The "Wave"
I am sure it may depend on where you live, but we all know the Biker's wave, as I have heard it referred to. The thing is I have noticed that there seems to be less interest in the brotherhood for some bikers.
It has been my experience over the last month that if I see a biker coming towards me on the highway and he is wearing little or no gear (i.e. just a tank and mini helmet), then he/she will return my wave. However if the biker coming towards me is on a fancy crotch rocket and/or wearing full gear from head to toe (i.e. matching racer jacket & pants, full face helmet, etc.), then they will not return my wave.
Are times changing or is it my imagination?
Views: 380
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by LittleSisterWA (AnneH) on -
Hi Julia! Hmmm...I too have noticed this phenomena. I can only go back to the 70's but in those days, everyone who rode did the hand wave. It was nothing more than recognizing another biker. I was told not too long ago by someone connected to a club that club members don't do 'waves.' I can't think of the exact words but it was along the lines of club members don't recognize other 'riders' in unless they are club members (1%) and I was encouraged to not wave at other riders. Needless to say, I still do it. Yes, there are more bikes out there but they still get a 'passing nod/wave' from me. And when you are out in the middle of the US, that wave on the other side of that lonely highway sure does make a person feel better. :)
-
Permalink Reply by Julia Bennett-Burch on -
Thank you for your response LittleSisterWA. I think I may be uncomfortable with waving only at fellow "club" members. I thought we were ALL in the club.... :)
-
Permalink Reply by Venus on -
Im pretty certain 1% don't acknowledge others. I throw down my hand to most people.
-
Permalink Reply by Julia Bennett-Burch on
-
Is 1% a club? I have not heard of them. Must not be any in our area.
-
Permalink Reply by BranDEE on -
Oh, you have them in your area. 1%'ers are "outlaw" motorcycle clubs/gangs. Very strict admission policy and rule structure. Members need to swear allegiance to the club and fellow brothers. Members wear a "1%" patch on their leather. The most recognizable 1% gang is the Hell's Angels. In Michigan its the "HighwayMen."
-
Permalink Reply by Julia Bennett-Burch on
-
Oh, Gotcha! My real father was in the Hell Angels, joined while he was out in California in the late 60's, but I was never a part of his life like my younger sisters were. He was a character too. Even though I have heard of most "gang" type clubs I never realized what the 1% was.
-
Permalink Reply by Paul Wilson on -
not true, at least not around these parts
-
Permalink Reply by BBNX on -
I agree that is has changed just over the last 5 years or so. Maybe longer. People don't seem as eager to "throw it down" especially with a single bike. We seem to get more when there are several of us riding together.
-
Permalink Reply by Julia Bennett-Burch on
-
I suppose it isn't a big deal, especially if one feels its more important to maintain control of the bike if you are inexperienced. But I remembered how cool it was when riding with my dad back in the 70's and every one passing exchanged a wave..... maybe I am being sentimental?
-
Permalink Reply by CaseeAnn on -
It's the same way out here. Not as many people wave as did years ago.
-
Permalink Reply by LittleSisterWA (AnneH) on
-
If someone waves at you, wave back. To do otherwise is rude, in my opinion. That's just good manners. If you can't safely do the wave back at them, nod. Do something. Anything to acknowledge back to that person you saw their action. Stick your foot out and shake it at them if ya have to. There are many times I'm sitting at a light and someone drives by on their bike and they nod at me. I nod back. I like being friendly. As to initiating the wave, that's up to you. Waving or nodding at another biker/rider may be just about the last personal freedom of choice left to motorcyclists these days. Your choice. :)
Groups
Badge
© 2013 Created by BBNX.
