Observing Harley Country

[Beamer Reamer]

I wanted to take the new new Kawi Ninja 1000 for a little three pass ride but I was conflicted because I had planned a scientific study around observing hogs in their natural surroundings. Opportunity presented itself though when a friend and Harley man offered to make the loop with me. An improbable match normally, but I like the guy and he is not afraid of long rides and a little speed. Plus - Kirk just might be my ticket to allow me to observe the tribe from the inside. It is hard to observe them acting naturally when an interloper is in their midst and I thought my Harley friend could help take the edge off.

Towards mid-day we found a classic roadside tavern/burger joint with all manner of cruisers parked out front and a lot of folks aimlessly wandering around in leather vests and handkerchiefs on their heads. This is it, my opportunity.

I discreetly pull in, park and began the process of removing ATGATT. Already feeling like a stranger in a strange land, I am careful to have a pleasant look on my face and to only make a little eye contact - but refrain from aggressive staring. I can tell the tribe is not quite comfortable because none of them feel up to speaking to me or acknowledging me in any way, but I am pleased they are not demonstrating any aggressive posture. I am also tickled to observe that both the male and female species are here together and the signs boasting "Harley Country" tell me I am in the right spot. I enter the facility. It looks like a regular watering hole and that a gathering was taking place for a group migration to the next watering hole. Friendly service is offered and a right tasty burger is consumed. Folks seem to tolerate my presence but no contact is made. It was instructive seeing their rally come together, the planning for the next stop, the grouping for the picture, and the 20 or so of them block a highway for the inevitable left turn out of the bar. Yes - for a bit there the noise level was deafening as the tribe seemed to communicate through the twisting of their throttles. Or perhaps it was establishing pecking order. Or perhaps it was mustering up courage for the ride ahead. Or maybe it was a demonstration of testosterone levels - more observances will be needed. I was still an outsider this trip, but with time I think they will get more used to my presence and I can learn more about their strange behavior and manner of dress.

Did I mention I participated in their group photo by parking on the fringe of the tribe? Maybe not my wisest choice, but all was fine.

 

[wfooshee]

A quick Photoshop for correction of levels and a question:

 

[n1acguy]

HaHa, good write up.

I take it you'll report back as your studies on the migration of the flock continue.

I find their behavior entertaining----from a distance :lol:

 

[Monty]

I was following a group of Hell's Angels on a ramp to enter I35 in my cage and my horn got stuck. :dribble:

 

[n1acguy]

I was following a group of Hell's Angels on a ramp to enter I35 in my cage and my horn got stuck. :dribble:

That would make for a good 'Wanna get away?' Southwest commercial

 

[Beamer Reamer]

A quick Photoshop for correction of levels and a question: WTF?

Since he knew he could keep up, why not ride along?

 

[rogdeb]

Pretty funny :lol:

 

[airboss]

Be fun to see if BR makes the whole run.

Friend Brian invited me on a 100 mile poker run once, Whoa, a 100 miles!

Next day Brian asked me, where did you go?

Me: got bored, cut down county 2 then county 14 through Lewiston and home.

Brian: those are some crooked roads.

Me: yeah I know. :grin:

 

[old&slow]

I enjoyed reading your observations.

The Slow Speed Herd Migration has always puzzled me. But not enough to follow them..

 

[Aasland]

A quick Photoshop for correction of levels and a question: WTF?

Since he knew he could keep up, why not ride along?

He's not wearing any gear. Squid.

 

[Auburn]

I came up on three yesterday on hwy 123. Doing my usual 60+. Three in perfect formation doing 30 mph. I was thinking WTF :dntknw: ? Fortunately there was a decent straight, so I didn't roll out of the throttle and went by waiving. About a mile up the road was another one of their group getting off his bike and getting the camera out. Guess they were just posing for the picture. :dntknw:

 

[Greenman]

I am a recovering HDer, having ceased drinking the Kool-Aid, after 25 years, in mid-2006. I'd be glad to share inside information that will let you infiltrate the herd more easily.

Greenman.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

...I find their behavior entertaining----from a distance :lol:

...The Slow Speed Herd Migration has always puzzled me. But not enough to follow them..

A word of warning:

Once, while on a cross-country tour, I took-in a big, national, m/c rally where 'the pirate herd' were in notable attendance.

When I left, there was a small group of 'potato-potato bikes' up the road a piece and since they appeared to be making, something-like, close-to-reasonable-speed -- I decided to follow them for awhile.

I was on a multi-day trip so company was often welcomed. As it happened, they all turned in the direction I had planned -- and, although somewhat tedious, I followed at a distance; outside of the rear-ward sound-cone. Eventually, after about 100 miles on our two-lane US Hwy., they pulled-off -- I waved and kept-on.

After about another 100 miles (at much more appropriate speed) I stopped for lunch. Parking the FJR in the shade, I dismounted and started for the restaurant. Walking by the front of the FJR I saw -- WTF -- it was covered in oil.

Lesson learned...

Don't follow H-Ds (or, chicken trucks...)

 

[old&slow]

...I find their behavior entertaining----from a distance :lol:

...The Slow Speed Herd Migration has always puzzled me. But not enough to follow them..

A word of warning:

Once, while on a cross-country tour, I took-in a big, national, m/c rally where 'the pirate herd' were in notable attendance.

When I left, there was a small group of 'potato-potato bikes' up the road a piece and since they appeared to be making, something-like, close-to-reasonable-speed -- I decided to follow them for awhile.

I was on a multi-day trip so company was often welcomed. As it happened, they all turned in the direction I had planned -- and, although somewhat tedious, I followed at a distance; outside of the rear-ward sound-cone. Eventually, after about 100 miles on our two-lane US Hwy., they pulled-off -- I waved and kept-on.

After about another 100 miles (at much more appropriate speed) I stopped for lunch. Parking the FJR in the shade, I dismounted and started for the restaurant. Walking by the front of the FJR I saw -- WTF -- it was covered in oil.

Lesson learned...

Don't follow H-Ds (or, chicken trucks...)

- I once rode to the Patton Museum @ Fort Knox Ky. with a friend and 3 or 4 of his Harley buddies. While we were there I said , "Hey guys I think this tank was made by Harley Davidson."

They said , "Really, how can you tell ?" "Because it has a puddle of oil under it. "

Well , I thought it was funny. I had been planning on riding a different route ( and speed) back home than they did anyway.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Fun read BReamer! Any more observations to report?

--G

 

[MojaveFJR]

Man you lucky guy. The Cruisers on my street don't EVEN ask me to ride along. Then again, I don't ask them either. Not going to wait for them, and definitely don't want to listen to the noise.

Were any observations made of how many were partaking in libations, then twisting the trottle? Bet ya that ratio was high, seems to be a tribe trait.

 

[ride4fun]

Enjoyable read. Thanks for the entertainment.

 

[Bungie]

My favourite Harley stories..

I got stuck behind a garbage truck, in traffic. It was leaking some god awful 'stew' that was splashing off the pavement and all over me. Whatever it was etched the paint on my bike - it was that nasty. But it smelled worse! Anyway, stop to talk to some HD riding buddies and the first words out of their mouths were something to the affect that I smelled like a polecat. "Really? I just followed some HD's here?"

Riding with my gf we came across a bunch of cars and a few bicyclists along with 4 Goldwings and 1 HD all stopped in the middle of the road. WTF? Turns out their was bear cub looking back at us wonder wth was going on? Mamma bear comes out and is obviously perturbed. The guys on the bicycles wisely road across the other side of the road putting the cars and bikes between them and the P.O'ed mamma bear. My gf "Man, that guy on the HD is screwed" The best part was she didn't know anything about bikes and HD's reputation. LOL!

Years ago I had a customized Honda cruiser. It was for sale with a sign taped to the inside of the windshield. I stop at a light and some redneck pulls up beside me. Dog in the passenger seat. Harley in the bed. "Selling it for a real bike?" as he points to the bed of the pickup. "Whats the matter, you couldn't get the dog to ride in back with the Harley?". Lets just say I had to beat a hasty retreat.

 

[KYCHERRY]

What cracks me up now is after transitioning from a cruiser (Yamaha Roadstar) is that it seems no one waves whereas everyone used to. Alot of the metric cruiser guys don't even wave! LOL