Things I Don't "Get"

[mu03eng]

In California, everything in the world can cause cancer but please race your crotch rocket between 2 trucks at 80 mph.

That's California in a nut shell.

[MU82]

When you think about it, it's kind of crazy that seat belts are mandatory for drivers and passengers in 4000-pound SUVs that are loaded with every airbag and safety device known to man ... but there are just about no requirements for a motorcycle rider's safety.

Many states don't have helmet laws, seat belts obviously can't be used, and, as has been pointed out, Cali allows bikes to ride between lanes of traffic.

FWIW, I am a former rider myself. Always wore a helmet and never drove between lanes but still had a couple of close calls. Close enough that I decided to become an ex-biker.

[Jay Bee]

Is this the kind of stuff you text when you are chatting up a girl on Tinder?  No wonder you're single. 

No, I'd need a girl to swipe right on me in order to talk with her. If that ever happens, then yes I will

[MUBurrow]

I don't get motorcyclists who use the center lines in traffic to pass cars.  The first time I saw it happen was on a California freeway and it freaked me out.  A week ago in heavy traffic, a motorcycle came screaming by me, in between me and another car on my left.  All it would have taken would be me to veer a foot to the left or the guy to my left to veer a foot or so to his right and the biker would have been roadkill.

And yet Captain Kirk woulda been coming after your ass, aina? Motorcyclists can somehow rev and backfire up and down quiet streets and streets with lots of restaurants and pedestrian traffic, weave in and out of traffic, and ride around with no helmet, and yet from all the plaintiff's firm commercials, you'd think they're right up there with folks unwittingly exposed to asbestos as a maligned group.

[jsglow]

When you think about it, it's kind of crazy that seat belts are mandatory for drivers and passengers in 4000-pound SUVs that are loaded with every airbag and safety device known to man ... but there are just about no requirements for a motorcycle rider's safety.

Many states don't have helmet laws, seat belts obviously can't be used, and, as has been pointed out, Cali allows bikes to ride between lanes of traffic.

FWIW, I am a former rider myself. Always wore a helmet and never drove between lanes but still had a couple of close calls. Close enough that I decided to become an ex-biker.

I, too, rode as a young man.  It was stunning how often motorists simply didn't see you.  In fact, for whatever reason I have maintained my license.  I'm pretty sure I won't own one again.  We get almost the same experience out of our little convertible so that's probably my 'countryside ride of choice' from here on out.

[Dr. Blackheart]

You don't get people who clean up after their dogs? What don't you get? We're being good citizens.

It's like saying you don't get people who flush after taking a dump in the toilet of a public rest room.

So, you don't get Buzz Williams?

[CreightonWarrior]

I think he meant he doesn't get people who are willing to pick up after dogs.

I love dogs.  A lot.  But I play with everyone else's dog so that I don't have to actually take care of one.

The positives of dog ownership significantly outweigh the negatives.

[CreightonWarrior]

double post

[Spotcheck Billy]

And yet Captain Kirk woulda been coming after your ass, aina? Motorcyclists can somehow rev and backfire up and down quiet streets and streets with lots of restaurants and pedestrian traffic, weave in and out of traffic, and ride around with no helmet, and yet from all the plaintiff's firm commercials, you'd think they're right up there with folks unwittingly exposed to asbestos as a maligned group.

Yup, all of us motorcyclists behave exactly like that!
I've been riding cycles since 1980 and have close to 300K experience on a bike but I have been hit twice by oncoming blind cagers that each turned left across my lane because they apparently didn't see me.

Yes I wear a helmet and a ballistic mesh jacket, on long rides I wear kevlar lined jeans, my Harley has stock pipes (I can't stand loud pipes either). I doubt I'd have the balls to lane-split if I ever rode in CA. Our HOG chapter just rode in the Tosa & Greenfield 4th of July parades, channel 6 interviewed the Marine we had leading the Tosa parade.
The EPA has been pressuring H-D about loud pipes, dealers have stopped selling them and some will void the warranty if its been re-tuned and is then exceeding the emission laws.

[StillAWarrior]

The positives of dog ownership significantly outweigh the negatives.

Sadly, lately I've been finding myself questioning this^^ statement, which I have generally regarded as an undeniable truth for most of my life.  My wife and I have had dogs pretty much our entire married life.  Currently we have two.  While I really love our dogs, I cannot wait to be dog-free.  I know that sounds awful, but it's true.  I'm very happy that our kids grew up with dogs -- I think that is fantastic.  But for the last couple years, the negatives have outweighed the positives.  Our older dog is getting very close to the end.  On a regular basis, we find ourselves confronting that very difficult "is it time" question.  We were discussing it again just this morning.  So far, we're thinking "no."  But, it's getting close and we're revisiting it often.  As awful as it is to say, we both just kind of hope he goes comfortably in his sleep.  The younger one is still going to be with us for a few years, I think.  There will be no more dogs in our house after he goes.

[CreightonWarrior]

Sadly, lately I've been finding myself questioning this^^ statement, which I have generally regarded as an undeniable truth for most of my life.  My wife and I have had dogs pretty much our entire married life.  Currently we have two.  While I really love our dogs, I cannot wait to be dog-free.  I know that sounds awful, but it's true.  I'm very happy that our kids grew up with dogs -- I think that is fantastic.  But for the last couple years, the negatives have outweighed the positives.  Our older dog is getting very close to the end.  On a regular basis, we find ourselves confronting that very difficult "is it time" question.  We were discussing it again just this morning.  So far, we're thinking "no."  But, it's getting close and we're revisiting it often.  As awful as it is to say, we both just kind of hope he goes comfortably in his sleep.  The younger one is still going to be with us for a few years, I think.  There will be no more dogs in our house after he goes.

Sorry to hear that man. Ours just turned 6 months old and is really starting to hit her stride.

[Jay Bee]

The positives of dog ownership significantly outweigh the negatives.

ZFB told me the same thing. When asked to explain, he got excited and kept saying, "peanut butter trick! Peanut butter trick!!"

[warriorchick]

The positives of dog ownership significantly outweigh the negatives.

Not if you travel as much as we do and have no one to look after the dog when you are gone.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

I don't get people driving the speed limit in the far left lane.  Then there are 20 cars behind all trying to pass, but skittish about doing so on the right hand side and/or are unable to do so because the people in the middle are doing what they exactly are supposed to be doing - traveling in the travel lane.

[CTWarrior]

I don't get people driving the speed limit in the far left lane.  Then there are 20 cars behind all trying to pass, but skittish about doing so on the right hand side and/or are unable to do so because the people in the middle are doing what they exactly are supposed to be doing - traveling in the travel lane.

Especially annoying on the Merritt Parkway.

[tower912]

Cleaned up too many gory motorcycle accidents to ever get on one.

[Dr. Blackheart]

ZFB told me the same thing. When asked to explain, he got excited and kept saying, "peanut butter trick! Peanut butter trick!!"

BAAAAaaaaaaa...goat.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Especially annoying on the Merritt Parkway.

Which occurs every time you are on the Merritt.

[real chili 83]

Motorcycle owners are called organ donors by ER nurses.

[real chili 83]

I don't get people driving the speed limit in the far left lane.  Then there are 20 cars behind all trying to pass, but skittish about doing so on the right hand side and/or are unable to do so because the people in the middle are doing what they exactly are supposed to be doing - traveling in the travel lane.

Need a car with a missile  launcher on the hood to take out these knuckleheads.

[StillAWarrior]

I've been riding cycles since 1980 and have close to 300K experience on a bike but I have been hit twice by oncoming blind cagers that each turned left across my lane because they apparently didn't see me.

I really, really try to keep a good eye out for motorcycles.  As soon as I spot one in traffic, I make extra effort to always know where he is because it is easy to lose them in a blind spot.  That said, whenever I see the "look twice" bumper stickers, it makes me want to go out and get a "don't ride like an idiot" bumper sticker.  I'll do my part and keep a look out for you.  Some of these idiots -- not saying you, Waldo -- need to do their part and not drive 30 mph faster than everyone else weaving in and out of traffic, popping wheelies, etc.  And yes, I'm very aware that many drivers are oblivious to motor cycles...and other cars...and traffic lights...and...

[rocket surgeon]

ZFB told me the same thing. When asked to explain, he got excited and kept saying, "peanut butter trick! Peanut butter trick!!"

they have these doggie ice cream cups too.  our dog sits by the freezer waiting for us to open it, but yeah, peanut butter probably works better

[mu03eng]

they have these doggie ice cream cups too.  our dog sits by the freezer waiting for us to open it, but yeah, peanut butter probably works better

Plus ice cream presents a shrinkage issue....or so I've been told

[MU82]

I was riding down the Edens on a nice sunny afternoon, in the right lane, going about 60. The person driving the car in the next lane over just didn't see me (I assume), and decided to change lanes, cutting me off. I had to pull into the shoulder, where there was all kinds of loose gravel. It was pretty amazing that the bike didn't go down; obviously relieved it didn't. I was so shaken up after that, I couldn't really ride with confidence again. About 2 months later, I sold the bike (a sweet BMW) and all my gear. I had 2 little kids and didn't want them to grow up fatherless.

[4everwarriors]

Thank God ya didant go down Nads, hey?