27-02-13, 08:39 AM
why is it people think cos someone rides a bike they are in any way friendly to everyone, or our next best friend ??. If people nod or gesture to me I usually do same back, but I dont think " asshole" if another biker doesnt nod....they are in reality just another road user. People dont take to two wheels to join some esoteric community of like minded creatures...these days probably just want to save on fuel !
To put the so called " community of bikers" in perspective, I often ride out alone, drop into well known bike meets full of people, 99% of whom just dont acknowledge others outside their own group. Its rare for anyone to talk to me unsolicited.Usually its older riders, often on tourers. I find many sportsbike riders utterly devoid of social skills! ..bragging to their mates seems the biggest pastime or showing off to any one whose looking. In reality many english bikers adopt the front of being friendly to other bikers but dont back it up in practice. I am quite happy with it all, as I dont always stop to chat , more to have a wet or a bite to eat , but still shows up the whole biker myth IMO.
Abroad its a different picture. It never ceases to amaze me how friendly german and scandanavian bikers are to all bikers. Year after year I meet up with total strangers who are so polite and friendly towards fellow bikers.They make an effort to integrate, whatever you ride.....Its part of why I love touring in germany, austria and Italy( dolomites especially)
To put the so called " community of bikers" in perspective, I often ride out alone, drop into well known bike meets full of people, 99% of whom just dont acknowledge others outside their own group. Its rare for anyone to talk to me unsolicited.Usually its older riders, often on tourers. I find many sportsbike riders utterly devoid of social skills! ..bragging to their mates seems the biggest pastime or showing off to any one whose looking. In reality many english bikers adopt the front of being friendly to other bikers but dont back it up in practice. I am quite happy with it all, as I dont always stop to chat , more to have a wet or a bite to eat , but still shows up the whole biker myth IMO.
Abroad its a different picture. It never ceases to amaze me how friendly german and scandanavian bikers are to all bikers. Year after year I meet up with total strangers who are so polite and friendly towards fellow bikers.They make an effort to integrate, whatever you ride.....Its part of why I love touring in germany, austria and Italy( dolomites especially)