Am I Being A Douchebag?
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
From: NYC
First, why do you need to tell them why you're not able to make it? They didn't consider anyone else by letting their 15 yr old unlicensed kid come!
Second, think about this the 15yr old WILL be a distraction for you & everyone else on the ride. I wouldn't want to be worrying about him so much that now I'm not truly paying attention to whats going on around me.
I'm sure he has a good ability to ride because I cant imagine parents putting their child in that situation. Still I don't think it's a wise move. It's your call.
Second, think about this the 15yr old WILL be a distraction for you & everyone else on the ride. I wouldn't want to be worrying about him so much that now I'm not truly paying attention to whats going on around me.
I'm sure he has a good ability to ride because I cant imagine parents putting their child in that situation. Still I don't think it's a wise move. It's your call.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 199
Likes: 118
From: Pocono Mountains
BadPiggy, you're definitely not a douchebag. No reason for you to go along and feel responsible for contributing to something that may go wrong. If the parents want to take that responsibility, let them have at it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,861
From: Western South Dakota
There is a lot of ways to look at this one.
For whatever reason it does not appear that care for the guy, his wife or maybe his kid?
I could be wrong, but it sounds like you are kind of resentful, that maybe the guy wanted to turn the ride into a family thing. where as you think it should be a "guy thing"?
Maybe the 15 year old is a good bike rider?
You can't blame a guy for wanting to spend time with his family.
Maybe the guy shouldn't have included his family, but he did, and desptie the kid not being legal, it really has no bearing on you one way or the other...
I would have to know all the facts before I can logically comment.
For whatever reason it does not appear that care for the guy, his wife or maybe his kid?
I could be wrong, but it sounds like you are kind of resentful, that maybe the guy wanted to turn the ride into a family thing. where as you think it should be a "guy thing"?
Maybe the 15 year old is a good bike rider?
You can't blame a guy for wanting to spend time with his family.
Maybe the guy shouldn't have included his family, but he did, and desptie the kid not being legal, it really has no bearing on you one way or the other...
I would have to know all the facts before I can logically comment.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
From: Grayson, GA
Ok first, the parents are idiots, second, the parents are idiots!
I agree with all the other posts, I would steer clear of this one. I am all for teaching a kid to ride as early as possible, parking lots, back roads, short distances. Putting a 15 yr old in a group with no experience is crazy. This is an disaster waiting to happen.
Then there is the issue of no license and no insurance, what are they teaching the kid about laws? Kids are going to push the limits enough on there own, having parent that doesn't respect the law even if they don't agree with it will teach the kid that he does not need to respect the law.
Just my
I agree with all the other posts, I would steer clear of this one. I am all for teaching a kid to ride as early as possible, parking lots, back roads, short distances. Putting a 15 yr old in a group with no experience is crazy. This is an disaster waiting to happen.
Then there is the issue of no license and no insurance, what are they teaching the kid about laws? Kids are going to push the limits enough on there own, having parent that doesn't respect the law even if they don't agree with it will teach the kid that he does not need to respect the law.
Just my
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 13
From: MA
I'm with you and wouldn't ride either. I can't believe a parent would teach his child it's ok to break the law and ride when he's not supposed to. What's he gonna tell the kid later in life when he wants to break other laws?
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,335
Likes: 0
From: Tidewater
In Virginia this is called child abuse and as a licensed professional I would be duty bound to report it or risk losing my license, if I knew about it. So yes I would turn away and no sir YOU are not the douche bag...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 3
From: Southeastern Michigan
If that's how you feel - You are absolutely entitled to it! AND there is nothing that can be said negative of you! Period!!!!
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Joe Kucinski
Intermediate
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 6
You don't wanna ride with him, then dont. No douchebag status, regardless of the reason for skipping the ride.
You call the cops or Child Protective Services, full douchebag status reached.
Maybe the parents would rather have him riding with them in a semi-controlled environment instead of taking his buddies CBR600 out after a party next weekend. Some of you need to re-evaluate things.
You call the cops or Child Protective Services, full douchebag status reached.
Maybe the parents would rather have him riding with them in a semi-controlled environment instead of taking his buddies CBR600 out after a party next weekend. Some of you need to re-evaluate things.
