The Wave
Re: The Wave
Thumbs up, thumbs down. Does it matter what order that's given? Had one experience of breaking down and waiting for help on an extremely hot day. Had one person stop to offer help, had another to pass by and wave only to come back about 10 minutes later with cold drinks and offering to help. That one act of kindness made me tear up. I try to help others too.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 30,914
Likes: 16
From: Springfield, Ohio
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
You had a bad day and now you are disenchanted with the biker botherhood myth. I refuse to let a bad day and some self centered ********. Whom didn't stop to offer help become the excuse for me not being a helpful, somewhat friendly biker. I don't care if anyone waves, doesn't wave, stops or goes by when I am on the side of the road. There will always be someone to stop and help or I will help myself. It is what it is.
The wave to biking "brothers" is a bunch of BS!!!
Let me first say, I always return a wave, also when passing a bike sitting on the side of the road I will "ask" for a thumbs up or thumbs down sign to see if they need help. A thumbs up I'll continue on, thumbs down I'll U-turn and see what they may need. Now I know that placing a helmet or flag on the bike or ground signifies help is needed, but some don't do that.
That being said: just this past week my riding buddy and I were returning to base after a long ride. His bike quit, luckily we were in cell phone range and could call for a tow. However, while we were sitting there for approx. 2 hours at least 2 dozen bikes passed, some in groups others solo. The solo riders didn't want to make eye contact at all, some glanced, but none stopped or even ask for a thumbs up. The group riders just kind of ignored us with the exception of one or two of their "bitches" giving their "Miss America" wave. One person did make a U-Turn to ask if we needed any assistance HE WAS IN A CAGE!!!!
From now on, all those that wave to me on the road, I'll wave back, but you don't want to know what I'm thinking!!!
Let me first say, I always return a wave, also when passing a bike sitting on the side of the road I will "ask" for a thumbs up or thumbs down sign to see if they need help. A thumbs up I'll continue on, thumbs down I'll U-turn and see what they may need. Now I know that placing a helmet or flag on the bike or ground signifies help is needed, but some don't do that.
That being said: just this past week my riding buddy and I were returning to base after a long ride. His bike quit, luckily we were in cell phone range and could call for a tow. However, while we were sitting there for approx. 2 hours at least 2 dozen bikes passed, some in groups others solo. The solo riders didn't want to make eye contact at all, some glanced, but none stopped or even ask for a thumbs up. The group riders just kind of ignored us with the exception of one or two of their "bitches" giving their "Miss America" wave. One person did make a U-Turn to ask if we needed any assistance HE WAS IN A CAGE!!!!
From now on, all those that wave to me on the road, I'll wave back, but you don't want to know what I'm thinking!!!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
You had a bad day and now you are disenchanted with the biker botherhood myth. I refuse to let a bad day and some self centered ********. Whom didn't stop to offer help become the excuse for me not being a helpful, somewhat friendly biker. I don't care if anyone waves, doesn't wave, stops or goes by when I am on the side of the road. There will always be someone to stop and help or I will help myself. It is what it is.
I've pulled over to find others are only taking a break also.
I still wave and still pull over and ask if they need a hand.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 0
From: Central FL
I used to stop and see if someone in a car needed help, but after walking up on a couple that had their hands in their pants I stopped. Now, I'll only stop if the hood is popped and both hands in the engine bay!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,971
Likes: 840
From: In front of the computer for now.
I try to stop when it's evident they need help and it's safe to do so. I once stopped at and entrance to the Blue Ridge Pkwy. for two sport bike riders. Asked them if they needed any help and they looked at me like I sprouted horns on my head. Had to explain to them, very slowly I might add, why I stopped. Hope they learned something.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
Yes the biker bro wave is BS...as far as you & buddy being stranded - did you have anything indicating there was a problem??? Unless you show there's an issue (i.e. dis-assembly, red flag/bandanna, flare, etc.) probably looked like you were stretching a bit...JMO...
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 337
Likes: 23
From: Arab MO
Last fall, while riding in southern IL, I passed a guy on an Ultra Classic that had fell over with him when he tried to pull over on a soft gravel shoulder. He told me it had been laying on its side for the better part of an hour, and numerious cars had passed with no one stopping to help.
But I was the first bike he had seen...
But I was the first bike he had seen...
