from everyone. I tend to stew on things like this and let them bother me for way longer then they should. After my kids left to go to their mother's (I have them half the time.), I spent the rest of the day riding around and visiting friends. I got home late. I was tired, cold, sore and covered with dead bugs. PERFECT SUNDAY! The only person I flipped off was some assmongrel who switched lanes without looking and almost forced me onto the shoulder. Some people actually deserve the one finger salute. |
Jstfrfun
| Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 02:12 pm: |
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I tend to avoid using "the salute" anymore,it's just so cleche'. But on the other hand if I get crowded by an idiot not paying attention, I will put a dent in there door with my foot! Now thats a wake-up call! |
Preybird1
| Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 02:47 pm: |
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LOL i do the same but usually i kick the mirror off! |
Slaughter
| Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 02:51 pm: |
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Next time blow the flipper-off a kiss. Even through a full-face helmet, the gesture is obvious. Kinda says: "Kiss Kiss Kiss, mister tough guy" |
Buellinachinashop
| Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 03:16 pm: |
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Disrespect for my fellow bikers is a gift I have yet to receive. |
Swordsman
| Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 03:29 pm: |
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Yeah, I was up around Ellijay over the weekend, and was actually surprised how many people were giving the wave... from 4 lanes and one big ass median over! ~SM |
Ourdee
| Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 03:31 pm: |
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Jb2, I still carry duct tape and bailing wire For the bike or biker? |
M2statz
| Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 03:41 pm: |
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My worst case is waiting in line for the ferry to cross the Wisconsin River, and have a bunch of Harleys pull up and off load. The first thing they do is light up and the second is harass the other people waiting for the ferry. Being a firm believer of ATGATT, they notice me with everything on except my helmet which is resting on the tank, the start commenting about sweating and you have all heard the same crap before. I have tough skin and it sid not effect me the way they had hoped, so the next best thing for them was to flick their cigarette butts at me, which made me laugh because the wind was coming of the water and blow the butts back at them. They had a small change of attitude when it was time to board the ferry, the Buells make a sweet sound...The roads on the north side of the river are quite twisty, once off the ferry I left them to release my frustrations on the road... |
Mr_grumpy
| Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 03:50 pm: |
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Arseholes will be arseholes, they're not going to change, ignore them & live your life to your own lights. Philosophy's running good today, that's what a couple of Scotches after work will do. Time for bed I reckon. |
Jb2
| Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 04:08 pm: |
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Ourdee, More for the biker these days I guess. I kept them in my fixall kit because so many of my friends rode Buells and Harleys. Believe it or not I still carry a timer cup for older Sporty/Buell motors and a circuit breaker. I've done a few roadside repairs from that kit, even one where we borrowed parts from the tree of shame at the Dragon. But, I have to admit, it's more of a sentimental carry these days or as you suggested, for the rider. Never under estimate the value of duct tape and bailing wire! JB2 (Message edited by jb2 on May 18, 2009) |
Speedfreaks101
| Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 08:12 pm: |
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He will get his, that attitude always pays off in the end. (Message edited by Speedfreaks101 on May 18, 2009) |
Gsilvernale
| Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009 - 08:59 pm: |
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I have been double fingered by a chick on the back of a sport bike at Deals Gap - when they passed me - going the same direction. My son said that it is a sign that indicates wimp/wussy. That guy could ride - did piss me off for a while. |
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