Interesting ATGATT reaction

[Shinigami]

As I have mentioned elsewhere here, like many of you, I never roll on the bike without ATGATT, even across a parking lot.

Last night for a run to the store it was full Vansons top and bottom, Puma Desmos, Taichi gloves, Arai lid.

So I'm packing the groceries I've just picked up into my Boblbee Meg Aero (which doubles as a CE back protectior) in the parking lot of the local grocery, and about to put my helmet on, when this typical-looking soccer mom with a kid in tow walks up.

"I just wanted to thank you!" she says.

"For what?" I answer

"For setting such a good example of what a serious biker is supposed to look like for my five year old here!"


As I reflected on that comment I realized- every day this kid is staring out of a car window, and here in SLC he typically sees 7 underequipped (or completely UN equipped) riders for every 10 riders he sees- a population that has been growing like kudzu in a Georgia swamp here because of crazy gas prices.

Squids here are doing a lot to damage our image, not to mention themselves. Stories about the sinister dangers of "bullet bikes" (my how I loathe that term) abound in local media lately as a rash of these new untrained and unequipped riders meet with predictable results.

I told soccer-mom, "Hope he remembers- and thanks for teaching him the difference!"

[SCraig]

I agree! You should be thanked for setting a good example. Many of us should, but it seldom happens.

The situation is the same everywhere, I think, and something I saw a few weeks ago really stuck in my mind. I was in Indiana (yes, on my VFR) and north of Evansville highway 41 is 4 lanes wide with a 60mph speed limit. There was a kid on a little scooter running about 35mph, no helmet, shorts and a t-shirt, talking on a cell phone. He was completely oblivious to the traffic swerving around him from behind. I've wondered just about every day since whether or not he is still in one piece.

The lessons these kids are apparently being taught is that motorcycles are NOT dangerous, that they will NOT get hurt on them, and that it is OK to ride without protective gear or any safety training at all. They see people on bikes with no protective gear, not even a helmet, and think that's normal. Maybe it is "Normal" in many places, but it certainly isn't real smart.

[Joey_Dude]

That's awesome you actually got a thanks for setting a good example!

I'm ATGATT too and I mostly get "aren't you hot?" comments. For those people I usually just tell them it's not that bad with the perforated leather. That and I'd rather sweat than bleed.

Unfortunately for some people they'll never realize the need for good gear until they get into an accident. A speech from the local safety officer doesn't quite reach home as much as seeing your leg bone sticking out.

[drewl]

Power to the People!

Poeple meaning us that wear proper gear.

[34468 Randy]

Just getting suited up ATGATT for a 2 minute drive to the dentist. He will cause me more pain that if I wipe out.

[WhiteKnight]

Last Saturday I went to a small accessory store about 30 miles from me. I wore full gear and it was 90+ out. I walked in the store and a gentleman asked me "don't you get hot in that?". I said only when I stop. He said on a day like that he wouldn't be wearing leather. I said "Well, I'd rather prepare for the worst and hope for the best". He just looked at me like I was crazy. I guess that unless you have some graphic pic to pull out and show people, they don't really understand, or maybe they just think it can never happen to them. I don't know. I see lots of people ride in shorts, t-shirts, sneakers (not that I haven't ever ridden in sneakers or jeans, which jeans are better than shorts), even no helmet. I just wonder what they will think, if they can, after the odds catch up to them and they go down.
It's awsome and cool that someone thanked you. Those of us who actively practice safety, at least with regards to gear, don't hear that enough, IMO.

[ILVFR75]

that is awesome! i don't think most people even realize the difference b/w ATGATT and everything else. just the fact that she recognized you were being responsible is pretty cool. hopefully the kid will make the same decision sometime down the line.
cheers,
Jeff

[Pliskin]

I obviously understand what everyone is saying, but what does ATGATT stand for?

[PUSkunk]

All The Gear, All The Time, Pliskin.

[VFRShorty]

all the gear all the time

[VFRShorty]

man i was beat to it, barely!

[Pliskin]

TY. BOTH of you! :)

[ILVFR75]

a tie goes to the woman doesn't it? ;)

[Alaskan]

Whenever I see a rider without gear, a part of my brain registers that he/she is an idiot. I can't help it.

[SilverSurfer800]

I see it everyday here in California. When the weather gets hot the protection comes off (no jokes please...) When they go screaming by my a just shake my head at them; these are the people i don't wave to...

[RWB25]

That is very awesome of the mother to actually come over and thank you for doing the proper thing and not chastise you for being a sport bike rider. Obviously Mom knows something about bikes and/or what can go wrong on a bike. If the kid is going to ride when he's/she's older, I'm quite positive the mother will lay the law down....ATGATT or stay home!

[Egg on Leggs]

I can't believe you missed the opportunity to get her phone number.

[RWB25]

Now THAT is a quick thinking man!

[34468 Randy]

Sort of reminds me of two similar scenarios that happened to me within a few months of each other many years ago. One mother came up to me hauling her three or four year old child and scolded him, "If you don't behave this policeman will throw you in jail!" Then a few months later another woman came up to me with her little girl and said word to the effect," Here's a policeman. He is you friend and will help you if you need!" Then to my surprise, the child came up and gave me a hug...in the middle of a mall at a Police Week display I was manning. Seen by many.

I had words with both these mothers, one without the child present. You can figure out roughly what was said to whom.

This mother should get the "Mother of the Year" award for being most caring mom. We need to instill positive attitudes in our kids when they are too young to get their minds polluted by the negative crap.
Positive reinforcement is far superior to negative consequences and this mom not only gets the picture, she puts the frame on it too

[ZonaMan]

I totaled my VFR on Catalina Highway yesterday and walked away with a sore knee, ankle and hip. My $20 A* knee armor saved me from getting a broken leg when I smashed in to the guard rail. My leather jacket saved me when I landed on the rocks. I am very happy to report that the gear saved my life, but am very angry at myself for the split second brain fart that caused my crash. Plan for the worst, hope for the best - just wasn't my day, I guess.

My beloved VFR sure was fun while it lasted (only two years) and I hope I can find another to replace it. They ARE SCARCE! Especially fifth gens.