Bike week question

[Gatto Nero]

Originally Posted by Dave R

Bikers riding on the center line need to be given as little comfort room as possible. Squeeze 'em hard. They should not be playing chicken with cars.

Dave, I know you ride and so do I. So I guess that's why I'm a little confused about this response. I agree that riding the center line is pretty stupid, but why would anybody in their right mind, particularly another rider, recommend to other drivers to "Squeeze 'em hard"? That is the rough equivalent of slamming hard on your brakes in order to scare a tailgater. It might make you feel good if said tailgater reacts in time to avoid slamming into your hind quarters, but what if he doesn't? Again, I don't agree with riding the center line anymore than I agree with tailgating, but if I see it happen I give'em all the space they think they need. The satisfaction of a lesson well taught is not worth getting somebody killed over.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Gatto Nero

Dave, I know you ride and so do I. So I guess that's why I'm a little confused about this response. I agree that riding the center line is pretty stupid, but why would anybody in their right mind, particularly another rider, recommend to other drivers to "Squeeze 'em hard"? That is the rough equivalent of slamming hard on your brakes in order to scare a tailgater. It might make you feel good if said tailgater reacts in time to avoid slamming into your hind quarters, but what if he doesn't? Again, I don't agree with riding the center line anymore than I agree with tailgating, but if I see it happen I give'em all the space they think they need. The satisfaction of a lesson well taught is not worth getting somebody killed over.

I guess because I have no affinity with people who ride like morons. I would never brake hard for tailgaters, that's a surprise move with intentions of causing an accident. My recommendation is to simply hold your line, be predictable and not be cowed by morons. A few inches of space between vehicles is the same as a mile when they don't touch. If push comes to shove, obviously, don't have an accident. That said, they ALWAYS move over when I hold my line.

[Gatto Nero]

Originally Posted by Dave R

I guess because I have no affinity with people who ride like morons. I would never brake hard for tailgaters, that's a surprise move with intentions of causing an accident. My recommendation is to simply hold your line, be predictable and not be cowed by morons. A few inches of space between vehicles is the same as a mile when they don't touch. If push comes to shove, obviously, don't have an accident. That said, they ALWAYS move over when I hold my line.

Ok, some ride like morons. Agreed. But by doing what you are suggesting you are just playing that same game of chicken with them instead of taking the high road and just moving over. What does that make you?

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Gatto Nero

Ok, some ride like morons. Agreed. But by doing what you are suggesting you are just playing that same game of chicken with them instead of taking the high road and just moving over. What does that make you?

Just to clarify, I'm not suggesting to get in their path, only to not give them any extra room. Make it clear to them that you will pass within inches, that's all. They always move, even though they don't NEED to. Simply drive as though a pedestrian is on your right and you can't move over, there might be one there...

To clarify some more: This odd behavior of riding on the wrong side of the center line is VERY dangerous. It's obviously dangerous to the person doing it and the oncoming traffic, but it's also dangerous to anyone else in the area where it happens. Pedestrians, cyclists, the operators behind the offending biker, the operator beside the offending biker, and the operators behind the car that moves over to give the offending biker room to be a moron, are all put at risk by this behavior.

That center line should be sacred to all, it is to me. I'm very careful to not cross it, regardless of what I am operating. For instance, I don't use a towed boat as an excuse to drive poorly, rather, I see it as a reason to operate with extra precision and care. I wish more people would.

My actions effectively discourage dangerous behavior simply by putting my car/bike/boat precisely where it's EXPECTED to be. I'd like to think it makes me thoughtful.

[Lakesrider]

VitaBene....be careful, if you take that challenge. I've seen her lawn mower...

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

VitaBene....be careful, if you take that challenge. I've seen her lawn mower...

for now........ I'm going to have to get out to the garage to see if I can stuff a 455 Olds into my garden tractor!