When you see us moving past you quickly:
Don't take offense or think we're trying to "show off". Ninety five
percent of the time, we're trying to get out of your blind spot or
taking ourselves out of a potential dangerous situation that has
evolved around us.
Distancing ourselves from you does not mean we want to race, but that
we're giving ourselves the edge we need at the moment.
When you hear our horn: Don't take offense or think we're trying to
aggravate you.
All we're doing is letting you know where we are in relation to you on
the road, and we're more than likely aware of your inattentiveness to
us while you're talking on a cell phone, eating, reading or involved
in some other distracting aspect to your driving.
It's important to us, and you, that you know we're there.
When you hear our loud pipes: Don't become angry and hostile toward us.
Yes, some are quite loud, but for some, there's a purpose behind being
loud.
It's about letting you know we're close by and we're constantly hoping
that our investment in this accessory will help save our lives.
Our pipes are really not about our ego...it's a pride and
personalization to our form of transportation.
When you see us in our clothes: Don't become fearful of us or think
us weird. Our leather jackets, chaps, gloves and boots are the
barriers between loosing massive amounts of flesh should something
cause us to go down...nothing more, nothing less. Safety
gear is paramount to our riding.
We wear patches on our jackets, and pins on our vests.
These are symbols of pride and honour within our group(s), individuals
giving back to those who gave.
These things bond us as a brotherhood and sisterhood among bikers.
Not that we're better than anyone else, but that we have the same kind
of nobility and pride in our accomplishments as you may have in the
various aspects of your life.
I guess one could say; our patches and pins are the decals and the
bumper stickers of our involvement with society and the general
public, of which we are very pleased to be a part of in our own little
way.
When you see us in a restaurant: You don't have to shield your child
or feel intimidated.
We have family, wives, husbands, children and loved ones too, just
like you.
We smile; we laugh and enjoy the moments we have.
We are approachable, and would befriend you, if given the opportunity.
When you see us in a parking lot: Don't convince yourself that we're
there to "get you".
More than likely, we just finished a long ride and are taking a break.
Or, we may be meeting up with other riders for a charity run for young
children, or another very worthy cause.
We may just be admiring one another's bikes, sharing our pride with
other brothers and sisters, just like you do with your personal vehicle.
It's what we do...it's a part of our lives, and we'd be more than
welcome to share with you what riding a bike is all about...if you'd
only ask.
When you see aggressive riding bikers: Don't put us all in the same
stereotypical category as those whose behaviour and actions would
cause you to react in disgust and intolerance.
Many of us do not agree with this style of riding either, and we know
and understand that human nature tends to blend us all together as the
"same group". Most of us don't want that title...and don't deserve it.
When you see a group of bikers on the roadways: Give us the courtesy
of sharing the road with you.
Please don't "move in" between several bikers in formation.
This gets us very excited and nervous, especially when it's done with
no due regard for our safety.
Provide us with your awareness of the fact that we are much more
vulnerable than you.
We don't want to challenge you, for all of us are wise enough to
know...we'd lose that battle.
When you are turning left Or Right or entering a roadway/highway:
Look, then look again...and then one more time.
For we can be easily hidden, and appear to be invisible by such things
as a telephone pole, another vehicle, bright lights or the glare of
the sun...or possibly, the beads hanging from your rear-view mirror,
among numerous other items that are displayed there.
If you see us flashing our lights at you or blowing our horn,
we're only trying to ensure that you will see us before tragedy
changes both our lives.
When you are behind us: Please give us the room we need and don't
tailgate us. If you hit us, we're going down...HARD!
We don't want to play games with you, we just want to enjoy the ride
and the fresh air, and experience that which many of you have never
lived for.
If we accelerate away from you, don't interpret this action
as though we want to drag race you. We're only trying to take
ourselves out of a bad situation if you insist on being too close.
When, and if, you experience road rage: Don't take it out on us just
because we're smaller than you and more vulnerable.
Think about what you're doing and the end result that may become a
reality.
The consequences of your actions and choices could be very detrimental
to our well being, our families, our children and our loved ones.
Yes, there are those that can tend to piss you off, however, rage
towards them will not solve the issues, but accentuate them.
Nine out of ten bikers will do everything they can to take themselves
out of that situation without causing you or them harm.
When you have an opportunity to talk to us: You'll discover, outside
any influenced or stereotypical mindset you may have, that we are just
as human as you are, just with different interests and toys.
Many of us would give you the shirt off our back if it would tend to
brighten your day or console you in some way.
We're really no different...and we drive cars, trucks and vans too.
So, meet us and greet us...
I think you'll be pleasantly surprised that you'll be met with open arms.
Thank You for attempting to understand.
Author unknown
Originally seen at www.gippslandriders.twistedsouls.com
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