Author Topic: The "Anti-Wave" (Read 3886 times)

burmashave · « **on:** July 27, 2008, 09:29:03 AM »

I'd been thinking about how friendly the riders are here in upstate NY when I had what was a unique experience for me. Traveling down a street, I saw a Harley coming toward me. As I began to wave, he pulled his left hand off the grip and put it in his lap.

Guess he showed me, no?

I didn't get a good look at him, but I think, by the number of stickers on his helmet, that he's one of the wannabe generation. I'm not certain. Generally, everyone returns the wave up here, and I figure the ones who don't are just plain silly.

And while we are (or at least I am) on the subject, I think somebody could make a bundle by selling "weathered" Harley helmets. That is, unless someone has already thought of it--or unless the riders I see truly do not realize that they can earn a lifetime ban from the 1% by purchasing 10 matching stickers and then carefully arranging them on one's beanie helmet.

333 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2008, 01:46:38 PM »

It is a shame that portions of society strive to define themselves by stickers on a helmet, or the type of motorcycle one rides...

dustyc · « **Reply #2 on:** July 27, 2008, 05:47:26 PM »

I don't get too hung up if someone doesn't wave. I don't manage a wave to every other rider, though I do try.

I wouldn't worry about it if he didn't wave. Maybe he had a terrible case of ~~crabs~~ jock itch and really needed to go for the groin.

alltherightpills · « **Reply #3 on:** July 27, 2008, 07:14:24 PM »

I always try to wave, mostly because it makes me feel good, like when you wave to people when you are driving through the countryside. It's just a polite thing to do.

tramp · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2008, 03:32:19 AM »

always wave no matter what bike i'm on
if you wave back, cool
if, thats your problem

Steve F · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2008, 04:41:09 AM »

Speaking of waving, I like to drive past folks out on their deck having a party or something, honk the horn a few times and wave like we're old friends......they wave back, probably thinking "who the hell was that?"
Makes my wife laugh

spdiii · « **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2008, 07:42:43 AM »

You may have just become a victim of what is known in my area as, "The Harley Snubb". It is well documented in these parts. If you can imagine what biker traffic on western South Dakota Roads looks like (Sturgis country), thats how it is around Mid-Michigan. Some,,,,or a few do wave though, so I have become conditioned to wave only when waved to. Atleast I still wave back regardless of who is waving at me, If I see them at all. Just as well, I used to spend a good part of my riding time left hanging with my hand in the air. Not very safe

Roach Carver · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2008, 08:47:43 AM »

had a guy on a harley in almost the exact same situation. he definately went out of his way to ignore me when we passed. It was a bit agravating and I decided why should I wave. I don't wave at people just because they drive a chevy or wear red. I am just sick of the attitude that seems to go with the harley/ yuppie crowd. I know there are many nice folks on harleys, but there are also many, many a -holes

burmashave · « **Reply #8 on:** July 28, 2008, 09:09:54 AM »

In a way, I just feel sorry for him. Two buddies and I rode about 100 mi (161 km) yesterday, and it seemed that everyone was riding in groups. All of them waived with what my old German language professor would have called, "mit gefuehl!" (with feeling!)

My philosophy comes in part from years of severe depression. I had lived on the edge of suicide since I was about 9 or 10. At 44, I'm finally in good shape now, thanks to God, a wonderful family, truly great friends, and an inspired doctor in addition to medicines unavailable a decade or two ago. Anyhoo, after coming out of that, I just feel that if I have something good to say to- or something friendly to do for- someone, I say it or do it. Why hold it in? The opportunities slip by and are gone. Giving someone a smile or laugh is something precious that lasts, as is also the case for lending a hand.

Obviously, I think about things a lot, but I can say that most of the folks here feel the same way, whether they think about it in the same terms. [edit]By the way, I'm not talking about how folks here feel about the wave.[/edit]

rbmgf7 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 28, 2008, 09:19:29 AM »

i always make the other person wave first. i always try to return the gesture unless i'm shifting

rhos1355 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 28, 2008, 09:37:24 AM »

Quote from: burmashave on July 28, 2008, 09:09:54 AM

At 44, I'm finally in good shape now, thanks to God, a wonderful family, truly great friends, and an inspired doctor in addition to medicines unavailable a decade or two ago. Anyhoo, after coming out of that, I just feel that if I have something good to say to- or something friendly to do for- someone, I say it or do it. Why hold it in? The opportunities slip by and are gone. Giving someone a smile or laugh is something precious that lasts, as is also the case for lending a hand.

It seems to me as I go thru life and meet more people, that this reflects a certain trend: the more hardship people have experienced in their lives and then managed to surmount these personal problems, the friendlier and kinder they tend to be towards their fellow men and women.
Whilst the ones who have never experienced the slightest trauma or tragedy in their lives seem to be the most selfish and egocentric. A bit of a paradox that.

alltherightpills · « **Reply #11 on:** July 28, 2008, 10:02:11 AM »

Quote from: rhos1355 on July 28, 2008, 09:37:24 AM

It seems to me as I go thru life and meet more people, that this reflects a certain trend: the more hardship people have experienced in their lives and then managed to surmount these personal problems, the friendlier and kinder they tend to be towards their fellow men and women.
Whilst the ones who have never experienced the slightest trauma or tragedy in their lives seem to be the most selfish and egocentric. A bit of a paradox that.

Isn't it funny that usually the people who don't have a lot to give (money, food, time, etc) often give more than the people who have a lot. I think this is especially true outside of the US where hospitality is a highly valued virtue. Whenever I come back from a trip overseas or to another country, I am always surprised and a little depressed when I realize how selfish and greedy we are. There are exceptions of course, but I think as a nation we tend to hoard as much as we can.

Joel · « **Reply #12 on:** July 28, 2008, 10:08:00 AM »

Almost all of the riders I've passed have waved to me. I do notice a few now and then who don't but I haven't noticed anyone ignoring me on purpose. At least I haven't been able to tell if it is on purpose.

gregimotis · « **Reply #13 on:** July 28, 2008, 12:42:23 PM »

Quote from: Joel C on July 28, 2008, 10:08:00 AM

Almost all of the riders I've passed have waved to me. I do notice a few now and then who don't but I haven't noticed anyone ignoring me on purpose. At least I haven't been able to tell if it is on purpose.

Same here - Harleys wave just as much as anybody as far as I can tell.

Ecosse · « **Reply #14 on:** July 28, 2008, 02:42:15 PM »

More HD riders wave back around here than before. My theory is that the current crop of Yuppies aren't aware of the antiwave/ no wave rule. Maybe some are just realizing the wasted energy in elitism. I wave to HD riders and for the ones who don't return I have to just chuckle. One bad a$$ didn't return the wave, likely trying to maintain his coolness, but failed to notice his blinker was on!

But some brand X riders don't wave back either which just reminds me that maybe some just don't feel like it. As they say in Sweden, Say la Vee.

BTW rightpills, there are many hospitable and generous people in the US. We as private citizens give more to charity than any other nation and NYC on 9/11 showed how even big bad city folk have big hearts. I am constantly amazed by the kindness of strangers both of Left and Right persuasions. Maybe you're hanging out with the wrong crowd? I recall when France had that major heatwave (2 yrs. ago?) and the sick and elderly were dropping like flies while the young and healthy were away on 'holiday'.

Please think twice about over generalizations like "...how selfish and greedy we are" statements.

DarkRider · « **Reply #15 on:** July 28, 2008, 03:45:09 PM »

I wave to most riders...the only times i dont is when the hand is in use opperating the clutch. When i first got back onto two wheels i didnt wave but thats because the Interceptor had some issues that needed to be worked at at the time...aka a very wobbly front end..

alltherightpills · « **Reply #16 on:** July 28, 2008, 05:09:08 PM »

Quote from: Ecosse on July 28, 2008, 02:42:15 PM

BTW rightpills, there are many hospitable and generous people in the US. We as private citizens give more to charity than any other nation and NYC on 9/11 showed how even big bad city folk have big hearts. I am constantly amazed by the kindness of strangers both of Left and Right persuasions. Maybe you're hanging out with the wrong crowd? I recall when France had that major heatwave (2 yrs. ago?) and the sick and elderly were dropping like flies while the young and healthy were away on 'holiday'.

Please think twice about over generalizations like "...how selfish and greedy we are" statements.

I debated about putting a caveat in there because of how much of a blatant and obvious generalization and overstatement that was. Naturally there are countless caring and giving people in the US and I know a couple of dozen people who would bend over backwards for anybody, give you the shirt off their backs kind of folks. Hell, in Iowa City during the floods a month or two ago, the entire city shut down and everyone was down sandbagging. Strangers helping strangers is a beautiful thing to be a part of.

What I was trying to say was that, at least from my experience, people in other countries who are obviously less wealthy than I am have offered me their best food, their best bed, their best drink, etc and when I come back home, I am disappointed in my personal lack of hospitality as much as in our societal lack of hospitality. I don't think that kind of hospitality is valued as much in America as it is in other countries, and I think we could benefit from learning how to do it better.

boatsdickson · « **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2008, 05:29:57 PM »

Im courtious to most others on the road. There is 1 growing trend in our city and most likely others that I dont quite understand though. Ill commonly see a large-ish group of young guys (18-25 years old..guessing) on their rice rockets gathered together, and once you ride by, they will pull out and cruise right up with you for a while reving the pipes and sh!t. A few times one will want to split your lane with you and ride right beside. Thats my area! Ill wave them back and drift right over into the center of the lane. That automatically makes me the arsehole, but I think safer than them. If its intimidation they are offering because of their bikes or pack or whatever, I dont know. Who really cares.

As for waveing to the ones with the look like they just spent 50k on accessories and leather just to look cool, Ill wave at them like Im seeing an old friend and think to myself with a smile........ mines paid for.

Frankenkit · « **Reply #18 on:** July 28, 2008, 05:45:09 PM »

Quote from: rhos1355 on July 28, 2008, 09:37:24 AM

It seems to me as I go thru life and meet more people, that this reflects a certain trend: the more hardship people have experienced in their lives and then managed to surmount these personal problems, the friendlier and kinder they tend to be towards their fellow men and women.
Whilst the ones who have never experienced the slightest trauma or tragedy in their lives seem to be the most selfish and egocentric. A bit of a paradox that.

I've seen that, too. I suspect it's because we know in some ways how cold and harsh the world can be, and don't wish to inflict that on our fellow man... (and if we can bring a little light with us, so much the better!)

cleveland · « **Reply #19 on:** July 28, 2008, 05:46:26 PM »

Couple weeks ago I was riding up the strip and a pack of 30+ rockets were passing me in the opposite direction. I am usually the first one to way, and was this time too. ALL 30+ riders put their hand out! Kinda gave me goose pimples. Don't give up on the kids on rockets, they may just make it.

I must admit I have not had the "anti-wave" the way you did (what a prick!) but I did have something similar happen. A cop on an Ultra was riding by (opposite direction), put out his hand and as soon as he realized I was on a Honda he jerked his and in as looked the other way. It was like saying, "Opps, I thought you were one of us."

It used to bother me, but for every prick there are a ton of real riders. Guys and gals that are just happy to be on two wheels. Some of the over excited will nod and wave at the same time. It is down right comical, but better then the "anti-wave."

Oh, and I got the first "foot wave" the other day. Funniest damn thing I have seen in a long time.

Quote from: Kitsune84 on July 28, 2008, 05:45:09 PM

Quote from: rhos1355 on July 28, 2008, 09:37:24 AM
It seems to me as I go thru life and meet more people, that this reflects a certain trend: the more hardship people have experienced in their lives and then managed to surmount these personal problems, the friendlier and kinder they tend to be towards their fellow men and women.
Whilst the ones who have never experienced the slightest trauma or tragedy in their lives seem to be the most selfish and egocentric. A bit of a paradox that.

I've seen that, too. I suspect it's because we know in some ways how cold and harsh the world can be, and don't wish to inflict that on our fellow man... (and if we can bring a little light with us, so much the better!)

Yea, mean people suck!

burmashave · « **Reply #20 on:** July 28, 2008, 07:21:50 PM »

Quote from: alltherightpills

What I was trying to say was that, at least from my experience, people in other countries who are obviously less wealthy than I am have offered me their best food, their best bed, their best drink, etc and when I come back home, I am disappointed in my personal lack of hospitality as much as in our societal lack of hospitality. I don't think that kind of hospitality is valued as much in America as it is in other countries, and I think we could benefit from learning how to do it better.

Bah, what a sweeping generalization. You'll find countries better and worse on the personal hospitality scale. There are some countries that have tremendous personal hospitality only. There are many countries where personal hospitality is shunned, and others where suspicions rule.

As for the sandbagging efforts, that's about par here. I know of several churches who sent crews and supplies 1,800 miles to help Katrina victims *yet again* this year. I'd call it hospitality when one raises funds for a trip, drives four days and then spends a week working on the houses of strangers. I wouldn't mention this except that it's not that unusual here; however, such self sacrifice is unusual most other places in the world.

spdiii · « **Reply #21 on:** July 28, 2008, 07:42:58 PM »

Since we're on subject, whattaya make of this? One of my rides. is a Triumph speed triple. For those who are not familiar with it, it has two large round headlights that may look like some American made model bikes from head on. I have 3 different helmets. One black fullface, one red with modern graphics & tinted(rice hat) and one half helmet with visor. I switch up depending on the weather or time of day, and sometimes my mood. I have noticed that when I'm wearing the black FF I get the wave from nearly everyone. When I wear the red helmet I only get waves from rice rockets. When I wear the half helmet I get waves from most Harley riders but almost no rice rockets. The black FF seems to get the most pullback waves. I had know idea how confusing I am out on the road. I think I'm going to try a Jack in the Box head next

Is this thread gettin heavy?

Ecosse · « **Reply #22 on:** July 28, 2008, 08:21:09 PM »

To answer that question spdiii and to expand on what cleveland experienced I have to say when I get a wave from HD riders I have renewed faith in Mankind.

Off my bike I sometimes think "man, how ridiculous is the wave... I feel like that moron in the Corvette or Porsche waving to the other like car as though it's some freakin' club secret handshake" but then when I'm riding and loving life and a fellow rider acknowledges you with a wave it makes sense. When a group passes and a half dozen hands come up it's even cooler.

But when aging 'Boomers in socks & sandals and tie dye hemp shirts who think they're still hip start waving to each other in their Prius' the wave will have officially 'jumped the shark'.

spdiii · « **Reply #23 on:** July 28, 2008, 09:08:11 PM »

Agreed!

cleveland · « **Reply #24 on:** July 28, 2008, 09:41:44 PM »

Quote from: Ecosse on July 28, 2008, 08:21:09 PM

But when aging 'Boomers in socks & sandals and tie dye hemp shirts who think they're still hip start waving to each other in their Prius' the wave will have officially 'jumped the shark'.

Hahahaha I sometimes wave to folks on scooters. I see the single headlight and my hand drops, it's natural. As well these days a lot of scooters look like rockets when they are coming towards you. I have yet to have one wave back.

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Author Topic: The "Anti-Wave" (Read 3886 times)

rhos1355