Fair Weather Flip-Off

After a seemingly extended period of dreary and rainy nastiness so far this Springtime, the sky this morning is a nice clear blue - and from what the well-dressed folks on the television are saying; we've got a stretch of beautiful dry weather ahead of us. And that means...get ready for the posers!

Ya see, taking the same route to work every day, you get to know the regular riders.  The guys who aren't afraid of some overcast skies, or a few raindrops, or even some chilly temps.  And they get to know you.  You recognize each others' bikes, each others' riding styles, and it builds a bit of camaraderie.  So the "motorcycle wave" between us is a given.  A little bit of congratulations to each other for being true to the ride.

However, when the weather turns nice, now we have an influx of bikes.  Folks who are now all to eager to get out and show the world their stuff.  Their shiny bikes, their clean and spotless riding jackets, their feigned looks of disinterest and derision toward others, etc.  And when I give the motorcycle wave to them, they remain steadfast in their determination to (in their minds) stand above the rest of us, by not returning the wave.

I used to get aggravated at this behavior because when you wave to someone and they don't return it, it's kind of like a reverse wave.  It's like being flipped off, instead.

Now, though, I find it comical.  Why?  Because I see some of the same faces each springtime and I know they're also taking the same route every day.  Which means they see those of us who ride through the good and bad.  And oh...how it must irk them to see someone else actually enjoying their rides, weather be damned, all while they're stuck inside their comfy cages - some even with bold Harley stickers prominently displayed for all to see!  Ha haa!

So when this year's first instance of the fair weather flip-off happened (this morning) it made me smile.  And actually set the mood for this morning - a good mood!

Welcome back to the roads, everyone.  We've been waiting for you.

Ride Hard, Take Chances