I finally felt well enough to go for a short ride on my unfinished trike yesterday. Cold as hell, 38 degrees but wonderful. Stopped at the corner store on the way home. When I came out there was 4 young guys with Harleys parked next to mine. I said Hi as I folded up my cane and got on. One of the guys says "nice vest" I said thanks thinking his comment was genuine. As I started my bike he said "what are you a patch collecter..afraid to ride 2 wheels" Part of me wished I was the old me, before becoming disabled, the guy who wouldn't have thought twice about clocking this A#@ and asking if his friends had anything funny they'ld like to say..but I just chuckeled and road off, I already didn't feel well because of the effects of riding. You know, I've been riding since the 60s, before these ****** were born, but never owned a vest or patch. But since becoming disabled, my brother died. I bought a patch that reminded me of a tattoo he had and another that says "In memory of my brother Steve". I have now joined HOG, BTW, AMA, MRF and Abate. And I've added those patches even though I have only been able to attend 1 meeting and 2 rides in 2 years. Joining these groups and forums like this one, has kept me connected to something I love.
Anyway just wishing I had told them about my brother and what that patch means to me and that Ya I'm a patch collecter, what are you?

 

Your patches mean something to you and that's what matters.

I'm more of a pin collector from places I've been or just 'cause they look "cool".

 

Sounds like it's much better to be a patch collecter than a disrespectful punk like that guy was acting. Let it roll off your back knowing he is an ***, plain and simple.

 

I've quit asking people what certain patches on their vest mean. It turns into listening to a long story, which is fine. Kind of the same for most tats. The owner/wearer will usually have a deep or sentimental reason for them too.
On the other hand, there are those who will just sew on a patch cause it looks cool. I really don't know how to distinguish between the two without asking.

 

What A-holes! Especially sicne you said you had a cane with you! No respect!

 

Doesn't matter where you go, there will always be a punk bitch.
I see an older guy (70's) a few days a week on a trike; I just think I hope I still have the drive by that age.

 

Obviously they are probably newbies. They will say the wrong thing to the wrong person and receive there attitude adjustment sooner or later. I'm a patch and pin collector. Every patch or pin has meaning. I also like reading other peoples patches. You spot a patch from somewhere you haven't been and get a story and insight for a future trip. The kids future trip was probably to the next store because it was too cold. Don't sweat it.

 

Sorry for your problem with the young road kill. The one thing you and i know, his day will come, if continues to talk like that. Now, dammm if you only had one of those special canes, that has a blade pop out or a weighted cane perfect for bashing punk heads, might have broke the cane though Take care

 

Just gotta wonder what kind of ******** would make a crack like that to a guy with a cane getting on a trike. Shows me you are a dedicated rider who, in spite of your disability, still has the ***** to mount up and ride. You've got my respect. Like FXSTDSE2 said, they were probably instant bikers. Bought the HD's, do-rags and leathers and figured the bad-*** attitudes was part of the deal. Fug-em

 

Ya, a sword cane.......if only they folded up.......maybe a scabard on the front forks......