Attitude readjustment

[Pwalo]

I think we're all taking this far too seriously. I can't see how riding a motorcycle changes my personality, or values, or even value as a person.

Face it we are just a bunch of people who ride motorcycles. That's it.

[Ewan Oozarmy]

One thing I've noticed since riding over here (NZ) is 95% of bikers I see on the road give me a nod, and I give one back.

This is actually unique to NZ and great as far as I'm concerned. Biker community. All good!

[Griff]

The point I'm trying to make is, wtf does "above all else he's/she's a biker" mean? Does it mean that over and above the fact that he/she may be a total scumbag, he/she rides a motorbike and therefore should be seen and treated as a "brother/sister"?

Personally I see it like this...

I ride every day in all conditions, all weathers.
When I see another biker (irrespective of what he/she rides), they are in the same minority and are facing the same conditions that I go through and that, I respect.

I DO CARE if someone has been involved in an accident and often have wished that these total strangers recover soon and get back on the road.

I understand your point about the term Brother or Sister to a degree, but please give it a rest eh? Otherwise when you have something really valuable to say, no-one will take any noticeand that would be sad.

[Joni]

I DO CARE if someone has been involved in an accident and often have wished that these total strangers recover soon and get back on the road.

Question, is this because the person is a biker? Or because you are a decent human being who would be concerned for people who are hurt/killed in an accident?

[Griff]

Hi Joni,
I don't think you were REALLY directing that question at me, were you?

[avgas]

"brotherhood".

Name one that doesn't have assholes, back stabbers etc
Its a brotherhood, just as dysfunctional as the rest.
Well mabey a little less dysfunctional then the rotary club.

[Joni]

Hi Joni,
I don't think you were REALLY directing that question at me, were you?

Yes i was in a way.... but not at you direclty... more hypothetically.

Im trying to figure out do people care just because the person injured/killed is a biker, or do they care as people.

:spudwhat:

[avgas]

Question, is this because the person is a biker? Or because you are a decent human being who would be concerned for people who are hurt/killed in an accident?

Its the "It-could-have-been-me" thing.
I had the same issue when i was working on site.

[Joni]

Its the "It-could-have-been-me" thing.

OK, thanks! Makes sence

So its that most of us relate to bikers more than we do to a guy sandwiched in a cage?

[avgas]

I think we're all taking this far too seriously. I can't see how riding a motorcycle changes my personality, or values, or even value as a person.
Face it we are just a bunch of people who ride motorcycles. That's it.

Sad to hear someone feels that way.
For me it is something i would never give up.
Its something that links me to people who have shared the same experience.
Its something that leads to exchange of conversation, sharing of stories etc.
Are your a motorcyclist - or do you just use it for transport as there is a difference.

[007XX]

Yes i was in a way.... but not at you direclty... more hypothetically.

Im trying to figure out do people care just because the person injured/killed is a biker, or do they care as people.

:spudwhat:

One would hope that the rule is for the second option, but then, I am an idealistic kind of girl...

Personally, I'd stop for a car or a bike in trouble. Wether being a biker has made me more sensitive to someone in need on the road, I'd say yes.

[Griff]

Yes i was in a way.... but not at you direclty... more hypothetically. Im trying to figure out do people care just because the person injured/killed is a biker, or do they care as people.

I care because I nearly lost my right arm and was left for dead in a Hit'n'Run bike accident years ago and can still emphasize with the pain, anger, frustration and the feeling of helplessness that these poor sods must be going through.

If these guys and gals reach out for help, then it should be given to them. (Sounds a bit like the Mental Health TV Advert that is going around at the moment - "Tell someone about it and if they don't get it, then tell someone else until you find someone who does get it" etc).

What goes around .... comes around.

[avgas]

So its that most of us relate to bikers more than we do to a guy sandwiched in a cage?

Yeh pretty much, the exception to the rule is if you hear about an accident when you have driven alot (say every day), then one day you dont go to work and someone dies in a car accident at the time you were suppose to be on that road.
Leaves you with a feeling of fate. You are familiar with the environment, so it all seems to real for you.
I still find it hilarious pointing out the various areas where i have crashed to others as new stuff is there, i have my own painted white line on dominon road (no line was there previous to my crash), on the waihi-whangamata there is a 45kph corner with a brand new fenced section of paddock etc
If i hear of someone crashing in that area i instantly feel something.
Likewise when there is a tunneling accident.

[Joni]

Well said Mr Griff.

[Maha]

It is in fact a 'band of brothers' to some extent, all of the hallmarks are there and one of the great things about KB is the frequency of the evidence of that.

We had a KB party in July last year...this bloke called Macktheknife said he would turn up...never met him before...does he resemble his avatar? turns out a few turned up that we had never met before and we are so happy that MtK came here that night, hes a wonderful chap... band of brothers/sister's?....yeah i think so, but like all family's...not everyone sees eye to eye on every issue.