 Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 441
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 441 |
You should never pull a gun unless you intend to actually use it. (not to back the wannabe bikers, cause if they were real they would have shot hime dead and left hime there).
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Penn Jillette (of Penn and Teller) told a story last year on his now-dead radio show about a Hell's Angel he had lunch with. I can't remember the circumstances of their meeting. The HA was in a business suit and IIRC had a little ink showing out the sleeves and/or on his neck. When he told Penn that he was HA Penn reflexively said, "No way!" The guy got up, stripped to the waist right there in the middle of the restaurant, to show his HA forever or whatever tattoo. He got into spooking biker mode and said something like, "Never challenge a Hell's Angel to prove himself." Penn reports that he was then scared sh!tless during the rest of the meal.
I've totally massacred the retelling of this anecdote, but you get the point.
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
I don't mess with them, they don't mess with me.
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
I'm with you there UC, but it's the unbeknownst messing that I get worried about. Hell just waving to them could be considered messing by some of them...
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
Keep your helmet down, don't look at them, and for God's sake,
don't wave. And make sure you don't do what I do.... blast by
'em on your Triumph. Heck, I've gotten beat up bad before!
Uncle Charlie
"We wanna dance with your dates"
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017 |
Quote:
And make sure you don't do what I do.... blast by
'em on your Triumph.
on my way back from the NorEaster, I passed a group of around 30 HA's...I didn't wave, but around half either waved or gave the 'acknowledging' nod to me and my bike...just nodded back & kept riding...
Mark
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
See that's why I asked. On my way back from the noreaster 05, I slowly came up behind 2 HA's only cause I happened to be going maybe 5 mph faster, I slowly went by, kinda gave them the nod/wave, subtle, but figured I wouldn't ignore them, and the second my front wheel got even with theirs, they took off FAST. A while later I could see a large group of bikes off in the distance, I took the next exit and got gas. Didn't feel like finding out who they were. This is why the whole thing perplexes me, not sure what I did wrong...
My only other HA experience, I pulled into a gas station down here on the way to Orient Point with a friend. There were 3 HA bikes gassing up (they looked like pretty boys to me, not old school at all). They took their sweet time! A fullsize van filled up and left before they did, so we pulled into the pump the van vacated. Seemed like they were being jerks cause they could, ya know? That is the kinda stuff I hate, but I wasn't gonna honk or anything... I guess I am worried they will bait someone like that, ya know?
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017 |
Maybe your experience passing them was different because I obviously passed an organized group ride, where you attempted to pass 2 buddies out riding or perhaps they thought you were a straggler of their group when they saw you in their mirrors, and upon seeing that you weren't, they took off.
Mark
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540 |
I don't know. We have a few groups around here. I have seen them while out on group rides, we wave, they wave. No probelm.
I hang out with a riding club (rc), who just had a spring dance/chili cook off, there were a few people from MCs sporting different colors. Again no problem. They are like anyone else treat them fine and they treat you fine. But ****** them off and instead of muttering under their breath and whining about it on the net. They will take care of the problem then and there.
Oh and most of the MC guys who have seen my bike got a real kick out it.
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
See that's why I asked. On my way back from the noreaster 05, I slowly came up behind 2 HA's only cause I happened to be going maybe 5 mph faster, I slowly went by, kinda gave them the nod/wave, subtle, but figured I wouldn't ignore them, and the second my front wheel got even with theirs, they took off FAST. A while later I could see a large group of bikes off in the distance, I took the next exit and got gas. Didn't feel like finding out who they were. This is why the whole thing perplexes me, not sure what I did wrong...
If I may throw out a theory...
If you passed them and were between them and a larger group of their brethren, you would be either splitting their group or riding within their group, technically. I think they get rather anal about maintaining riding formations and decided to speed up to rejoin the group.
Or, knowing how jingoistic they are about Harleys, possibly they saw they were being passed by one of them thar foreigner bikes (regardless if they may have had one 'back in the day') and couldn't allow it. Maybe it was Harley pride.
Just a thought or two.
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540 |
Don't ever split a pack of bikes thats not your pack.
Not with a bike or especially a truck.
Riding formations are key if you do any pack riding. You are depending on the guys to the front, back and side of you to maintain their positions and they are depending on you doing the same.
All clubs, regardless of RC, MC or informal have rules about the formation, who leads, who tail guns etc. These people are in that spot for reason.
And you couldn't pay me enough to make me try and butt my way into any pack. Including the local HOG/BAR association ride.
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I've split packs before, but they sure as shootin' weren't flying colors.
That said, it probably wasn't obvious that these two gents were part of the pack. They bear some responsibility to their brothers that they were lagging behind, for whatever reason (safety meeting, etc.).
Last edited by FriarJohn; 03/30/2007 10:03 AM.
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
You see guys, it all comes down to this: These fellas either don't know who Groucho Marx was, OR they never heard his ironic and self-deprecative(and ultimately, somewhat wise) quote about joining any groups. In other words, they MUST BE pretty clueless in general(to say nothing of their seeming lack of "social-skills"  )...and so, why should I waste my time tryin' to talk to 'em?!  
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
It's all about the club first - the bikes are secondary. I've known a few Hells Angels and Outlaws over the years and respect is the key word. Always ride a respectful distance behind whenever they congregate (more than one). If you pass on the road, remember; They don't see you and you don't see them.
There's an Outlaw clubhouse less than a mile from my house. I'd never consider driving down that dead-end road at night or when I hear activity going on.
They don't like to admit it, but one-on-one, they're usually decent folks - but (remember the respect thing) they do hold a grudge and tend to resolve those grievances en masse.
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
I hear ya Steve. I don't bother them...they don't bother me. But I'm thinkin' that there just might be a little contradiction in their basic philosophy of life, and that appears to be: "When you're a "Rugged Individualist"...there's safety in numbers." (go figure!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
But I'm thinkin' that there just might be a little contradiction in their basic philosophy of life, and that appears to be:
"When you're a "Rugged Individualist"...there's safety in numbers."
(go figure!)
Good Point!
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,237 Likes: 63
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,237 Likes: 63 |
They are not all about Harleys. The British Riders for one is about Triumph , BSA , Norton , AJS , Matchless , Vincent , etc... I know some others as well just used them as an example. I know quite a few from different clubs I won't say any more than that and there is some bologna above but also some good advise too.
Other clubs I meant.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Ian,
All I can tell is that I belong(oh my GAWD....Did I actually say I "belonged" to some friggin' group????) to the SoCal Norton Motorcycle Owners Club, and this loose-knit group comprised of mainly britbike owners never, ever excludes ANYONE depending on the make of their machines, or the country of origin of their machines(this includes Japan, Italy, Germany, yes and even "American-made" bikes) whenever they have one of their rides, BECAUSE...almost to the man(or woman) they KNOW and APPRECIATE the wide variety and the history of ALL motorcycles, and I can talk and have intelligent conversations with these people who REALLY have motorcycling "in the blood".
So, in THIS regard maybe Steve is absolutely right when he mentioned above that "It's all about the club first - the bikes are secondary". And they call themselves..."BIKERS"????
So do we have yet ANOTHER contradiction here in their basic philosophy of life?
I think we do.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,237 Likes: 63
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,237 Likes: 63 |
I wasn't speaking of regular clubs. I was speaking of 1%ers. I didn't want to get into it too deeply.I did at one time live the life.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
Good theories FJ, altho I couldn't see the rest of the pack ahead at the time. Wasn't till a while later I caught up to them. I guess maybe cause I waved they took off, who knows.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,734
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,734 |
Quote:
And you couldn't pay me enough to make me try and butt my way into any pack. Including the local HOG/BAR association ride.
I've got no problem busting through a HOG chapter pack. Done it more than once. Have you ever been behind one of these? Around here they're usually 5-10 mph under the speed limit...sometimes slower. And judging by the HOG Chapter Road Captain I know, they don't exactly have a lot of experience. She has maybe 3 years of riding experience, and I wouldn't call her a natural.
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
My biggest fear about passing the HOG "pack" is that one of the accountants might get offended and call the IRS to have me audited, or one of the lawyers might sue for "creating an unsafe environment"...
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
My biggest fear about passing the HOG "pack" is that one of the accountants might get offended and call the IRS to have me audited, or one of the lawyers might sue for "creating an unsafe environment"...
(you'll be shocked to know FJ that I can't add to that...you're right on the mark here)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 50
Member
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Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 50 |
My problem with the 1%ers is that they seem to consider that they are the Bikers who who live the true biker lifestyle (Whatever that is?) I've had dealings with a number of 1% clubs over the past few years. And I know for a fact that one of the largest and fastest growing clubs here in Australia takes blokes that have next to no background in bikes and within 6 months they're full patch members. So to me it isn't about the bikes or even the so called biker lifestyle. It is all about an image and a pack mentality. The fact that they seem to prefer blokes who have been in the big house or at least have no concern for the laws of the land I think speaks for itself...
2004 TBA, Green, TOR's, AI and snorkle removed, K&N filter.
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Quote:
My biggest fear about passing the HOG "pack" is that one of the accountants might get offended and call the IRS to have me audited, or one of the lawyers might sue for "creating an unsafe environment"...
(you'll be shocked to know FJ that I can't add to that...you're right on the mark here)
OMFG!!! Are you actually saying you're speechless? 
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Re: Scary biker are not always scary
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
here is Aus where I live I don't see that many of them, maybe cos there in Sydney or something. Yeah they are around but certainly not a problem. Mind you a couple of weeks back I pulled up next to some tough lookin dude with colours of some sort riding his hog and when I stopped next to him just said gidday and he just said gidday back, then he took off like there was no tomorrow. After what I've read here with the various stories though I reckon my new approach will be more appropriate like, anyone that needs to ride around in packs for some neanderthal base need sas a method of "demanding" respect will get the respect they believe they deserve ie, I don't want to know you and you don't want to know me. In other words just carry on as normal without acknowledgment cos that suits me too. Hey, everyone's happy. Can someone tell me this though, say I'm riding by myself north and come across a pack ahead of me riding slower than I want, if it means that I'm not going to overtake in one go and I "split the pack", would I be right in saying don't? Actually you probably don't have to answer that one, it wouldn't be wise just because shi# happens and what was I thinking 
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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