Conversations with Non-Riders, part I
How many of you have had this conversation? I have; many times. Typically, it occurs as I've just climbed off my bike at a diner or gas station.
Curious Onlooker: Nice bike. (substitute: Nice day for a ride, eh?)
Me: Thanks. (substitute: Yup, but then any day is a nice day for a ride!)
C.O.: My uncle got his leg ripped off riding a motorcycle.
Me: Ummmmmm......kay.
***
I remind myself in these situations that the non-rider is likely trying to wish me well or wanting me to know that he hopes I'll be safe...albeit coded in a horror story. Just once, though, I'd like to respond thus:
Is that your car over there? My great-auntie was scalped when her face went through the windshield of a car.
OR...
Are you planning on ordering the salad? 'Cuz I knew this guy who choked to death on one of those baby corns.
Feel free to comment below...
Curious Onlooker: Nice bike. (substitute: Nice day for a ride, eh?)
Me: Thanks. (substitute: Yup, but then any day is a nice day for a ride!)
C.O.: My uncle got his leg ripped off riding a motorcycle.
Me: Ummmmmm......kay.
***
I remind myself in these situations that the non-rider is likely trying to wish me well or wanting me to know that he hopes I'll be safe...albeit coded in a horror story. Just once, though, I'd like to respond thus:
Is that your car over there? My great-auntie was scalped when her face went through the windshield of a car.
OR...
Are you planning on ordering the salad? 'Cuz I knew this guy who choked to death on one of those baby corns.
Feel free to comment below...
3 Comments:
I've had this conversation and variations of it. There is no convincing non-riders that riding is a sane thing to do.
I smile, agree there is risk, and ride on. I've surrendered any expectations of being understood or respected for this particular choice. And it's turned out that it doesn't matter what they think.
steve
I agree, Steve -- what matters is what wethink. And frankly, I enjoy motorcycling just a little bit more because in the USA it's viewed by the masses as a bit nutso.
Oh, I forgot, Steve: I've visited your blog a few times before from the RTW.org site. I'm going to look into the MBI org after seeing the link on your site. BTW, have I seen your Vespa at the Ephrata "1st Sunday" ride-ins? It looks familiar...
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