To wave or not to wave...
I'm taking the back roads on the way home yesterday. Not a car in sight and I'm enjoying my ride, doing about 70 on a 2 lane through farmland. Up ahead I see a bike heading in the same direction and I'm catching up to him quickly. As I get closer I see that it's a pirate on an HD. He sees me in his rearview, downshifts and I hear him nail it. I drop down 2 gears and I nail it myself, blowing past him like he's standing still. I get back over into the right lane and check him out in the mirrors, dropping back pretty quickly.
Should I have waved at him?
Of course you should have waved, but in a condescending way to indicate how funny you thought it was that he would downshift and accelerate for you to make the pass interesting.
I'm sure he waved to you! Of course, staying in control of such a monster machine as his Hardly, he could only spare one finger and one hand. But it's the thought that counts.
To wave or not to wave...
I'm taking the back roads on the way home yesterday. Not a car in sight and I'm enjoying my ride, doing about 70 on a 2 lane through farmland. Up ahead I see a bike heading in the same direction and I'm catching up to him quickly. As I get closer I see that it's a pirate on an HD. He sees me in his rearview, downshifts and I hear him nail it. I drop down 2 gears and I nail it myself, blowing past him like he's standing still. I get back over into the right lane and check him out in the mirrors, dropping back pretty quickly.
Should I have waved at him?
Why were you in Bradenton?
Here is a visual. Thought it would be more interesting.
Between 17th ave west, 51st st west and Manatee
I especially like it when the girls on the back of the HDs and Goldwings wave back, but the riders don't.
I used to wave, just a left hand straight up an inch or so off the grip. Most of the responses tended to be strangled. I think they are confused. I ride a red BMW 650 with knobby tires. I wear a yellow helmet and black jacket and brown pants and EMT boots.
Since I don't have a "real" BMW, the Beemer crowd is confused. Cruiser guys usually give the down low wave but I'm not sure if they are flicking their butts or stretching or waving, since they rarely make eye contact. Big tourers wave or adjust the XM antenna, I can't tell. Connies, STs, FJRs- that crowd are the constant wavers. They also are the ones that will turn around and ask if I am okay when really I'm waiting for traffic to thin so I can pee. Or take a picture. Or both.
And of course, women riders wave at everyone.
There is also confusion since I don't wear "the uniform". No one piece Aerostich. No chaps and vest. I'm poor. And cheap. A lethal combination. I wear what I have and spend my money on important things. Like whores and cocaine.
The only riders that see me, and get it, are my fellow CARs*, the KLR guys. They smile and wave enthusiastically.
These days, I care less about other riders waving and more about awful traffic so I do the turn and nod. But I will return a wave if I get one.
*CAR- cheapass rider