Am I Being A Douchebag?
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
Just me as an ex LE (Deputy Sheriff) but I believe Roadking2000 pretty much covered it. Yes, I rode before it was legal to do so, but it was on private property in the CA hills. One neighbor/friend had six and a half sections either owned or leased.
If something is illegal or wrong, it is just that. Even if there ride goes on without an accident, what do you suppose will happen if a random traffic stop is set up somewhere checking for drunks in one of those "Take Back Our Highways" thing that seems to be so popular anymore? Kid gets a ticket, Daddy gets a ticket for allowing an unlicensed operator on the bike, then Mommy & Daddy get sent to take parenting classes for endangerment, depending on where you are the bike then gets impounded. As an even worse case, what if the kid then panics an takes off with the police then in pursuit?
NO, this whole thing is just not a good idea at all. As I said several posts back this is not the 1950s or the 1960s. (If it was, my answer would likely be different somewhat.) Unfortunately, this is 2010 with a whole new set of rules that we have to live by.
If something is illegal or wrong, it is just that. Even if there ride goes on without an accident, what do you suppose will happen if a random traffic stop is set up somewhere checking for drunks in one of those "Take Back Our Highways" thing that seems to be so popular anymore? Kid gets a ticket, Daddy gets a ticket for allowing an unlicensed operator on the bike, then Mommy & Daddy get sent to take parenting classes for endangerment, depending on where you are the bike then gets impounded. As an even worse case, what if the kid then panics an takes off with the police then in pursuit?
NO, this whole thing is just not a good idea at all. As I said several posts back this is not the 1950s or the 1960s. (If it was, my answer would likely be different somewhat.) Unfortunately, this is 2010 with a whole new set of rules that we have to live by.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
No doubt "things have changed",...... but the biggest thing that changed is that we are looking at the world thru older eyes.
I don't let my kids do half of the chit I used to do.
But it was okay for me back then.
This kid is gonna return from this trip a seasoned rider and he is gonna think his dad is the coolest dad ever.
Super bonding!
Add a lil risk for the adrenaline rush = memories the kid will have 80 years from now.
Sure, something can go wrong and everything turns sour.
Everything has it's risks. The more fun, the more risky.
Y'all can walk on my lawn anytime you want.
I don't let my kids do half of the chit I used to do.
But it was okay for me back then.
This kid is gonna return from this trip a seasoned rider and he is gonna think his dad is the coolest dad ever.
Super bonding!
Add a lil risk for the adrenaline rush = memories the kid will have 80 years from now.
Sure, something can go wrong and everything turns sour.
Everything has it's risks. The more fun, the more risky.
Y'all can walk on my lawn anytime you want.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 286
Likes: 103
From: Rice, MN
Sounds like the start of a new thread: "You might be a douchebag if..."
However I would not ride with a group that includes a 15yo on his own bike, AND I would let the parents and my other buddies in the group know it.
However I would not ride with a group that includes a 15yo on his own bike, AND I would let the parents and my other buddies in the group know it.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
Like I tell My Kids..
Will the consequences be worth it if you get caught? In NY if you get caught driving or riding without a license and you are under age, You don't get a license until 21! Has the kid been riding dirtbikes since he was six? OP said not experienced. I will not subject my riding buddies to an inexperienced rider, let alone an unlicensed one.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Saint Petersburg, FL
I wouldn't ride with the parents even if the kid wasn't with them. What other hair-brained stunt might they pull down the road?
I only ride with people I've ridden with locally several times. We sort of audition each other. No problem if we're not matched.
I only ride with people I've ridden with locally several times. We sort of audition each other. No problem if we're not matched.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 371
Likes: 16
From: Durham, north east England
Well said! This is a different world we live in now. Back when most of the posters on here learned to ride, we didn't have people on cell phones running red lights while texting. This is a great forum with great info, but I've learned two things now as well. One, theres a lot of people that shouldn't be doing their own maintenance. Two, Now I see a lot that I hope are not parents if they are going to teach their kids to break the law. JMO
Faast Ed: What happens if he doesn't return a seasoned rider etc? but instead returns injured or after seeing his Dad and / or Mom arrested and his bike impounded, or he has an accident thru his inexperience and hurts / kills someone innocent? Where's the bonding then and is it really worth the risk? At the very least, if they have to break the law, pick a short trip where bad things are less likely to happen.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 36
From: Georgia Mountains
Are you kidding? We (forum members) routinely advise LICENSED ADULT riders to gain substantial experience before embarking on a 500 mile overnighter. Now we're gonna' send a kid, a 15 year old, out on that same trip.
Nope. I hate riding with inexperienced riders on long trips, and did so for MANY MILES as my wife developed her skills. Not doing it again if I can help it. There is no unlicensed 15 year old who has the experience level for that, and it doesn't matter how much dirt time he has. The street is different. Add on top of that the unlicensed/uninsured aspect and it's a no-brainer.
Knowledge without experience is just information.
Nope. I hate riding with inexperienced riders on long trips, and did so for MANY MILES as my wife developed her skills. Not doing it again if I can help it. There is no unlicensed 15 year old who has the experience level for that, and it doesn't matter how much dirt time he has. The street is different. Add on top of that the unlicensed/uninsured aspect and it's a no-brainer.
Knowledge without experience is just information.
Last edited by rdam; Sep 6, 2010 at 10:04 PM.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 56
From: north of Daytona
Pretty responsible parents if you ask me..not wanting to
leave a minor child by themselves.
If the child is a girl, fine (sportys are for girls, you know!).
But seriously, me being me...I would question the judgement of the parents.
Say your piece, and say I might with you later. Then step away.
That's just me though.
chuck
leave a minor child by themselves.
If the child is a girl, fine (sportys are for girls, you know!).
But seriously, me being me...I would question the judgement of the parents.
Say your piece, and say I might with you later. Then step away.
That's just me though.
chuck