Respectful Apology

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Ummm I feel you should all be in the church if there is room. I would hate to think others at the church thought you didn't go in because you were riding bikes and had somethin against "CHURCHES" as such. I hate the PC stuff but people will read all sorts in to what happens on the day. I go to church every week and if I take the bike I wear my leathers. Wet and dry. Mind you wet is not good cos it makes the seat wet.
It is not what you wear but how you act. I think Frosty has a handle on this stuff from what I have read about the organising of the day. Take part in all that we are welcomed to. If it was my son I would be happy to see so many from an interest group supporting me and the rest of the family.
Just my opinion and I am aware this could be different to how others feel but I have experienced some of this stuff. Full participation by some would be supported if done right. No participation on some fronts could alienate some.
As I will not be there do what seems right.

[mikey]

i look at it this way.

if he had died in a car would his parents get fucked off at people for turning up in a car? NO

unfortunately i cant make the service, might make the ride to cemetary

[BNZ]

i look at it this way.

if he had died in a car would his parents get fucked off at people for turning up in a car? NO

unfortunately i cant make the service, might make the ride to cemetary

Come on man keep it clean, this is a sensitive topic.

Unfortunately Mikey, bikes are regarded by most as being very dangerous. This does come with good reasoning, and it is a fact we are all aware of, and probably get reminded about by our friends and family regularly. Comparing cars and bikes in this sense is a little chalk and cheese.

[James Deuce]

i look at it this way.

if he had died in a car would his parents get fucked off at people for turning up in a car? NO

unfortunately i cant make the service, might make the ride to cemetary

Yes, I know, but unfortunately motorcycles are perceived as inherently dangerous by the majority of the "uninitiated motorcyclist" out there. Cars are viewed, at worst, as a necessary evil, but not inherently dangerous in and of themselves. Which is wrong, but there's not a lot you can do about it.

I'm not so worried about the parents or siblings. Other relatives less exposed to Sam's passions may not be so accepting or open minded.

[mikey]

yeah ok, ill take part at a distance if at all.

[Paul in NZ]

Well.... I know what you are saying.

If this gets turned into a 3 ring circus, I'm outta there. All I want to do is turn up, say goodbye and pay my respects. Respects to the family... Funerals are as more for the living as they are for the guest of honour.

Soon as it gets cartoon biker ish, like parades, no helmets, paintings of north american indians, wolves or spirit riders it gets sad and very inappropriate.

This is a terrible, terrible thing. Culturally, it's very import that we go and pay our respects but in a way that does not offend or annoy. After reading yesterdays notice and talking to frosty I'm wondering if thursday night is better for the family?

A memorial ride is different as thats our way of remembering him...

So... As i'm still in auckland and on hotel dial up can some kind soul find out what the family desires and lets do that eh!

Paul N

(bloody cold/flu thingy... aaarrgghh)

[FROSTY:Me]

I think as individuals we need to look inside at our motivations for going or not going.. If in your heart you feel right to be attending then I think you should .If you feel its not right then that again is your decision.

Slightly off topic who on earth made the word funeral from Fun and all ?
How is a funeral fun for anyone???

[StoneChucker]

I think we should definitely go if possible. I've now decided it doesn't matter what you wear, but as someone said - how you act. Just turn up, park, go inside and go with the preceedings. I think we should SCRAP the idea of a march of honour (or whatever the term is), scrap the no helmet idea and any other "cartoon biker" activites that were planned. I agree totally with Paul on this, I don't think I'll be taking part in any of those should they occur.

Ok so I hope we are still going on Friday, since tomorrow is Thursday and I haven't organised time off work if necessary...
Dave.

[RiderInBlack]

Wish I could be there. From reading Sam's family's posting, I get the feeling that they understand and welcome our wish to pay repect to Sam's passing. For those who are not direct friends or family that have a problem with "Bikers" being at the funeral, as long as you all behave in a respectable manner, they will learn that "bikers" are not just a bunch of hoons with no reguard for others. This can only be good for the future image of motorbike riders.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

For those who are not direct friends or family that have a problem with "Bikers" being at the funeral, as long as you all behave in a respectable manner, they will learn that "bikers" are not just a bunch of hoons with no reguard for others. This can only be good for the future image of motorbike riders.

What this man said. All the answers in one comment.