View Poll Results: Squid or Not
Yes
54
52.43%
No
49
47.57%
Voters: 103. You may not vote on this poll
Squid or not
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,471
Likes: 4
From: West Philly, PA!
I think said statement spawns from when people say things like "... that's why s/he shouldn't ride". In general, it's cool that people are concerned for the well-being and safety of fellow riders, but it might come off as a bit smug to make it sound like just because someone doesn't believe in ATGATT riding that they don't deserve to ride (giving the connotation that it is some kind of elite club, hence elitism). You may not have that attitude and there may be plenty of people who are simply giving friendly advice, but there are plenty of others who believe otherwise.
I can choose not to ride with them and possibly share the consequences of their choice.
Years ago my wife used to call me a "gear ****". I was an instructor on the motor cycle course and regularily taught my student the benefits of good gear. I tried to lead by example.
On one occasion my wife wanted a lift to the store to buy smokes. I was already geared up having just returned home. She was in shorts. "Go put on some pants".
"No, I don't need them."
She threw her leg over the bike and touched the still hot exhaust... she still has the scar. Now she won't get on the bike in shorts. Some people have to learn the hard way.
On one occasion my wife wanted a lift to the store to buy smokes. I was already geared up having just returned home. She was in shorts. "Go put on some pants".
"No, I don't need them."
She threw her leg over the bike and touched the still hot exhaust... she still has the scar. Now she won't get on the bike in shorts. Some people have to learn the hard way.
Last edited by thrasher572; May 31, 2010 at 09:31 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
I say no. Yes, that's pretty bare when it comes to protection in case you take a digger, but there are times where I have cruised a few blocks with jeans, a t-shirt, helmet and gloves. Even then I feel pretty vulnerable.
When I think of a squid I get the image of those guys that wear shorts, low cut socks, a t-shirt and are riding like a bat out of hell. You know, those guys who are always weaving through traffic, lane splitting (Illegal in MN), and doing wheelies in traffic. It's like they're out to prove something to the world every second they're riding.
Like many others have said, sometimes it's not practical to get fully geared up for a short ride. Although I do agree with that, I feel that one day when I don't throw my gear on I'll pay the price, and that kinda erks me to at least wear jeans, my jacket, helmet and gloves whenever I'm riding.
When I think of a squid I get the image of those guys that wear shorts, low cut socks, a t-shirt and are riding like a bat out of hell. You know, those guys who are always weaving through traffic, lane splitting (Illegal in MN), and doing wheelies in traffic. It's like they're out to prove something to the world every second they're riding.
Like many others have said, sometimes it's not practical to get fully geared up for a short ride. Although I do agree with that, I feel that one day when I don't throw my gear on I'll pay the price, and that kinda erks me to at least wear jeans, my jacket, helmet and gloves whenever I'm riding.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 1
From: FL
I think said statement spawns from when people say things like "... that's why s/he shouldn't ride". In general, it's cool that people are concerned for the well-being and safety of fellow riders, but it might come off as a bit smug to make it sound like just because someone doesn't believe in ATGATT riding that they don't deserve to ride (giving the connotation that it is some kind of elite club, hence elitism). You may not have that attitude and there may be plenty of people who are simply giving friendly advice, but there are plenty of others who believe otherwise.
I have actually had a lowside at slow speed, was wearing jeans, tshirt, gloves, helmet, and skate shoes none the less. Got a small bit of road rash on my elbow and on my knee. Jeans hardly ripped. My shoe however did come off and i got a very small bit of road rash on the top of my foot. All in all i came out fine. The road rash was not very deep. Used some tegaderm type bandages and have hardly any scaring.
Does make me think twice about wearing boots, but i still feel the same about "ATGATT".
Last edited by andyriot; May 31, 2010 at 02:11 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 731
Likes: 1
From: Saint Paul Minnesota
I say no. Yes, that's pretty bare when it comes to protection in case you take a digger, but there are times where I have cruised a few blocks with jeans, a t-shirt, helmet and gloves. Even then I feel pretty vulnerable.
When I think of a squid I get the image of those guys that wear shorts, low cut socks, a t-shirt and are riding like a bat out of hell. You know, those guys who are always weaving through traffic, lane splitting (Illegal in MN), and doing wheelies in traffic. It's like they're out to prove something to the world every second they're riding.
Like many others have said, sometimes it's not practical to get fully geared up for a short ride. Although I do agree with that, I feel that one day when I don't throw my gear on I'll pay the price, and that kinda erks me to at least wear jeans, my jacket, helmet and gloves whenever I'm riding.
When I think of a squid I get the image of those guys that wear shorts, low cut socks, a t-shirt and are riding like a bat out of hell. You know, those guys who are always weaving through traffic, lane splitting (Illegal in MN), and doing wheelies in traffic. It's like they're out to prove something to the world every second they're riding.
Like many others have said, sometimes it's not practical to get fully geared up for a short ride. Although I do agree with that, I feel that one day when I don't throw my gear on I'll pay the price, and that kinda erks me to at least wear jeans, my jacket, helmet and gloves whenever I'm riding.
In the summer, "gear" is blue jeans and a helmet. Shorts give me the creeps. But I always wear Western boots, which are slicker than heck. My kid just showed me some new boots he bought that are really grippy and look good too. I think I'll give them a shot. Tired of wearing out the Ostrich. 