violence on the road

[NINEGEAR]

i never hear about biker gangs or any thing like that and i doubt that if i was to go touring i would run into any. however i can see some idiot teenagers throw a beer bottle out the window or some thing.

what i want to know is how violent things have gotten for people on the road.

i doubt things get to crazy but i always wanted to know what to expect on the road seeing as i have never been touring.

one time i was on a country road at night going home from a party with my buds and i saw 2 guys beating up some guy on the side of the road. crazy stuff. we didnt stop we were to scared.

i dont expect to see any of that but still. i dont know what to expect. i am still planning my first trip and i think i might be getting a kawaski nomad(or whatever the main touring bike is) as a first bike.(moms freind is offering it for $1000 and she wants dad to pay for half)

[iamgumby]

I've been through west TX, NM, AZ, NV, UT & CO on several occasions and met only nice people. If you go looking for trouble, you'll find it.

[NINEGEAR]

Originally Posted by iamgumby

I've been through west TX, NM, AZ, NV, UT & CO on several occasions and met only nice people. If you go looking for trouble, you'll find it.

thanks i'm less paranoid now

[iamgumby]

If you hang out in bars and talk crap...or drink to excess and talk crap...or go around bad neighborhoods to buy dope...what does one expect? Make sound personal safety decisions and you'll be OK.

[NINEGEAR]

Originally Posted by iamgumby

If you hang out in bars and talk crap...or drink to excess and talk crap...or go around bad neighborhoods to buy dope...what does one expect? Make sound personal safety decisions and you'll be OK.

every time i go to a city i somehow always wind up in a bad neighborhood on accedent. i never talk crap i'm very respectful unless people make me angry wich is easy if you know what to do but most people dont.

i'm just unlucky.

i dont expect much other than to have stuff thrown at me by teenagers looking to have a good time by acting like fools.

[Sed8Me]

I really dont think you have to worry about that kind of stuff...

[rexmitchell]

I have never ran into angry bikers yet, just dumb ass wanna be's at bike night that act hard. I don't try and start a fight but I'm not going to get pushed around. Just because I ride a sportbike doesn't mean that I don't deserve respect.

[daw840]

I have never, ever, had any fellow biker even look sideways at me. They look like they are really mean, but they have always been really nice in my experience. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[Tdubb]

I've never run into any jerks out there. I ride a sport bike, and have parked next to many a cruisers, and talked to almost all of them, and everyones pritty cool.

I did however see something the other day on Real TV. It happened in Vegas at some Casino. There was over 100 Hells Angels in the casino and some other Rival gang rolled up with over 100 people and started a big ole brawl right in the Casino that lasted over an hour they said. Now I don't know how long ago this was, but from the footage all the non bikers looked like they were pretty up to date, as far as there cloths and stuff.

Originally Posted by NINEGEAR

ione time i was on a country road at night going home from a party with my buds and i saw 2 guys beating up some guy on the side of the road. crazy stuff. we didnt stop we were to scared.

Thanks...that was me getting beat up!

[internationalballer]

You better be careful if you ever roll into the mean streets of Iowa you might get your head kicked in, JK were friendly up here. I have never run across any massive beat downs or anything like that. Every now and then some people get rowdy and ****ed but it rarely ever gets violent with any of the guys I ride with but then again I'm pretty picky about who I ride with. One of my friends is a bit of a hot head but its pretty easy to get him back to reality. If you stick to the road, don't **** off the locals in bars you shouldn't have any trouble. If you ever do have locals give you any crap try to be cool with them cuz if there the kind of locals who start crap for no reason you and your friends are probably out numbered. Like gumby said though if you go looking for trouble you will find it whether your on a bike or in a hot air ballon.

[rexmitchell]

Originally Posted by Custom85VT

Thanks...that was me getting beat up!

LOL, you had to be the guy on the side of the road getting owned.

[PerrySB]

I happen to know a fair amount about crime statistics and very seldom are there assaults on riders that are not involved in road rage. Most people that run into serious trouble are either looking for it, did something to provoke it, or they are just down right stupid. We have a large number of Hells Angeles in my area and in the most part they don’t bother anyone unless provoked in some way. So stay out of the bad parts of town and the bars and you will do just fine.

[NINEGEAR]

Originally Posted by PerrySB

I happen to know a fair amount about crime statistics and very seldom are there assaults on riders that are not involved in road rage. Most people that run into serious trouble are either looking for it, did something to provoke it, or they are just down right stupid. We have a large number of Hells Angeles in my area and in the most part they don’t bother anyone unless provoked in some way. So stay out of the bad parts of town and the bars and you will do just fine.

i was planning on going to the tent cities in cali because i plan to writes a book on americas current state.

[badinfluence63]

When touring and particularly when in major cities you should be congnizant of what type of neighborhood you inadvertantly might end up in. I have found that common sense and good judgement go a long way. I happened to live up in New England and have to drive through various city like jungles to get south. Not so much north unless I have to traverse through Montreal for any reason.

[PerrySB]

I don’t know if I would care to hang out at the tent cities as they are referred to. If you choose to be careful because some of the people you will find there are not the most desirable to be around. I don’t think they are a good representation of our countries current financial woes. You will fine parolees, drug addicts, and a few people that are truly just down on their luck, and those are the ones that need to be helped. Unfortunately funding for the mentally ill is drying up in California so many to the mentally ill have been put out on the streets to fend for themselves. You intentions though honorable could lead you into some potentially bad situations. You really need to have some good street savvy if you are going to play in that ballpark.

[David 1]

dubb. I think you are talking about what came to mind to me, too.
I think this is it, in Laughlin, Nevada, 90 miles south of Vegas, the annual river run. A few years ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frb12K7MKXc
There's no sound? but you can imagine some of the noise.
dc

[David 1]

I guess the other thing to look for in youtube is bike accidents, and crashes. There are hundreds there. Hopefully looking at a little of that will remind us to ride safe & sane.
dc

[PerrySB]

They all were abused children and never learned how to play fair.

[SuperSherpa197]

Just because I ride a sportbike doesn't mean that I don't deserve respect.

This. and i've never had any issues with other riders at bars, i've went to bike night and parked next to 50+ harley's (no lie, EVERY one of them was a harley), and never had a bit of a problem.

[black27696]

I'm reminded of a bob and tom song about drinking. "I know a biker bar where we can go and kick some ass!"

Like the second post said, if you go looking for it you'll find it. If you do run in to a bad situation, pick your battles carefully.

[Joe28]

I REALLY had a beer can thrown at me once.
I was following the REALLY BEAT P.O.S> truck, with 2 guys drinking in the back.
I tried to pass, but the driver would swerve to stop me.
Well, being the young ass I was back then, I threw them the finger and they threw me the empty.
I kick it down a gear and screamed pass, (of course I shouted, "Happy Birthday" as I passed)!
This was right in my own area, how embarrising!
I've been with some people how had parked thier bike and came back and something was missing, (So, I ALWAYS cover my bike with a 1/2 cover when I'm gonna be away for a while, and put all the "goodies" away.
But, other than that, you always meet cool people on the road. One of the cool parts about traveling!
Joe
I ride, therefore I am!

[igotonetoo]

I've been touring this country for over 30 yrs and have yet to have any problems with violence of any kind---Period!!--------John

[PerrySB]

Just because I ride a sportbike doesn't mean that I don't deserve respect.

Doesn't matter what you ride, However respect is something that is earned not just given.

[primalmu]

Originally Posted by PerrySB

Doesn't matter what you ride, However respect is something that is earned not just given.

You see, I have a problem with that statement, as it implies that people start out with NO respect whatsoever. Then, of course, there's the fact that people who say that always seem to demand the respect that supposedly must be earned. Sorry, but it doesn't work that way.

[David 1]

I've never had a problem on the bike. But I have read on the forums many such problems from others. Bikes stolen in London, in San Francisco, in France, from a locked garage at a small hotel, tank bags stolen, tank scratched (vandalism), etc.
In the book by the drummer for Rush, Neil Peart, one of his motorcycle books, he tells the story his riding companion told, that he (the riding companion) was down in Texas some years ago, on a nice (new?) Harley and two cowboys (?) in a pick up truck ran him off the road, broke his leg (in so doing) and threw the Harley into the back of the truck and stole it.
So there are potential problems out there.
Don't worry about respect. Most of them don't respect us anyway, no matter how respectable we are. So don't be concerned about it. Just do the right thing on our part.
dc

[daddymakk]

Along with staying out of bad areas I also look up on any over pass to make sure there are no psychos throwing stuff off. It is rare but it can happen. Avoiding interstate type roads helps too!

[4Raven]

You know what scares me the most...are those people that stand at the intersections or on off ramps with those signs...Once I was coming home from work and this one guy..huge!!... walks toward my bike and says, "glad to see the lady likes leather." He reminded me of this guy that had mental problems and ran out onto the highway in front of my car...totally nude with camouflage paint on his face...just luckily a state HP was up the road and I showed him where the guy ran out onto the road and he was picked up a few miles away! I still remember that (I was only 18) every time I pass that spot.

I am cautious because I am a lady biker....even when I am tired and stop for a rest...I stop at a semi busy gas station...lots of visibility ...

I do worry that someone will steal my stuff off my bike...so I drag most of it inside with me...that is a real pain in the ss

[David 1]

Park only where you can watch the bike, if possible. Don't ever leave anything unlocked on the bike, not the helmet, not even to go into the station to pay for gas, I probably have 100 or 1000 things I do to prevent theft and vandalism, etc.
dc

[aaronrkelly]

Ive never had any problems on the road....but I live by the saying "be polite, be courteous but I have a plan to kill everyone you meet" - and I carry a firearm with me EVERYWHERE I go.

Violent crime can be very random. It CAN happen anywhere, anytime......or it could never happen. I think you should always be prepared for it as best as you see fit.

For me, thats a firearm and a plan to kill everyone I meet.

For you, thats up to you to decided.

[dminer]

Living in the town that hosts Bikes, Blues, and BBQ, there are thousands of sport bikes, street bikes, cruisers, tourers, frankensteins, what-have-you's and very rarely are there any sort of altercations. It all depends on how you act as to how you will be treated.

[PerrySB]

You see, I have a problem with that statement, as it implies that people start out with NO respect whatsoever

How is it that you respect someone you don’t know. Respect implies and element of admiration due to the character of the person. Do you respect the rapist, murders, pedophiles, and those that have not respect for others such as the 1% group? You see I put them all in the same bag, no respect due.

[badinfluence63]

Originally Posted by SuperSherpa197

Just because I ride a sportbike doesn't mean that I don't deserve respect.

This. and i've never had any issues with other riders at bars, i've went to bike night and parked next to 50+ harley's (no lie, EVERY one of them was a harley), and never had a bit of a problem.

yes yes it does.

I'm just kidding lighten up.

Really the big mean harley guys didn't say bad words at you? Wow thats a switch. Try that at a goldwing rally and it'll be your arse.

[igotonetoo]

ain't what you ride---it'sthat you ride thats important---------
----------John

[hobitopia]

Originally Posted by Tdubb

I did however see something the other day on Real TV. It happened in Vegas at some Casino. There was over 100 Hells Angels in the casino and some other Rival gang rolled up with over 100 people and started a big ole brawl right in the Casino that lasted over an hour they said. Now I don't know how long ago this was, but from the footage all the non bikers looked like they were pretty up to date, as far as there cloths and stuff.

David was right. It happened in 2002 at the laughlin river run. However this won't happen to you. This happened because two rival 1%er gangs got together in the same room and were talking **** to each other. A Mongol kicked a Hells Angel and a massive brawl ensued.

The thing to remember about 1%ers is that the individual members are still people. They have houses and families and mortgages. If you meet one they're usually pretty friendly people, and if they're not showing colors you probably couldn't even tell. Just be polite, and if you see them running together don't pull out in the middle of them.

[benny hedges]

Originally Posted by PerrySB

How is it that you respect someone you don’t know. .

well i must have it all wrong then cos i respect total strangers.
everyone in fact apart from those who deserve no respect like the examples you quote.
some people choose not to live by basic laws of humanity so should be excluded from humane treatment.
i am sad that capital punishment was abolished in the uk as for some people death is the only treatment.

but are you implying i should not have respect for an old lady, struggling to cross the road?
or a fellow biker broke down by the roadside?

also i think for someone who is licensed to carry firearms, to not have respect for people is a little dangerous, don't you agree?

i went through a stage as a youth when i had no respect, so my dad sent me to a boxing school.
then karate (wasnt for me), then aikido.
i learnt to respect everything and imo it made me a better person.

you should try it

*wasnt just directed at you perry btw - for example the previous poster wants to kill people.
should you be allowed firearms?
should you be allowed freedom if you are a danger to people?
the tough i dont give a fk image means nothing to me.
you need to experience something humbling in your life to change the way you feel. that's how you earn respect.

[justin68106]

I show people common courtesy, but they still have to earn my respect. There's a difference between respecting someone and being nice to them. Unless someone outright just doesn't deserve respect, I'll be nice to them.

[PerrySB]

but are you implying i should not have respect for an old lady, struggling to cross the road?
or a fellow biker broke down by the roadside?

What you are speaking of here is compassion, and yes by all means we need to have compassion for all others, and mainly the disadvantaged.

also i think for someone who is licensed to carry firearms, to not have respect for people is a little dangerous, don't you agree?

Weapon possession really has little to do with respect, but understanding the responsibilities associated with that privilege.

i went through a stage as a youth when i had no respect, so my dad sent me to a boxing school.
then karate (wasnt for me), then aikido.
i learnt to respect everything and imo it made me a better person.

you should try it

My partner has been involved in the martial arts for years, his attitude towards respect is the same as mine, we respect people that deserve to be respected. As for the martial arts, I did evaluate that at one time. It came out this way, Karate vs 45, Karate loses, sorry don’t like getting beat up.

[David 1]

I agree. I think the proper way to approach a stranger is neutral. Because you have no information yet as to whether or not you should think they are respectable, or not.
So you approach in a friendly manner ... "Good afternoon". And see how they respond. If they pull out a gun and say "gimme yer wallet", you have no respect for them.
If they respond in a gentlemanly manner, you start to see what they are all about.
dc

[badinfluence63]

I can't remember how many times over the mnay many years where I heard someone errantly say and not referring to me, rather an unknown person on a bike.."Oh he's cool, he's on a Harley."

Stay neutral, on your guard and let the tree show its fruit.