Bikers and Relationships

Not too many years ago, bikers were not considered to be amongst the leading
citizens of our society.. Bikers were brought to mind, the unshaven gang
type individual that would be considered amongst the borderline criminal
elements.. That reputation was largely deserved .. The "gang" images
projected by bikers were originated by Hell's Angels.. Avengers.. Phoenix..
Gypsies, etc..etc.. With names like Bandidos and Outlaws, who could arrive
at another opinion.. The older bikers amongst us can remember when, as a
solo rider on the highway, the general public had very little respect for
any of us.. We were refused service in restaurants, motels and service
stations to buy gas.. As a group, we were gazed at by that public with awe
and dislike.. We have survived.. Now we can boast that we have doctors,
lawyers (no comment), law enforcement officer, pastors, politicians, even a
few judges.. millionaires, zillionaires and you name it in our numbers.. In
the beginnings, bikers shared one common interest of brotherhood and they
were loyal and dedicated to each other in ways that are difficult to
understand.. If you rode two wheels, you could not be "all bad".. With all
the progress we have made.. respect of the public.. envy of the freedom
oriented lifestyle and the many good causes we represent and stand for.. we
have lost the most important virtues that gave us respect.. Brotherhood no
longer exists amongst the bikers of our world, today.. Very few of the
riders who chauffer the "showboats" of technology that is available for us
to buy even understand the meaning of such a profound word as
"Brotherhood"..We meet and greet each other on the highways.. and streets..
We gather at our rallies..We go to all the "shows" and functions that offer
the "latest"..We no longer know how to fabricate the accessories that
improve our machines and make them "better".. We play with our "gadgets" of
technology and are impressed with the advances that assume we are part of a
progressive motorcyclist's world.. Few of us KNOW what a helmet placed
alongside a roadway represents.. Even fewer would respond if they KNEW..
Fewer yet, even understand the commttment of friendship and brotherhood.. It
would seem that NONE have experienced the kind of brotherhood that would
lead a man to travel halfway across this country to spend a weekend with
another brother.. when he has reason to believe, his time is almost upon
him.. That, my friends is BROTHERHOOD..That is dedication to true friendship
and brotherhood.. I have been "blessed" in knowing that kind of
relationship, many times over.. It is sad and such a pity that so few, even
understand the meaning of what I am saying.. I have selected friends with
care, for most of my life.. Some.. who I did not select have "selected" me,
as their friend.. For that, I am thankful, for they have become the epitome
of a "true" and faithful friend.. I have so many acquaintances that I love
and enjoy their company.. I have a select number of those, I consider my
friend.. In all these years, I have witnessed a transformation of the Biker
Brotherhood which is misleading and an abortion of the definition of the
word.. The concept that "if he rides two wheels, he can't be all bad" is no
longer true.. Friendship and Brotherhood are only words to describe the
impressive gadgets, showboat motorcycles and the grasp of technology that we
can BUY.. We depend on manufacturers to supply us with any shiny accessories
that enhance our image.. We no longer fabricate and even invent the parts
that makes that machine "mine".. We choose up sides and gang up on those we
disagree with.. I have seen such gang fights on this group.. I have been the
subject of such gang fights.. I've seen so-called bikers, who I have ridden
with and defended on occasion declare open war on another who they knew
personally and claimed to be friends with.. I must admit that most of the
ones that I describe, are not in any majority and most post their "gang
fights" anonymously .. Most are virtually "unknown" and invisible in the
real world, even though they profess to being motorcyclist enthusiasts.. who
"ride"..I miss those old days and I miss those "old" and legitimate bikers..
I miss that "brotherhood" and those friends and acquaintances that I have
loved and been loved in return.. The projections of friendships amongst a
few on this newgroup is only an illusion.. They are treacherous and will
turn on each other in a heartbeat.. Insults are hurled back and forth with
venom and hate.. Ones considered "friends" will turn on the very ones who
have defended them.. Fortunately, they are not amongst the majority.. The
good friends I have troubled to meet personally, represent the elements of
brotherhood that I respect and admire.. The ones who have no concept of
these words can only be described as contemptible and fakes, posing as
something they don't even understand.. These are thoughts that have been
considered for several weeks..by me. This post isn't intended as any attack
of anyone and should be considered, and give us all something to think
about..Conscience is something that only, each one of us, must live
with..Where do you measure up ?

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

Damn pard.. you've dated yourself.. Good post.. The price of those Harley's
have gone up considerably.. In 1953, we had returned from a tour in Korea..
My buddy talked me into buying a motorcycle through the Navy Exchange in
Long Beach.. We each bought us a new Harley for $650.00 apiece..It must have
been a "Sportster", but I don't remember much about the bike other than it
was dark green.. We left Long Beach in the morning and late in the evening,
after that ride across the California desert and the worst part of the
Arizona desert, we were fried .. We got into Gila Bend and a small truck
stop..The kid waiting on us, yep .. they did those things back then, was
admiring those bikes.. I sold mine to him, on the spot.. When his dad got
there and paid me, I stepped across the highway, much to the surprise of my
friend and stuck out the old thumb.. yep.. in those days, you could catch a
ride, especially in uniform.. I didn't ride again until the early eighties..
when I bought another motorcycle..

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

When a biker is down, either mechanically or accidentally.. He places his
helmet alongside the pavement to signal to others that he needs help..One
such story is of a biker .. alone on a highway in New Mexico, lost control
and his bike left the highway and pinned him, out of sight and hidden from
view.. He was unable to free himself and all he could do was toss his helmet
toward the highway.. A group of bikers in a van saw the helmet and
immediately searched for him.. They found him .. badly injured and would
have surely died, had the bikers not taken action.. Bikers have broken down
on the highway and placed their helmets alongside the road.. Drivers in cars
recognized the signal and stop to help him.. LOL.. If you are ever in need,
place the helmet next to the pavement and don't be surprised if a gang of
Hells Angels stop to help you...I appreciate you asking me the question and
not surprised that no one else did.. Thanks IceMan

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

just out of curiosity just what does the helmet along side the road mean?

"Rider needs assistance"

And the actual placement is toward the rear tire of the bike if it's
parked on the shoulder where it can be seen. If off the main road (in a
ditch, down a side road, etc.) then by the side of the road where the
most traffic is.

 

Been "googling" again, I see...huh.. Mark

 

Why not.. Morgan ?? My comment addressing Mark, had nothing whatsoever to do
with you..

 

Why do you think that you are the ONLY one here that knows this shit?[/QUOTE]

Actually I never thought of using Google. That's old news. I was glad to
help out.

Why would anyone that knows anything ask him?

 

Wouldn't it be just the luck to throw your helmet into the roadway and
smash into a windshield killing some preacher on his way home from
revival and his family and church sues you and your family for
throwing the helmet....

Can anyone say "McDonald's vs. Fat People"?

Speaking of, has anyone heard the "new tax" that republican governors
are coming up with these days? One such is up north. They're going to
tax "junk food". That's right, anything with sugar considered "junk
food" will be taxed. It would be exempt from taxing if it contains
flour though. Their thoughts are to solve the obesity problem. Why not
just sue Mars Candy for marketting their candy for EVERY holiday?
Everytime there's a holiday, they have a candy for it. My wife and I
were going through the major holidays and couldn't find one that there
wasn't a candy associated with.

I've never figured out the Valentine's candy..."here baby, I love
you...to 'git' nice and plumpy jiggly in your thong teddy". Sort
reminds me of Ron White's "truth in advertising" when he was saying
about the diamond commercials. He was saying "diamonds are forever"
and "diamonds take her breath away"...then said "why don't they just
say it....diamonds, that'll shut her up".

 

dunno.. except for arrogant fucks like you.. Might learn something.. Still
want to fight ..huh.. Mark.. Waco is about 85 miles south.. Let's do it..
you clandestine ****..