Fellow riders,

I purchased my bike a few weeks ago and have already had dozens of people tell me how dangerous motorcycles are. Of course they're more dangerous than cars, I won't argue with that, but I think it is low of people sometimes to feel the need to share that with us riders. I don't feel any sort of need to tell hunters that hunting is dangerous or hikers that camping is dangerous or thrill-seekers that skydiving is dangerous. Sometimes the enjoyment of the activity comes from the danger inherent in that activity. I choose to ride with a helmet, but don't look down at all on those who don't.

Anyhow, when I've been hearing comments about the danger in motorcycling, my response has been, "Yes, of course they're more dangerous than cars, but I enjoy it and it makes sense to me. I rode in the Himalayas of Northern India for a year and I assure you the conditions over there were more dangerous."

I'd like to be able to have something to say "in my back pocket" that's more clever than this.

I don't want to say something lame like, "It's none of your business what I do, so get over it," because I don't think it's very clever and that's not my personality.

I don't want to say, "Yeah, you're right. I'll put it up for sale later today and buy a Volvo with 18 airbags."

I'd like to say something clever that almost hints at shaming the person who made the comment and would make them think twice about commenting about motorcycle danger again. I haven't been able to come up with anything yet.

I'd appreciate the advice of my fellow riders.

Peace out with your piece out.

 

I tend to say::
"The motorcycle itself isn't dangerous. It's people driving cars and trucks that pay no attention to what they're doing that makes riding a motorcycle inherently dangerous. Typically, I'm busydodgingidiots reading the newspaper, talking on their cellphones, or putting on makeup while they're driving."

 

Tell them... Just because your afraid to ride that doesnt mean we are....

 

How about "Yes, I have a death wish. And lately I've been thinking about taking someone with me."

Of course in this day and age, you'll be promptly hauled off to jail for being a threat to the workplace.

Maybe "But the del Fuegos won't let me join without one."?

OK, too early on a Monday for my creativity to kick in.

When my wife started riding, she kept hearing how irresponsible it was to start riding when she had kids at home from people who didn't think it was a problem that I rode. I think that's more insulting to me than to her even.

 

"Not assafeas your living room couch, that's for sure" I've quiped back a few times. Last week I was on an industrial safety course and a paramedic told me "If you saw what I see, you wouldn't ride one of those" to which I replied "Good thing you don't work in a VD clinic, eh?"

 

Q. Don't you realize how dangerous that is????

A. What's the worst that could happen?

Q. You could get killed!!!!!!!

A. Right!

Then you get the blank stare like deer looking at headlights.

 

How about shrugging your shoulders and walking away? No need to shame anybody, but if you must just tell the men where they can find their "man card". For the women call them "dream killers".

 

A few thoughts:

Motorcycles themselves are not dangerous, if you believe that, then I can blame mis-spelled words on my pencil.

Motorcycles would not be dangerous if it were not for cell phones…when they ask ‘How’s that’ reply “If you cagers would hang up and drive, the bike would be as safe as a car.

Safety is a relative term and your not kin to me.

 

The funny part is the ones telling you how dangerous riding a bike is are the same ones that almost kill a different biker everyday because of their stupidity. And after they almost kill you they look over at you with that stupid , "Huh?" look.

 

Tell them - I live for danger