Is this Elitist?

My plan is to cross-post this to VFR Discussions.

Had a discussion last week with a friend who doesn't ride. When a family member found out that I had gotten a new bike he said (via e-mail) that he would have to bring his helmet when he came back east to visit. This was news to me - I didn't know he was riding at all.

Here's what I asked:

"So you ride too?

Many questions:

What do you ride?
How long have you ridden?
You *DO* ride in full gear. *RIGHT???*
Where did you find gear?
Where did you find your ride?
Again with the full gear. *RIGHT???*
Do you rent bikes in your area?


Yea, this equals good times..!"

My friend took this as Elitist. I took it as a coversation that I've had with many a rider (including that same morning - minus the gear questions as I could see what he had on).

Personally I try not to ride with Squids - they are the reason my insurance is as high as it is (in comparison to other bikes) and they do give several drivers reason to glare at sport bikers.

Is this position eliteist? Is the e-mail eliteist?


Looking for an honest opinion,

Revengel

 

The person who thinks your queries are 'elitist' is a moron.

Don't ride with him/her, if you do you are asking for trouble.

BZ

 

That's kind of what I thought - but then again I can only see things through my eyes. That's why I wanted to ask the opinion of others - in particular other *riders*.

Thanks!

 

What BZ said. That's not someone I'd want to ride with.

 

There is nothing elitist about your questions. It showed a concern over his safety by asking about gear. It sounds like he has gotten an ear-full from people in his area about wearing the proper gear and he doesn't like it. He probably feels he "knows better" than anyone else and he's tired of hearing it. He'll learn when they spend 5 hours in the hospital picking gravel out of his ass after he sides down the road from a 15mph crash. What a freakin' moron!

 

Correct any wrong assumptions I'm making but it seems to me rather presumptuous of someone to say, oh, Im bringing my helmet so I can ride your bike prior to them asking if I would let them ride it at all.

If you have family members like mine, that is, people that cant even borrow a chainsaw without bringing it back broken, they damn sure arent getting near my motorcycle.

Elitist is a word people use when they cant get you to do what they want you to do, just like hater is word people use to dismiss any argument you may have, no matter how valid.

Both words are shorthand for doing this :lalala:

Youre missing the poll answer option that says, "call it what you want, too bad, its my bike and thats whats happening"

 

+1 full gear is the only way in my opinion.

Can you answer some questions for me for comparison though? I wonder if you wear full gear when you ride a bicycle? If not, explain your rationale. Bicycles can get over 25MPH on flat ground and 41MPH at times down a hill. Extreme roadrash if not. Do you wear a helmet when you ride a jetski, or in a boat? Do you always wear your lifejacket when on a boat? Do you ever eat burnt bacon, fatty foods, or large quantities of red meat? If so, your health is a liability to the healthcare industry, and it raises the cost for the rest of us who pay healthcare.

My point is, we are in danger more than just riding a motorcycle. Are you equal all across the board? I will freely admit I am not, but I do not display your arrogance. For someone who is a Christian, you sure do have a large about of hate in you. Maybe you need to rethink your religon and beliefs, as you are failing miserably based on your responses to others. Learn to love a little brother. Leave the hate and anger behind you. Trust me, you will not be truly happy until you get out of this "little man syndrome" were you frequently belittle others. Learn to see the world in a better light. Talk to your priest for some advice. The first step to solving a problem is admitting that you have one.

I am sure you will laugh at this response, but that is ok, because I expect it. I know you need help. Until then, keep trying to give yourself a false happiness by berating others.

 

op2:............

 

Your bike, your rules.

And if some joker asks if he can ride your bike say sure, if you let me ride your girlfriend. Just make sure she's doable in case he takes you up on the offer.

 

Is this response aimed at me?

I need clarification.

BZ

 

Yes I think its aimed at you..you're the elitist here!

 

Hey I tend to be kinda defensive myself sometimes. This guy might have been just being defensive like I sometimes do. He could have seen your effort to make sure he is safe as an attack on his personal riding ability/judgment on gear. I dunno, but either way no big sweat:crazy:

 

No your not being an elitist. Your asking sensible questions. When I first read it I thought your friend wanted to ride (on the back) with you. Seems like he wants to ride your mc alone. Unless you know him well and how he rides, I think that would be a bad thing to let him do. Seen to many "I know how to ride guys" wreck someone elses bike.

What you could do if he's going to show up with helmet in hand and no answers from him is tell him the bikes not running because of (problem here) or just let the air out of one of the tires. Hey it's flat and I'm not going to run on a plugged tire. So I got to wait till I buy another one. That's a good excuse and he can see for himself. When he leaves just air it up and ride buy him with a wave. NOW that's elitist!

 

I'm sure glad y'all know what this dude is talking about. I got stalled when the relative became a friend in midstream. Never did really understand that theory of relativity shit.

Could be to that dude #2 who may be of specious lineage and provenance just scored a new skidlid.

 

Yes Bubba. I just wanted you to come down to earth. Practice what is preached to you. Release the hate and anger. Try to be a better man. Mushy stuff like so. I have followed your posts for sometime, and I think that you have a knack for flying off the handle with your ego and insults to other which you disagree with. Your religon should have taught you better than that, otherwise, it is time to stop pretending you are someone you are not.

Have a great day and be well.

 

Actually looking at it again... all the questions about gear? I might be inclined to take it as a little off putting. I think asking once about "what kind of gear do you have" would have sufficed.....

 

OK, then. Pomposity raises its ugly head.

 

Eh I think it's just a mis-communication via email. I'm sure you weren't trying to be a dick, and your friend wasn't trying to cause any issues either.