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VTwin Mama's electronic biker wave: \\\\_ |
2004 Hello
again VTwin Mama, Dear
Chrome Broom, The biker hand wave is highly
individual and there is no right or wrong. In fact, a head nod is
considered highly acceptable, although is less visible and therefore can
be construed as stuck-up if the other rider misses it. Heres a fun look
at the subject. I myself like a 45 degree angle down
with flat palm and all fingers extended. For kicks however, I often
utilize the Queens wave which is a real art form . . . scroll
down this page to the picture titled, Royal Wave from the Train,
and then imagine just twisting your hand at the wrist slightly left and
right. Thats the Queens Wave and is highly unnerving to the
uninitiated rider, but great for fresh rider reaction! Friday, August 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, To Judy, congratulations, I've got 65 miles on my new Honda 750 Spirit and you should be proud to have been on the freeway, I'm maybe a week away from there... still cruising Milwaukee River Parkway and Lake Drive. Lynn-Twnyy1 Dear
Lynn, The choice to wave is personal. Some hardcore riders do not wave, some sporty bikers do not wave, some people in general do not wave. Do not take this personally. Some just lift their fingers without moving their hand, some just nod. The wave is optional and one should always consider that in heavy traffic, or trickier road passages, it's most important to concentrate on your ride versus the nicety of the wave. As a new rider, only release your left hand if you are comfortable doing so. Over time and improved riding skills, you'll be able to wave at just about any given moment! An added note: truck drivers and motorcyclists still share a comraderie on the road, mainly because both consider the other group as people who love being on the road. If I'm on an empty stretch of road and pass a trucker, I always raise my hand in greeting just as I pass the driver's door and hold it till I've passed by a few seconds. Should you ever be in trouble on the road, many truckers will come to the aid of a rider (remember that they've got the CB radios to call for assistance). \\\\_ Friday, August 6 For Jacque who is looking for input on biker customs: Your questions are valid and yes there are meanings to each of your questions. I want to know is there an international unwritten language for bikers? Yes, more so for Harley owners then any other type of bike. What does it mean to have the passenger pegs down? You put your pegs down when riding in a procession for a fallen rider. It shows respect, like the when they put the boots on backwards in the stirrups of the Commanding Officer's horse. Otherwise you should always ride with your passenger pegs up, for safety. You don't want those suckers getting caught on anything. What does <-----------> mean? I don't know what this is. What does having your helmet on the curb in front or in back of your bike mean? If you break down and need help, put your helmet on the ground by your bike. One big hint, if you go to any big rally never, never put your helmet hanging on your handlebars. It will either be stolen or full of trash when you get back. Otherwise, most people have a bike lock or they put them on their tanks or seats. In the MSF course they teach us to put them on the ground near our bikes. This is great if it is not in the rain, in the mud, dirt or gravel. Last but not least how do you wave properly? In the Harley world we have a special hand wave, point one finger down when passing a fellow biker. If the rider coming towards you is pointing repeatedly towards the ground it means that there is debris in the road ahead. Otherwise, people in general just wave. All this and more interesting Harley facts are in this link. Check it out, it is long reading I'll have to warn you, but worth the reading. I am old school and this is from the good ole days, when the sky was blue and the grass was green. It has interesting tidbits like "when you lead a ride don't spit", this one I like "You'll know she loves you if she offers to let you ride her bike and she will love you even more if you don't," or "sometimes it can take a full tank of gas before your head is straight." ST from NC, 883 Harley Owner (note from Mama: I was sooo fascinated by the information and wanted to make sure it didn't get lost on my site, so I've started a new page called Biker Symbology! I won't attempt to find all the previous material on the site that fits the bill, but will move it as I find it. Thanks for sharing!) Saturday, August 7 More on biker waves and other symbology: We've got a lot of riders in our area: most will wave, some (often the H-Ders) just give the quick nod (easier to see if they're wearing helmets). At first I wondered whether they'd wave 'cause I'm riding a scooter (albeit a 400cc displacement model)--no worries. Whether from H-Ders, Honda GWers or the sports bike dudes, the waves keep on a-rollin'. I usually wave like you--palm forward, hand outstretched below handlebar--though it depends on what road conditions I'm amidst. As you said, the bottom line is we're all two-wheeling it. :-) (I also wave to cops...figure it can't hurt if they see a rider wearing the proper gear, following the rules of the road.) Bryna (note from Mama: I wave at cops on bikes as they are part of the overall riding community, so to speak. Bottom line is, if your inclination is to wave, then do so without worrying about the response you get back. You are acknowledging the other rider and that's always a good thing!) I've found in my forum use, etc. that people use <______> as like a hug or respects to someone who has passed on to blue skies and sunny days. Kind of like the online hugs - ((petra)). I don't think the wave has more significance to Harley riders, but I don't ride a Harley, so what do I know. Terri in Baltimore (note from Mama: apparently with all my time online you would think I'd know the hug symbology, etc. Thanks for sharing this as a possible meaning. As to the wave being more Harley-oriented, well, I think for many years Harleys dominated the riding scene, so it's natural that it was developed by those particular riders, but it still means, "Hey, good to see you riding, that's cool!" Therefore, it's appropriate for anyone on any type of bike if they wish to use it!) Thursday, February 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Midnitemaniac, Saturday, March 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Spotter, Tuesday, September 6 Hi
Petra (that's VTwin Mama's real name!), I'm a 1 year newbie on my Honda Shadow 600. I'm 52 years young and am in love with life and riding! I've had my "adventures" (that's what my boyfriend calls them) like riding into, around and out of a long ditch but keeping myself upright and back onto the Blue Ridge Parkway or performing a very quick kiss of the pavement when I locked up my front brake (thank goodness for good jackets and helmets!). All learning experiences, to be sure. The Certified Safety Course and especially your site gave me the confidence to get through those long talks with myself while trying to justify why I should or shouldn't get back on my bike after an 'adventure'. Thank you and to all who share and persevere out here. We're AWESOME! All this good stuff brings me to my question.... I'm comfortable and confident enough to do the low wave to other bikers when we pass on the road. I've come across a situation a couple of times in the last months where another rider passes me on my right side, either in another lane or exiting from a highway. They acknowledge me with the hand-wave but is there a good way to acknowledge them? I can't take my hand off the throttle on a highway. Perhaps a silly question but since it's happened more than once, I thought I would ask. Heather in Asheville, NC Dear
Heather, Thursday, September 29 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear Todd, 4/25/06 Update: I've recently learned that this symbol can have another meaning . . . it also represents a moment of silence . . . Tuesday, January 24 Dear
VTwin
Mama, Dear
Kevin, 1/25: Kevin emailed back and noted: No mate, we just don't wave. You're on a bike, I'm on a bike, we nod as we pass. Aussies and UK riders don't get excited about seeing other people on bikes. Many don't even bother nodding at all. Kinda surprised me that everyone I saw on a bike in the USA DID wave at me. We're not into the brotherhood of bikers stuff here. Maybe some Harley clubs are. That's not to say that guys won't stop if you look like you need help. I guess we're just more reserved is all. We don't fly flags or get all misty eyed when we hear the national anthem either. (Most of us think Waltzing Matilda should be the national anthem actually) It's about the only song most Aussies recognize when they hear it. Apart from ACDC of course. Monday, May 1 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear jojo, Tuesday, May 2 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Bear, Tuesday, June 6 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Anon, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Kit, I can't find anything in group riding hand signals, like these shown on the Ride My Own site, that correlates to the one you describe. So now I'm perplexed. The forming of the circle seems to be too deliberate to be random. I'll simply add that if you take this hand/finger grouping and relax it and flip it over, it's like one used in meditation. Readers, has anyone seen this before and know if there is
intent behind the position?
Mama Monday, September 11 For Kit who had a question about a hand signal from another rider: I don't know if this has any relevance, but the symbol Kit describes sounds just like one used in scuba diving, both to ask if your buddy is ok, and to signal that you are ok, except upside down. Perhaps a similar meaning was intended by the rider? Michelle (note from Mama: a possibility!) Maybe it was a signal for a
pothole warning ahead for the rider behind him??? Hi
VTwin Mama, Dear
Gloria, One site noted a resurgence in interest for these biker or "getaway" whips as a tool to heighten our presence on the road (catches a cagers eye) but having been around the Myrtle Beach rallies for the last three rounds, didn't see any on bikes. I can see their value but given that it's possible for the whip to be misconstrued by a 1% gang, I'd be cautious in considering it as an attention grabber. My choice is loud horns, loud pipes, and gear that makes us more visible. Although lane splitting (riding between cars) is legal in California, it really needs to be carefully thought out as it's highly dangerous. According to the California Highway Patrol site, "Lane splitting by motorcycles is permissible but must be done in a safe and prudent manner." The main use of lane splitting is at very low speeds in a gridlock situation, where vehicles creep forward. Here, it is especially hard on a rider who has to clutch in and out, so you slowly move between vehicles at 10mph so you don't have to keep clutching. However, lots of cagers see it as an unfair "right" and if they are in a road-rage mood, could purposely try to harm you (stick and arm out, open their door even a bit, etc.). Proceed with caution! Mama Tuesday, December 12 For Gloria who was wondering what biker whips were all about: I have asked different old time bikers about these leather whips and have been told they were used if a cager (car driver ) was giving them grief . . . to hit the car with, especially windows or mirrors. Apparently the old style leather whips actually had a metal ball bearing in the end which could cause extensive damage to a vehicle or person. Nowadays a lot of riders simply like the long fringe hanging down. I don't like the negative connotation of it and would not want anything that long flapping around my face. Dorathy Biddinger (note from Mama: aha! I had heard from old time bikers that they use to carry little ball bearings which can be pitched at a car windshield, but never about that concept on the end of braided fringe. Live and learn! Yes, I'd say for use "average" riders, the better tactic for handling car drivers with no apparent regard for our safety is to get out of the way as quickly as possible or make noise in the hopes that they snap out of their cell phone oblivion.) Dear
VTwin Mama, Interesting to hear the perceived differences between countries. As was said in the UK, we nod, but I notice very often only if the other guy has a bike of similar size as yours, not a kid on a scooter. Sad, really; I get a buzz from waving at mopeds, too - isn't it all about independence, whatever it is that traveling is all about and just the joy of communicating with no agenda? A wave costs nothing except maybe a smashed up bike and head. I wave with my left hand (that's your right and my left) but to the side of the screen (windshield) above the oggler (wing mirror) so it's visible and unambiguous. As regards when to wave, see the bike, check it's as safe as it will ever be to let go (rubbish, sorry, debris in road, bends, potholes, - in your case buffalo, wagon trains and burger clowns, etc) and wave. If the other guy doesn't then maybe s/he'll think about it later and wave next time. The thumb/finger circle sign is surely the diver's 'OK' sign? I returned to riding in October after about 25 years of vans and cars and covered a lot of ground for work. Great site - when I last motorcycled there was no internet. Solitude is one of the attractions of riding for me, but being able to share others' knowledge, views and experiences is very interesting. Great site. If I can convince my wife to visit maybe you can inspire her to get a bike if only to ride in summer (July 9th - 17th). Chris Dear
Chris, Welcome back to riding and the liberating existence of the Internet, which can in many ways be quite tedious except for golden little places like VTM and any other site that you finally find those hard to get bike parts on. I'm glad to hear you'll wave at just about anything, if only inside your head. We draw the line randomly so as to make sure no one knows who is truly cool any more . . . if we ever were (see any styles, including clothing and furniture, from the 1950s). Should your wife decide to visit, please advise her to do so from inside a dark closet when you are at work so we can offer her the code to our secret handshake and encouragement (we tend to get a bit giddy here in the US and don't want to be responsible for it leaking past our borders). Mama Tuesday, March 6 For Chris, who offered one UK man's take on waving at other riders: Fun note, thanks for a UK perspective! In the same international spirit, I'd like to comment on your use of the the thumb/index finger sign for 'OK'. Yes, it is the diver's signal for 'OK' since 'Thumb Up' means surface. HOWEVER: if you aren't submerged in water it's best to use 'Thumb Up' since the thumb/index finger sign is a quite obscene gesture in some cultures. Especially if given by a male to another male. Just a tip to keep you whole & riding. Ciao, Jem (note from Mama: very, very interesting . . . will have to review my OK practices!) Monday, May 21 For Gloria who was wondering what biker whips were all about: Biker whips have been around for some time now and are more commonly seen these days, as I make them (Cactus Leather Getback Whips) for clubs who use them to run their colors and display club affiliation. I do not braid rebar or any other metal and at the end for "thwacking" cars. I braid each whip tightly around a nylon cord to prevent slapping rider or passenger. Each one is custom and these are not just for clubs. Many purchase these to enhance the look of their bike and to aid in visibility as the cagers fly by while chatting. I don't believe violence on the road serves any purpose and do not endorse road rage. These were called getback whips in the day, but nowadays they just add a nice look for anyone riding. When purchasing one of these I always advise not to run with certain colors so as to create any adverse reaction from the 1%rs. I am not affiliated with any club and get along with all of them. Cactus at Cactus Leather (note from Mama: thank you for a historic perspective and current thinking about biker whips!) Monday, August 13 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Anon, The best we can do then is to maintain a non-judgmental view as there are plenty of people who do get it ... and those who don't will learn sooner or later that the tribe will help when needed despite their steadfast disregard for protocol. For newer riders: never give a wave if you can't confidently release your left hand and maintain good control of the motorcycle ... safety first. Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Heather, Thursday, August 16 For Heather who was interested in the concept behind motorcycle bells: Recently I had my first bike accident after 2 1/2 years, when I began riding. My back wheel locked up on gravel and before I could get her stopped, she threw me off, right after hitting my brother and his bike. My brother is fine, his bike has been fixed, I went to ER with a bad bump, am ok now, back on my bike! But I mentioned to my Doctor how "lucky" I was, he said "it just wasn't your day," I said "no, it was my angel bell on my bike that my husband gave me for passing my MS course!" It just gave me cause to wonder. Penny from Iowa (note from Mama: ah, the power of the bell at work!) Legend of the Bell (taken from D'Pirate Distributing in Redlands, CA): "Have you noticed that small bell on some people's bikes and wondered why it was there? It's more than just decoration - it has a specific function. As we all know, life has many mysteries that have no apparent solutions. One of the these is Evil Road Spirits. They are the little gremlins that live on your bike. They love to ride. They're also responsible for most of your bike's problems. Sometimes your turn signals refuse to work, or the battery goes dead, the clutch needs adjustment, or any of several hundred other things go wrong. These problems are caused by Evil Road Spirits. Road Spirits can't live in the presence of a bell. They get trapped in the hollow of the bell. Among other things, their hearing is supersensitive. The constant ringing of the bell and the confined space drives them insane. They lose their grip and eventually fall to the roadway. (Have you ever wondered how potholes are formed?) The bell has served it purpose. If you have picked up a bell of your own, the magic will work. But if your bell was given to you, the power has been doubled, and you know that somewhere you have a special friend helping to look after you. So, if you have a friend that doesn't have a bell, why not be the person to give them one? It's a nice feeling for the recipient to know you personally cared. The bell, plus a good preventive maintenance program by the bike's owner, will help eliminate the Evil Road Spirits." My personal note -- So there you have it, the Legend behind the bell. It's legend, it's a nice gesture from one who cares, and it applies to any bike. I think the key thing is to ride within your ability, and don't go over your head. But it sure makes for a nice story! La Mala (note from Mama: I think the gesture of giving the bell as a gift is where the true power lies; giving a caring gift is always magical!) Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
David, Dear VTwin Mama, My only complaint was on my way there I was in the slow lane going through the mountains doing between 50 and 60 mph when a women's bike club came up on the left lane and proceed to make the L sign over there heads because of my speed. I have been riding for a little over a year and thank God I am forty years old and don't give a shit what people think. I proceed to stay in my lane and cruised at what was comfortable for me but this could have been very intimidating and I could have tried to keep up to be cool. I sure am glad those days our over for me. I think as a women's bike club this was just rude and they should be encouraging not belittling someone with less skills and knowledge under there belt. I just had to get this out there. The ride was a blast and I am building my confidents as my own speed. Janine Dear
Janine, Have I met women riding groups that looked down their noses at me? Unfortunately, over the years, yes ... it seems to be younger riders who think they are the cat's meow and go out of their way to sneer at anyone "not them." I'm so glad you stuck to your riding level, thus enjoying the ride, the destination, and the experience. I use to live in Carson City, so was often at Street Vibrations ... yes, lots to see! I know you won't let this incident put you off riding ... venting is allowed at the VTM site and I'm steamed it happened as well. Mama Wednesday, September 26 For Janine who was disrespected by a women's riding group while on the road: I'd like to give the women riders the benefit of the doubt. But, there is the internationally known "Loser" sign. The "L" fingers to the forehead that is unmistakable. I hope it wasn't that. I have been given some different signs myself. There was one that everyone including myself would recognize as "I love you." I really don't think the other rider really wanted to tell me that, considering he 1) doesn't know me 2) didn't know it was a girl from the back. And that was basically what he saw first. Then I thought he was giving me a "gang" sign. I'm not sure about the rest of the country, but in New York, we have gangs and they wear colors. I had a red bandanna hanging from my bars. You could get shot wearing someone else's colors. Literally. So, being a newbie I had to ask anyone and everyone who looked like a rider or looked like they knew a rider what the sign meant. Finally, weeks later, I had my answer ... hello. Heehee. Janine, I'm hoping you just didn't see the pinkie up and I'm also hoping it was there. And maybe, just maybe, that the 20ish year old hottie passing me does love this 45 year old chunkett!!! :-) (I can dream can't I ?) SK (note from Mama: thanks for a bit of humor of signing on the road!) Wow! I have always thought us women riders were a lot classier than that. I guess it just goes to show that a$$holes come in both genders. Sorry you had to put up with that . very disappointing. You would think they would remember what it was like to be a newbie rider. Id say they still have a lot to learn. Well, at least you are wise enough to not let it get to you. Ride on! Lisa (note from Mama: very wise indeed, but a disturbing thing nonetheless. I guess it does take both kinds regardless of gender.) Share
Your Thoughts Monday, May 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Wrench, I find that typically if one belongs to an organized group, the group may put forth exact placement guidelines. Otherwise, I've noted that whatever you consider to be your main patch is placed low and centered on the back (so that it is never covered by other riding gear nearer the head/neck/helmet or by longer hair). Mama
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