Never alone..

[Kbrick]

Just some food for thought, a nicely written article.

http://www.onewheeldrive.net/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=524&Itemid=

[kbasa]

Just some food for thought, a nicely written article.

http://www.onewheeldrive.net/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=524&Itemid=

So true, so true.

I've had some memorable conversations and met all kinds of interesting folks in parking lots and gas stations. What is it about bikes that makes folks want to talk to you?

[chasman]

I think it's because we're the last of the cowboys so to speak. We're doing something lots of folks can only dream of doing. Riding and appearing to be carefree, even though most of us have to work full time regular jobs to pay for our hobby. To the folks at the diner or the gas station, we appear to be living on the adventure side of life...doing what regular folks never get to do. I think they really enjoy a few brief moments of conversation with us.

A new rider (yet long time friend of mine) observed at the first gas stop on his maiden 500 mile mini-tour "Boy people sure want to talk to you. Why are they so friendly?"

Are we lucky or what!


Riding Like the Wind...

CHASMAN
Black '02 K12RS
Knights of the Roundel #333

[BradfordBenn]

People talk to us cause we are cool!

[redrider]

and Classy

[SHawn_P]

Those conversations at a fuel stop or McD's or wherever have always been the hilights of my trips.

We're blessed to be able to ride and blessed again by the strangers whose paths we are lucky enough to cross.

My favorites are the kids - the excitement in their eyes and their curiosity can make you forget about being hot/cold/hungry/tired/whatever.

To echo Chasman - Are we lucky or what?

[beemerred]

I agree that most people really want to do what we do but can`t get past their own perceptions of why they should. I like it when someone comes up to me at a gas station or resturaunt and asks me "where are you going?" I usually just point in a general direction and say "that way." They laugh because they can`t comprehend going somewhere just for the sake of it. It doesn`t compute! Then we talk about a) some bike they used to have b) somebody they knew that got hurt on a bike c) where I am really going and why? After I try to explain that I`m just another man, husband, father, brother who "enjoys life" on a week-end jaunt or week long rally ride with no agenda and usually some compatriots most still don`t understand but they appreciate it even a little more than when they stopped in the first place. Besides, if every body rode like we do I`d bet most of us would be moving on to something else. Keeping the shiny side up, beemerred :wave P.S. I`m sure that monk gets it he just doesn`t need the speed!

[BobbieZ]

We two wheel travelers don't even have windows to have up because, well because of many reasons. We are neither isolated or insulated. We are in the open.
It seems that we enjoy being out, out in the elements and exposed.
No wonder that people come forward and talk to us.
Whenever friends ask why I like to ride I think first about the thrill of being on the road and all that it means. Most nonriders can't appreciate that.
The second thing I mention to them is the fact that almost everywhere I go on the bike people go out of their way to introduce themselves and want to talk.
They even make eye contact. What a wonderful thing that is. Almost everyone appreciates that.
We are the last of the cowpersons, so keep smiling and being friendly. I believe that the more people you smile at and be friendly with the more people will be aware of and respect you on the road.
Ye ha!

[username]

i think everyone wants to take a motorcycle trip, but for a variety of reasons, won't. (i don't believe in "can't" for this sort of thing, unless theyre paralyzed or something.) there is something in the human DNA that says, "Move. Explore. Enjoy. Grow. Learn." people let themselves get stuck in their lives sometimes, and motorcycles are a fun way to break loose. my advice to all of them is to get one as soon as possible, and reduce the likelihood of getting stuck. once you own a bike, you kind HAVE to take interesting trips. ;)

so i think we represent a part of them that is seeking adventure. we also represent their future or past self. i get lots of comments on trips about how a person *used* to have a bike or was *going* to get one soon. there is a camaraderie that transcends time and generations. young kids stare as we pull out of gas stations, their sweaty noses pressed to the glass. their fathers want to yell at them for fogging up the window, but he is watching us too. the mom looks on and thinks, "i could do that. that looks fun." some really old dude hobbles to his big buick in the handicapped spot, and turns as i walk in the door to get some jerky and says, "i rode around the country on a norton after the war. best trip of my life."

all you can do is look them all in the eye, smile, and send good thoughts their way.

[nhlkats]

Knock me over with a tea cozy :laugh

[Visian]

... and invitations to come on over and have something to eat.

maybe it's because you look so alone, or maybe it's people just being nice... or curious... but i get more invitations to come over and sit for a spell when camping on the bike. then it's "would you like to have dinner?... wanna beer?... "

nice folks all around and i like the opportunity to tell people about motorcycles *other* than harley! :)

ian

[paulsibek]

along came Bronson?

He's on his dead friends bike at a light, starting on a long trip and the guy in the car asks him where he is going?

He answers something like, where ever I end up.

That's probably the perception, and the car driver express' the longing that most 9-5'ers (myself Included) have for the way of life. The last cowboys.

That show created my interest in bikes, then I bought a Honda 350 and later I worked for a company where the owners had R65's and from there it's history.

[rinty]

I went on my first solo tour last year, to the Beartooth Rendezvous, and it was very enjoyable. When you're not with someone, or in a group, people are not as reluctant to come up and start a conversation. And when you're alone, you have a better excuse for starting up a conversation with a stranger. As well, I think a lot of people are curious about touring riders: where have they been, where are they going, what do they think about their bikes, etc. It is the lone cowboy thing.

Rinty