Don't be Forest Gump

Discussion in 'Anything Goes' started by tinkerinWstuff, Sep 9, 2019.

  1. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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  2. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    No I don't agree. First off, I wave with my clutch hand, I understand in Australia and other European countries it would require taking you hand off the throttle/brake controls.
    Out here in California most riders (including HD riders) give a modest hand jester, usually just the left hand below the handle bars. Scooters don't count. Most HD rider do the same, have no fear of the turning around and attacking me, that is absurd. It's not tiring, I take my left hand off and rest it on the tank quite often (arthritis).
     
  3. marriedman

    marriedman New Member

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    I actually believe I am dumber for having read that insipid "article". Wave or don't wave, no one cares. But don't write a blog entry to justify your opinion or seek validation from strangers.

    Jesus.
     
  4. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    Tinky, i thought you had abandoned us ! good 2 c u back.
     
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  5. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    Tink - Would like to see you post more....... but on this topic...took a glance at it ---- I wave or point acknowledgement (clutch hand) to every rider, Harley, sport bike, cruiser, ADV... I dont care. Our motorcyclists "club" is shrinking and anything I can do to say, "hey brother" and leave a positive vibe to keep people riding, I'm gonna do it.

    (Obviously, if I am in a good set of twistys, never mind.)
     
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  6. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    Thanks folks! The blog gave me a chuckle. I have been started when driving the cage and seeing a biker do some weird arm motion, then to realize he’s waving at someone across the median.

    I’ll wave when not around traffic.
     
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  7. RhINO

    RhINO New Member

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    I've found myself hitting the door of the car I'm driving when meeting a motorcyclist....

    Skickat från min H8324 via Tapatalk
     
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  8. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    Sorry I never wave to a scooter ! I think they have enough problems controlling them & not hitting anything for me to want to add to their list... lol
     
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  9. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    haha, that's awesome. Wait. I might have done that, too... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
     
  10. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    To wave or Nod in Europe is complicated.

    For people riding on the left like the Brits and Irish (and much of the former British Empire) you basically Nod instead - as letting go of the throttle will see the vehicle slow down unnecessarily.

    Pretty much everywhere else in Europe people should officially ride on the right (same as America) - although that concept seems optional when riding in some parts Eastern Europe and Russia.

    Obviously when riding, your focus should primarily be on the road ahead BUT it is equally important to ensure you remain alert to events unfolding around you - so checking your mirrors and making life saver checks should be automatic.

    The article completely overlooks the real reasons why acknowledging other bikers makes sense.

    (1) If you consciously aim to acknowledge all passing bikers (regardless of whether or not they respond) it actually helps keep you alert - likewise you know to take a break once you find you fail to spot riders until the last moment.

    (2) It allows discrete communication - if an approaching rider greets you with a typical nod - outstretched arm or raised hand that implies the road you are about to ride along is probably clear. If you encounter a sudden patting downwards motion (or in the UK a rider tapping on the top of their helmet) then you can be pretty certain there is some sort of check ahead. I wonder what...

    For some reason some authorities take great exception to anyone flashing their lights to warn of a speed check ahead - so of course motorcyclists would never do that...

    Inherently if we all remain alert and willing to do our bit to alert other riders to anything significant which they have probably just ridden past, then perhaps it should allow some of the more enthusiastic VFR riders to keep their licence a little while longer.
     
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