My small rant

[Newstar]

I didn't want to hijack the Sturgis thread so I'll post a new one.

Speaking about the issue of drinking and riding, I think there are way too many people who want to SAY the right thing but their actions are completely opposite. For example, I recently rode by a local "destination" HD dealer. They were having some huge event and there were hundreds of bikes jammed in the parking areas. What dominated the event were the 20 foot tall Captain Morgan, an equally tall blow up Coors bottle, and a dozen banners advertising alcohol.

I like my adult beverages as much as the next person but I don't feel that was the place for it. Personally, I don't believe the brand or the dealers do enough to discourage drinking and riding. This type of event proves my point. I had to cringe at the line of bikes waiting at the light to leave. I couldn't help wonder how many of them should not have been on the road.

For the record, I am not trying to single out HD riders or dealerships but they seem to be big offenders. Bike Nite at Hooters also comes to mind.

Clearing off the soap box....

[AKBEEMER]

Some behaviors constitute their own punishment. Among those behaviors are celibacy, taunting grizzly bears and drinking while operating any motor vehicle.

[crazydrummerdude]

It's all about personal preference.

I won't drink and street-ride, that's for sure.

[sibud]

Poker Runs, at least as they are held in rural Southern Illinois, involve riding from tavern to tavern with stops at each one to have a drink (or two).

Always a good charity that is getting some money from the deal. You know, Help the Kids kind of deal.

Never see many BMW's in the crowd. Why??????????

[BUBBAZANETTI]

i know of a bike night in NYC with lots of GSes and KTMs and plenty of drinking. it's the person, not the bike, although i'll admit, certain bikes probably do attract certain drinkers more. i'm not an outright teetotaler with regards to riding, but it's very rare that i'll have more than "a" beer and ride. maybe two if i'm somewhere for like 4 hours.

[BUDDINGGEEZER]

Some behaviors constitute their own punishment. Among those behaviors are celibacy, taunting grizzly bears and drinking while operating any motor vehicle.

Ralph Sims

[criminaldesign]

I usually have a beer if it's around where I'm stopped for a moment, may have 2.

[R80RTJohnny]

I consider drinking and riding a conflict of interest. Although I love to ride and like to imbibe I cannot and will not drink before I ride but have no issues to drink after I'm done riding.

To some I have a warped sense of values. And if that means drinking pop instead of beer at a rally so be it.

Have fun!

PS: Another thing to consider is riding the morning after. Although not "drunk" your motor skills may not be up to the task of riding first thing in the morning. Not that I'm speaking from experience but my R80 might beg to differ.

[2bikemike]

Poker Runs, at least as they are held in rural Southern Illinois, involve riding from tavern to tavern with stops at each one to have a drink (or two).

Always a good charity that is getting some money from the deal. You know, Help the Kids kind of deal.

Never see many BMW's in the crowd. Why??????????

Cause most BMW riders are too stuffy?

[patiodadio]

I have been riding for 40 years and tho I really like beer, my motto has been "Alcohol and motorcycles don't mix".
A group of guys I know who ride that famous American brand say they limit each other to "only 5 beers per ride" , seems like way too much if you ask me.
I think its just too dangerous to drink and ride/drive etc.

[Semper_Fi]

Sign me up for the dont drink when I ride.

Also my wife and I take turns when we go out (with the car) as to who is the DD.

Like it was stated early - it is a personal choice

[testinglogin]

I have been riding for 40 years and tho I really like beer, my motto has been "Alcohol and motorcycles don't mix".
A group of guys I know who ride that famous American brand say they limit each other to "only 5 beers per ride" , seems like way too much if you ask me.
I think its just too dangerous to drink and ride/drive etc.

5?!

They shouldn't be riding after 5, let alone driving.

[lilredroadster]

I know I am in the minority, but I don't like beer. I know, I have been in Germany, The Netherlands, Mexico and many BMW rallies, but What can I say??? It is an acquired taste.. Now good tequilla is a different story!
Still, I won't drink and drive any motor vehicle!

[rad]

Makes me shake my head every time I state these statistics in our Thursday night classes.

Percentage of intoxicated vehicle operators involved in crashes;

Motorcyclists.......... 29 percent
Light trucks.............22 percent
Passenger cars....... 19 percent

Percentage of intoxicated motorcycle operators killed in crashes...50 percent

There are many things in life I don't do, but I understand why some people do. Drinking and driving is one I can't understand at all.

[MOTOR31]

You have a right (in the US) to drink. You do not have a right to drive. You especially do not have the right to drive after or during drinking.

It is not an individual choice once you start to drive. You have just involved everyone else on the road near you once you start to drink and drive. It's not just the drinking driver at risk in that situation. If it were I would not care as everyone has the option to be a Darwin award applicant. You do not, however, have the privilege to spread the application around to others.

Having been the victim of a drunk who was driving as well as having to respond to the results of that same kind of situation, I have no tolerance for those who think it's OK to risk others lives because they want to drink then drive.

It's just fine to drink and it's just fine to drive. It is not fine to combine the two activities.