Biker Down threads!

**Mom** · 7th January 2008, 16:45

It makes my blood run a bit cooler each time I see one of these threads start up on here. Perhaps I have started this in the wrong forum, but out here seemed the better option rather than site stuff to me.

We are all bikers, we know and understand the risks with partaking in the sport, hobby, relaxation, profession that is motorcycling. We accept that risk, defend our right to continue, and attempt to demand a safe environment to be provided out on the roads/track for us.

Sadly, some of us die while out riding, it is a fact of life. We do as much as we personally can to avoid it, ATGATT, well maintained bikes, extremely good "spidey vision" and what have you, but it still happens.

What I want to know is why there seems to be this overwhelming need to post up here every time there is a biker fatality, and why so many people feel the need to make meaningless posts like;

............. or

rip.....or

I would understand completely if it was a loved member of KB, or even a member who has lost a biker friend that was not a member, who is reaching out for a bit of support, but....

Dont get me wrong here, it saddens me everytime I read about a biker death, it is the faux grief that bothers me, and the need to bring it to my attention by posting it here.

And before I get told I dont have to read them, I dont as a rule, very rarely if ever say anything, but the thread titles are still there eh?

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 7th January 2008, 16:52

Originally Posted by Mom

What I want to know is why there seems to be this overwhelming need to post up here every time there is a biker fatality, and why so many people feel the need to make meaningless posts like;

I would understand completely if it was a loved member of KB, or even a member who has lost a biker friend that was not a member, who is reaching out for a bit of support, but....

Dont get me wrong here, it saddens me everytime I read about a biker death, it is the faux grief that bothers me, and the need to bring it to my attention by posting it here.

And before I get told I dont have to read them, I dont as a rule, very rarely if ever say anything, but the thread titles are still there eh?

I agree and hate reading them as well, and I don't know why they need to be posted here. Yes you don't have to read them the title is enough for me as well to get the message loud and clear, and on the same token it is a somber reminder how vunerable bikers are, and it definately reminds me to keep an eye on what I am doing when I am out riding.

**jtzzr** · 7th January 2008, 17:03

I empathise with you MOM , but I do it as a mark of respect I guess , I/We live in a world which many people don`t dare to or are too scared of , which is motorcycling , so the way I see it , is that only a handful of us do ride and when someone in such a small community such as ours has an unfortunate accident, I believe we should show our respects ,because it could have been me or you .OOh Happy New Year to you and whatshisname.

**Sully60** · 7th January 2008, 17:11

Originally Posted by Mom

faux grief

Nuff said.

**Mom** · 7th January 2008, 17:13

Originally Posted by jtzzr

I empathise with you MOM

Look I agree with what you are saying, we are a minority on the roads, and there are reasons why folk wont get out and about on a bike, we are a dangerous means of transport after all.

Respect eh? Ok I can buy that one.

I must be disrespectful then?

**lanci** · 7th January 2008, 17:14

Katman your thoughts?

I think it's a morbid fascination people have with death...........

**sunhuntin** · 7th January 2008, 17:29

chances are, someone here might know that rider. plus it also reminds us all to keep safe where we can.

and why do you say its unfortunate when some die on their bikes? ive said it before, and ill say it again, give me the choice, and id rather breath my last at 100k than lying in a bed remembering what once was...

**Steam** · 7th January 2008, 17:33

I reckon the Rider Down threads are just morbid too, have no useful purpose.
All they do is make me afraid it is my brother or a mate who has been killed / maimed.

But I suppose it's the same as the TV News covering car crashes, it is news. People do want to hear about it.

**sunhuntin** · 7th January 2008, 17:48

steam gave me another thought... unless the bike accident is extraordinary [like the drunk that crossed the line] how often do they get reported on the evening news?
i guess the posts here are another way of making sure their lives dont go un noticed.

**Ixion** · 7th January 2008, 18:01

Sand, sand, get your sand here. best quality, why risk your head becoming uncovered.

Can't look Death in the face, buy a cage.

**Mom** · 7th January 2008, 18:03

Originally Posted by sunhuntin

chances are, someone here might know that rider. plus it also reminds us all to keep safe where we can.

and why do you say its unfortunate when some die on their bikes? ive said it before, and ill say it again, give me the choice, and id rather breath my last at 100k than lying in a bed remembering what once was...

To be blunt here, absolutely no offense meant and all that, me too mate kicking is the way I want to go, but please take your I want to die on a bike attitude and fluffel up a gum tree!

**Mom** · 7th January 2008, 18:07

Originally Posted by Ixion

Sand, sand, get your sand here. best quality, why risk your head becoming uncovered.

Can't look Death in the face, buy a cage.

Absolutely!

But, please dont pretend you care by posting............... when someone that you dont know posts a Police comms report about someone on a bike that has died on the road.

We all care! It is horrible and tragic for the family and friends of the person that has died.

**Ixion** · 7th January 2008, 18:18

Well, if I am walking up the road, and a pass a neighbour, and say a good morning, as you do. And he (or she) says, "oh well, my (uncle, father, toilet cleaner , pimp whatever) died last night", I will reply "Oh dear, I'm really sorry to hear that. My condolences to the family " etc. Now, if I am willing to do that much for a person who I have never heard of, and know nothing whatsoever about , why should I not do as much for someone with whom I share at least one thing in common?

Even if I do not know the person, somone reading the thread may, and take some consolation from the expressions of sympathy, no matter how conventional.

Should I reply to my neighbour "Get stuffed, I don't know him, so who give a shit " ?