 Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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OP
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
This might have something to do with it. Motion induced blindness Solution? Changing position in your lane may help.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Man ,,that's fun . If you stop the thing , it appears to go in reverse . I gotta get back . More fun than glue .
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 Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
I always try to ride as close to the center of the road as possible (like the green dot). People in Cages don't always like it, but they are aware I am there. If you ride down the right side of your lane, expect to be invisible to almost everyone.
Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 879 |
Quote:
I always try to ride as close to the center of the road as possible (like the green dot). People in Cages don't always like it, but they are aware I am there. If you ride down the right side of your lane, expect to be invisible to almost everyone.
Tom
I try and 'meander' back and fore across the lane, particularly when approaching a junction where a car is waiting to pull out so their brain has to keep re-calculating my position and speed and they don't 'forget' me. I still watch the wheels for any movement and try and make eye contact with them. Having said that, I've even see car drivers stretching their necks to see around me, and still pulling out in front of me !
If you do it today you MIGHT regret it. If you CAN'T do it tomorrow you WILL regret it.
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 320
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 320 |
I'm with you Brummie...movement does seem to catch their attention.
SteveB
"I live the life I love and I love the life I live."
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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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:
I always try to ride as close to the center of the road as possible (like the green dot). People in Cages don't always like it, but they are aware I am there. If you ride down the right side of your lane, expect to be invisible to almost everyone.
Tom
I seldomly ride in the direct middle of the lane Tom, as that's where the accumulation of engine oil is deposited by cars. It's far better to be just to the right or left of center because of this possible lessening of traction.
BTW Bill, Cool test there! I also had Judie try it too. When I told her that the yellow dots actually do not disappear while you're concentrating on the flashing center green dot she said, "This IS interesting isn't it?! So this is kind'a like when my husband is watching some kind'a sport on TV, and I say something to him, huh?!" 
Last edited by Dwight; 02/02/2008 10:21 PM.
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: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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OP
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
she said, "This IS interesting isn't it?! So this is kind'a like when my husband is watching some kind'a sport on TV, and I say something to him, huh?!"
She's learning too much about us (men) Dwight.
Might be time to take a trip to quaint little Stepford, Connecticut. 
BTW, my wife thinks the same way, we may have to join you.
What Hon?
Did you just say something?
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
My wife says I never listen to her... at least that's what I think she said..  As to lane position/invisibility - you could wear a flourescent orange clown suit with neon lights around your head and fireworks coming out of your ****** and some of these morons still won't see you... Just assume they will do the wrong thing and be prepared.
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
Quote:
and fireworks coming out of your ******
Having suffered this curse on frequent occassions, allow me to say it WILL make you more 'noticable', However, I seriously doubt I'd been rendered more 'visible' - audible, perhaps. For a multitude of reasons, I suggest other means of calling attention to one's self.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,700 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,700 Likes: 22 |
The next time I am driving and have blue things on a black background spinning around in front of me at an even 360, with yellow dots and a blinking green thing in my mirror, I am pulling over.  I think is more about inattention and blind spots. The biker has to move around lane to lane and pass cars not lay on their quarter panels.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
Those are pretty cool bill. I have another link for optical illusions and visual phenomena that will get ya nice and dizzy.
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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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:
I think is more about inattention and blind spots. The biker has to move around lane to lane and pass cars not lay on their quarter panels.
 Exactly, Ron!
And also to always, if possible, ride just a little faster than the surrounding traffic, which will help you accomplish this.
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: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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OP
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
Quote:
I think is more about inattention and blind spots. The biker has to move around lane to lane and pass cars not lay on their quarter panels.
Exactly, Ron!
And also to always, if possible, ride just a little faster than the surrounding traffic, which will help you accomplish this.
Right!!
The lesson is: Don't be the yellow dots 
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
I guess we need to make the cagers blink more!
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1 |
This could explain how I missed a red light with disastrous results
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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OP
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
This could explain how I missed a red light with disastrous results
Don't sound good Bernie.
Care to elaborate?
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Bill,
I just read this thread ... an excellent theory/experiment.
Over the years I have put down our being invisible to a simpler and somewhat less advanced explanantion ... SIZE matters!
Take the example of a cager pulling out in front of you at an intersection even though they have seen you.
Had you been in a truck they wouldn't have dared.
Similarly, when on a main road or highway, cagers will slip by us (cutting us off/just missing us) ... just because they can. Would they attempt this if you were in a bigger vehicle?
My point is that, for the most part, we are intentionally invisible.
I ride every day (with perhaps 3 or 4 exceptions) of the year and mostly spend my time dodging idiocy. It is at these times that I think carrying a sawn-off shotgun a la Mad Max extremely appealing.
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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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're probably right, Thanassis, but...it sure isn't worth gettin' into a "p*ssing contest" with these "fearless" cagers because, as we all know, they're gonna always win.
But, what WE have in our favor is more manueverability than they do, AND more of the available road width ahead of us in which to maneuver around these sorts of "fearless" cagers.
And experience seems to matter an awful lot too. Case in point:
I was riding down a major avenue just yesterday that has 2 lanes going in each direction, with parked cars along the curb and many business parking lot driveways flowing into this avenue. I came up on a kid riding his R6 up the right lane while I was in the left lane. After TWICE watching this kid having to quickly slow down and the second time almost having to come to a complete stop because of these cagers pulling the nose of their cars out into the flow of traffic in order to see around the parked cars, this kid pulls up next to me on the right at that next stoplight, STILL in that right lane.
And so....doing my "community service" for my fellow motorcyclists, I turned to him as said..."It's a dangerous world out there on these things, ain't it?! BUT you know, if you'd ride in THIS LEFT LANE that I'M IN, it's a little LESS dangerous, YA KNOW?!"
As we pulled out after the light changed and I got ahead of him, I noticed in my rear-view mirror that the kid heeded my advice and moved over behind me and into the left lane!
(will wonders never cease?!...somebody ACTUALLY listened to me....I WAS SHOCKED!!!!)
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: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,241 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,241 Likes: 64 |
Because we hang out with DaveM too much? 
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: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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OP
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
As we pulled out after the light changed and I got ahead of him, I noticed in my rear-view mirror that the kid heeded my advice and moved over behind me and into the left lane!
(will wonders never cease?!...somebody ACTUALLY listened to me....I WAS SHOCKED!!!!)
So next time someone starts bemoaning the condition/attitudes of youth, remember this instance. There's always hope.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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OP
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
I agree Thanassis, often we just are not seen as a threat, and so we get ignored.
The illusion on the site made me realize a couple of things though:
While driving on a longer road, the driver's attention may become focused on something up ahead; the next light, a cool car, a billboard with scantily clad women (lots of those in Vegas), etc. While focusing on that, other objects "disappear". Smaller objects (us) disappear easier. So moving around in our lanes, forces a distraction from the tunnel vision of the cager.
Another thing, it can happen to us too. So constantly shifting your focus is a necessary survival skill.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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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 |
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Quote:
... a billboard with scantily clad women (lots of those in Vegas).
I can see how that would be a mega distraction.
On further thought and assuming we are mostly invisible during the following 3 instances:
a/ a car crossing an intersection.
b/ a car turning left or right.
c/ a car overtaking us.
One would think that a car driver's focus would be at it's ultimate height (disregarding any possible distractions) during any one of the above instances therefore supposedly making us highly visible (with the possible exception of a 'blind' spot).
I just remembered something else I often experience ... a car suddenly crosses the intersection because the driver sees a line of cars behind me and doesn't want to wait for them to pass before crossing, therefore he/she chooses to cut me off, thus endangering my life (while I'm hitting the brakes, wearing my shoes out on the tarmac and putting an anchor down ) and many time's my girl's too.
Where's that shotgun?
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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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 |
Here ya go, Thanassis! Maybe this will help ya here.... http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/forums/...ge=9#Post289354I'm sure at least ONE of these gents would be more than willing to part with a small part of their arsenal...at the right price, of course! (I'd help ya out, but like I said in it, I've only got a old side-by-side 12ga and that little snub-nosed .38, so I'd be givin' up HALF of MY arsenal in that case....sorry old chum!)
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: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Nah! No guns a la Mad Max for me. Besides, the crapola on the roads keep me sharp.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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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 |
(Hmmmmm....that nice greek fella over there must not be as paranoid as some of my fellow americans seem to be)  Okay Thanassis. In that case...never mind.
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: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 300
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 300 |
thanassis,, i think maybe dwight had a mis-typo there,,,what he meant was that "that nice greek fella over there must not be as PREPARED as some of my fellow americans obviously ARE". we also carry air pumps and plug kits, chain lube, tools,etc.....just in CASE......
some people are like slinkies, they serve no purpose, but, they bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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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 |
Yeah! That's what I meant, Lester! "Be Prepared!" EXACTLY! (ya see Thanassis...I must have forgotten what they taught me in the Boy Scouts when I was but a pup!...but that was a looooooong time ago, so I'm sure you can understand my forgetfulness here, amigo!)
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: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
My wife says I never listen to her... at least that's what I think she said..
As to lane position/invisibility - you could wear a flourescent orange clown suit with neon lights around your head and fireworks coming out of your ****** and some of these morons still won't see you... Just assume they will do the wrong thing and be prepared.
You're invisible because you're not a threat. If you paint your bike to look like a cop bike I'll bet they'd see you.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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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 |
And don't forget Thanassis...Cop motorcyles always have a Remington pump-action 12ga hangin' off the side TOO!
(I mean, if you wanna be a "threat", be a BIG friggin' threat, I always say....hey, didn't T.R. say somethin' like that back in the day?!)
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: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Quote:
thanassis,, i think maybe dwight had a mis-typo there,,,what he meant was that "that nice greek fella over there must not be as PREPARED as some of my fellow americans obviously ARE". we also carry air pumps and plug kits, chain lube, tools,etc.....just in CASE......
What, are you saying I'm not prepared???
I'll have you know Sir, that I carry ...
spare fuses and bulbs.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
Quote:
Bill,
I just read this thread ... an excellent theory/experiment.
Over the years I have put down our being invisible to a simpler and somewhat less advanced explanantion ... SIZE matters!
Take the example of a cager pulling out in front of you at an intersection even though they have seen you.
Had you been in a truck they wouldn't have dared.
Similarly, when on a main road or highway, cagers will slip by us (cutting us off/just missing us) ... just because they can. Would they attempt this if you were in a bigger vehicle?
My point is that, for the most part, we are intentionally invisible.
I ride every day (with perhaps 3 or 4 exceptions) of the year and mostly spend my time dodging idiocy. It is at these times that I think carrying a sawn-off shotgun a la Mad Max extremely appealing.
Size sure does matter. And you are 100% correct here. Size perceived or otherwise on the roadways is the deciding factor in right of way REALITY not withstanding any laws or statutes legislating who has the right of way.
And failing to understand this can be fatal to all us little fellas.
A few weeks ago in the early AM while waiting to turn right onto a frontage road on a red light and observing oncoming traffic I went ahead and turned right when it seemed fully clear only to nearly run over a young man on a bicycle. I just did not see the little bugger and his little teeny light. I would have felt like ****** if I'd squashed him but I also realize he was in total disregard/denial of his REAL stature in terms of right of way. Considering heavy traffic and darkness he had no business even being there whether legal or not.
A tractor trailer always has the RIGHT OF WAY. And where we are concerned everyone else has the RIGHT of Way law or no law.....cops or no cops.
Motorists play the game of top dog all the time. Motorcycles just dont come across as a threat to a busy soccer mom in her SUV so BETTER WATCH OUT.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: Why are we invisible?
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 594
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 594 |
Quote:
A tractor trailer always has the RIGHT OF WAY.
Except at train tracks...
But that just reinforces your theory.
SFC, US Army (Ret)
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