Bikes and bars

Turtle47 · 05-14-2007

I don't know how it is in the rest of the world, but here in Indiana, seems like a lot of bike events begin and end at bars. And, I have noticed a lot of bikes parked outside bars especially on weekends. IMO bikes and booze do not mix at all. Same as cars and booze don't mix. I'm sure that not every rider parked outside a bar is consuming alcohol. But, I would venture to say that more than a fair share of them ARE actually having an alcoholic beverage. Is it just me or is that a stupid thing to do? I know someone is going to say, "Bars are just convenient places to meet." I would agree with that, but why fool around with temptation???? I have never attended any of the local benefit rides nor have I been on any type of ride that met at a bar. So, I may have the wrong impression of what is going on. Maybe someone out there could clarify this for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-booze, I have a beer every once in a while, and I take a shot of Kentucky sour mash sometimes. I just don't frequent bars, and I don't drink and drive or ride. I just want someone to explain why a lot of these rides begin and end at bars and why do so many bikers meet at bars.

jimboy61 · 05-14-2007

Ok, Turtle , are you a guy? Alcohol makes me a better driver, it just makes the obstacles come at you faster. You gotta have fast reflexes no matter what you do. Ive only been in 2 accidents that resulted in head injuries and i will honestly say that if you use exterior semi-gloss latex paint you will definitely not have to paint every year, unless you choose the sirloin marsalla then that is almost as good as the chicken, and the bread is awesome too, but personally i would go with stainless steel.....wait, what...what did he ask?

*Tod* · 05-14-2007

If you're drinkin, you shouldn't be drivin, that's as complicated as it gets.

I too have seen many an event begin or end at a bar, and some visit several bars in between. Those are the events that I avoid.

IMHO, the best time to get your drink on, is when the drivin is done for the evening.

pstarr7 · 05-14-2007

Look at the old bad boy biker movies. Bars, booze, drugs, it's part of the bad boy image. I also see alot of bikes at bars. Not to start another bickering battle but I mostly see HD's parked there and for hrs. Sorry HD riders but in my area. that's who's bikes are at the bars. As far as events starting at bars, I don't why that is done but many events end at a dealer or at a park for a pig roast. We even have them end at fair grounds. I also like a cold one but I made it 60yrs. 44 of them riding an bike and nowadays riding a bike is dangerous enough sober.

Paul

Jake '53 · 05-14-2007

I have been known to stop at the local bar after a ride for a couple of reasons that have nothing to do with drinking. It's about 3 miles from the house just off the interstate where most my rides end. They have designated motorcycle parking close to the front door, protected by concrete bumpers and they make the best guacamole in Albuquerque. We'll usually stop there for a diet coke or lemonade and chips and guac before heading home.

*Tod* · 05-14-2007

Stopping off at a bar and grill for bite to eat is completely understandable.
That's usually where the best road food is.

All I'm sayin, is you take your life in your own unsteady hands if you also imbibe whilst you're there. Most folks are okay with a Beer and a Burger, but some may not be.

Jake '53 · 05-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tod

...All I'm sayin, is you take your life in your own unsteady hands if you also imbibe whilst you're there. ...

I agree completely. I've said it before. My balance and judgement are bad enough without the help of alcohol.

jaseman · 05-14-2007

I gotta agree, it partially goes with the whole "bad boy biker" image. And it definately seems to be more the cruiser set, than any other group. And Turtle, yes most of them are HD riders. But that's because most cruiser riders in general are on HD's.

And most of them, while they may not be getting sloshed, ARE drinking. Drive down any local "main drag" on a Friday night (here, it's East Carson St. in the South Side of Pittsburgh, but every city has a big, bar area) and see how many bikes are parked in front of bars. On every block, you'll see at least four or five bikes parked together. For 10 or 15 blocks. And at the "biker" bars, they take up every spot.

But still, WHY, you ask? I don't really know. Some has to do with image obviously, but some is just showing off your bike on a Saturday night (to traffic, while you sit and have beers with your buddy). But I guentee, that most are not stopping there for a quick bite after a nice ride. I see some of them sitting in front of the bar all day, on a beutifull spring afternoon (poor bikes). And many sit there until last call at 3pm.

Kinda sad. I used to know a guy who would say "it was such a nice day, I had to take the bike out". Then I'd see it sit for hours, in prime riding time, in front of his local bar. It was such a nice day, he just had to get out to sit in a dank bar with his other, hard-core riding buddies!!! At least he could have picked a place with an outdoor deck to get drunk.

Dozer · 05-14-2007

I once tossed back a few & then got a strong urge to ride. After the bike not starting after the first 3 or 4 tries, I finally got wise to the fact that the kickstand was still down. I just went back in the house......never tried it again.

Christo · 05-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimboy61

Ok, Turtle , are you a guy? Alcohol makes me a better driver, it just makes the obstacles come at you faster. You gotta have fast reflexes no matter what you do. Ive only been in 2 accidents that resulted in head injuries and i will honestly say that if you use exterior semi-gloss latex paint you will definitely not have to paint every year, unless you choose the sirloin marsalla then that is almost as good as the chicken, and the bread is awesome too, but personally i would go with stainless steel.....wait, what...what did he ask?

That one should have been preceded by a beveridge alert Jim! I'm still wiping the Coke of my screen!

Turtle47 · 05-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimboy61

Ok, Turtle , are you a guy?

Jimboy, Are you an idiot???

stevebtx12 · 05-15-2007

As bikes and biking in general is gaining in popularity, we have the same trend going here in Tx. In fact, a new restaurant/BAR opened up just up the road from me, and it's packed with bikes in the parking lot every weekend. Like Turtle, I have to think that more than a few of them are partaking. I just hope they give themselves plenty of time before they get back on the bike since drinking impairs riding much more severely than driving in a cage.

*likearock4x4* · 05-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimboy61

Ok, Turtle , are you a guy? Alcohol makes me a better driver, it just makes the obstacles come at you faster. You gotta have fast reflexes no matter what you do. Ive only been in 2 accidents that resulted in head injuries and i will honestly say that if you use exterior semi-gloss latex paint you will definitely not have to paint every year, unless you choose the sirloin marsalla then that is almost as good as the chicken, and the bread is awesome too, but personally i would go with stainless steel.....wait, what...what did he ask?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turtle47

Jimboy, Are you an idiot???

Names are not necessary here, folks.

*likearock4x4* · 05-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevebtx12

As bikes and biking in general is gaining in popularity, we have the same trend going here in Tx. In fact, a new restaurant/BAR opened up just up the road from me, and it's packed with bikes in the parking lot every weekend. Like Turtle, I have to think that more than a few of them are partaking. I just hope they give themselves plenty of time before they get back on the bike since drinking impairs riding much more severely than driving in a cage.

I'm not so sure I agree with you here, Steve. I don't think it impairs you any more on a bike than it does in a cage. It's just that you have a lot harder time operating a bike since you have so much more to do to operate it, and the penalties for a mistake are SOOOOO much higher on a bike.

stevebtx12 · 05-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by likearock4x4

and the penalties for a mistake are SOOOOO much higher on a bike.

but didn't you just agree with me...

that was point I meant to make

*likearock4x4* · 05-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevebtx12

but didn't you just agree with me...

that was point I meant to make

Well... yes and no. Bottom line don't drink and operate a vehicle of any type!!!! And that we can agree on!!!

Plato · 05-15-2007

Okay I've got another take on this...

My Christian upbringing has always led me to avoid any gathering where alcohol is consumed.

So on the one hand, when I see a group of bikes I always want to get a closer look and hang out with what is typically a nice group of folks. But on the other hand when I see em drinking I sorta steer clear of the whole group. I'm sure this has caused me to miss connecting with some nice folks, but it has also kept me out of mucho trouble from time to time.

*bikeaholic* · 05-15-2007

i'll tell ya why......

because folks like to drink and socialize thats why...
they dont care about having to drive afterwards because they think they can handle it.everyone thinks they know their limit before they are impaired to the point of being unsafe.the problem is most folks dont have that kind of willpower to stop once they reach their self-imposed limit...they keep drinking
there is a legal limit in all states before you are considered dui or dwi
if you can reamain within these limits and operate a vehicle the states say you can drive.until there is zero tolerance with alcohol limits there will always be bikes/cars/boats/skateboards/and pogo sticks parked at bars

**2WheelFun** · 05-15-2007

People drink and ride motorcycles?

Sadly they do. I've been on a couple of rides with some very nice local folks and one of the riders (my first time to meet him) had a beer each time we stopped. I thought we all had a riding problem so were spending alot of time on the roads but in his case he a drinking problem as well. He could ride without any problems (none that were obvious to me) but it sure made me feel uneasy wondering if he was going to have a problem driving his bike. I later found out he didn't even have a motorcycle license. That was the last time I rode with him.

Silvercon · 05-15-2007

I once had a friend that made it a habit of drinking and
rideing. The wonderful thing about it was he broke his
ankle and realized he had a problem, instead of
killing someone with a cage and realizeing he had a
problem. So instead of going to Jail and learning to
be a criminal he went to AA on crutches and got his
life back together. It takes so much more balance to
ride a motorcycle that if we could get all the drunks
to ride instead of drive that would solve our DUI
problem. I am not condoning drinking and rideing
but its better than drinking and driveing.

05-14-2007	#1 (permalink)
Turtle47 Hoosier Vet BTK Intermediate Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 168	Bikes and bars I don't know how it is in the rest of the world, but here in Indiana, seems like a lot of bike events begin and end at bars. And, I have noticed a lot of bikes parked outside bars especially on weekends. IMO bikes and booze do not mix at all. Same as cars and booze don't mix. I'm sure that not every rider parked outside a bar is consuming alcohol. But, I would venture to say that more than a fair share of them ARE actually having an alcoholic beverage. Is it just me or is that a stupid thing to do? I know someone is going to say, "Bars are just convenient places to meet." I would agree with that, but why fool around with temptation???? I have never attended any of the local benefit rides nor have I been on any type of ride that met at a bar. So, I may have the wrong impression of what is going on. Maybe someone out there could clarify this for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-booze, I have a beer every once in a while, and I take a shot of Kentucky sour mash sometimes. I just don't frequent bars, and I don't drink and drive or ride. I just want someone to explain why a lot of these rides begin and end at bars and why do so many bikers meet at bars.

05-14-2007	#3 (permalink)
Tod Speed Learner Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 19,776	If you're drinkin, you shouldn't be drivin, that's as complicated as it gets. I too have seen many an event begin or end at a bar, and some visit several bars in between. Those are the events that I avoid. IMHO, the best time to get your drink on, is when the drivin is done for the evening. __________________ “Laughing at our mistakes can lengthen our own life. Laughing at someone else's can shorten it.” - Cullen Hightower

05-14-2007	#5 (permalink)
Jake '53 Forum Supporter Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 2,288	I have been known to stop at the local bar after a ride for a couple of reasons that have nothing to do with drinking. It's about 3 miles from the house just off the interstate where most my rides end. They have designated motorcycle parking close to the front door, protected by concrete bumpers and they make the best guacamole in Albuquerque. We'll usually stop there for a diet coke or lemonade and chips and guac before heading home. __________________ "Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?" - Gimli

05-14-2007	#6 (permalink)
Tod Speed Learner Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 19,776	Stopping off at a bar and grill for bite to eat is completely understandable. That's usually where the best road food is. All I'm sayin, is you take your life in your own unsteady hands if you also imbibe whilst you're there. Most folks are okay with a Beer and a Burger, but some may not be. __________________ “Laughing at our mistakes can lengthen our own life. Laughing at someone else's can shorten it.” - Cullen Hightower

05-14-2007	#8 (permalink)
jaseman Insane in the membrane BTK Expert Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,822	I gotta agree, it partially goes with the whole "bad boy biker" image. And it definately seems to be more the cruiser set, than any other group. And Turtle, yes most of them are HD riders. But that's because most cruiser riders in general are on HD's. And most of them, while they may not be getting sloshed, ARE drinking. Drive down any local "main drag" on a Friday night (here, it's East Carson St. in the South Side of Pittsburgh, but every city has a big, bar area) and see how many bikes are parked in front of bars. On every block, you'll see at least four or five bikes parked together. For 10 or 15 blocks. And at the "biker" bars, they take up every spot. But still, WHY, you ask? I don't really know. Some has to do with image obviously, but some is just showing off your bike on a Saturday night (to traffic, while you sit and have beers with your buddy). But I guentee, that most are not stopping there for a quick bite after a nice ride. I see some of them sitting in front of the bar all day, on a beutifull spring afternoon (poor bikes). And many sit there until last call at 3pm. Kinda sad. I used to know a guy who would say "it was such a nice day, I had to take the bike out". Then I'd see it sit for hours, in prime riding time, in front of his local bar. It was such a nice day, he just had to get out to sit in a dank bar with his other, hard-core riding buddies!!! At least he could have picked a place with an outdoor deck to get drunk. __________________ 03 MeanStreak '90 ZX10 '04 Honda 599 Ride it like you stole it!

05-14-2007	#2 (permalink)
jimboy61 Ride it like you stole it BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Northern Va. Posts: 314	Ok, Turtle , are you a guy? Alcohol makes me a better driver, it just makes the obstacles come at you faster. You gotta have fast reflexes no matter what you do. Ive only been in 2 accidents that resulted in head injuries and i will honestly say that if you use exterior semi-gloss latex paint you will definitely not have to paint every year, unless you choose the sirloin marsalla then that is almost as good as the chicken, and the bread is awesome too, but personally i would go with stainless steel.....wait, what...what did he ask?

05-14-2007	#4 (permalink)
pstarr7 05 Vulcan 1500 Classic BTK Beginner Join Date: May 2006 Location: Newbury Ohio Posts: 78	Look at the old bad boy biker movies. Bars, booze, drugs, it's part of the bad boy image. I also see alot of bikes at bars. Not to start another bickering battle but I mostly see HD's parked there and for hrs. Sorry HD riders but in my area. that's who's bikes are at the bars. As far as events starting at bars, I don't why that is done but many events end at a dealer or at a park for a pig roast. We even have them end at fair grounds. I also like a cold one but I made it 60yrs. 44 of them riding an bike and nowadays riding a bike is dangerous enough sober. Paul

05-14-2007	#9 (permalink)
Dozer Turtle Wax Taster BTK Intermediate Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Kansas, U.S.A. Posts: 152	I once tossed back a few & then got a strong urge to ride. After the bike not starting after the first 3 or 4 tries, I finally got wise to the fact that the kickstand was still down. I just went back in the house......never tried it again. __________________ 06' green/silver 1600 Nomad http://www.CruiserCustomizing.com/Dozer0011

05-15-2007	#12 (permalink)
stevebtx12 I ride a Vulcan :)~ Forum Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bedford, TX USA Posts: 2,384	As bikes and biking in general is gaining in popularity, we have the same trend going here in Tx. In fact, a new restaurant/BAR opened up just up the road from me, and it's packed with bikes in the parking lot every weekend. Like Turtle, I have to think that more than a few of them are partaking. I just hope they give themselves plenty of time before they get back on the bike since drinking impairs riding much more severely than driving in a cage. __________________ Steve 2006 VN1600 Classic VROC #22372 http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t105/stevebtx12/

05-15-2007	#17 (permalink)
Plato Forum Supporter Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2004 Location: East Texas Posts: 2,591	Okay I've got another take on this... My Christian upbringing has always led me to avoid any gathering where alcohol is consumed. So on the one hand, when I see a group of bikes I always want to get a closer look and hang out with what is typically a nice group of folks. But on the other hand when I see em drinking I sorta steer clear of the whole group. I'm sure this has caused me to miss connecting with some nice folks, but it has also kept me out of mucho trouble from time to time. __________________ 05 Nomad/V&H Baggers/PCIII/Caddman Risers/Lights/Lowers/Chaps www.home.earthlink.net/~mthompson61

05-15-2007	#18 (permalink)
bikeaholic Sick & Twisted Moderator Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: edenton north carolina Posts: 4,350	re i'll tell ya why...... because folks like to drink and socialize thats why... they dont care about having to drive afterwards because they think they can handle it.everyone thinks they know their limit before they are impaired to the point of being unsafe.the problem is most folks dont have that kind of willpower to stop once they reach their self-imposed limit...they keep drinking there is a legal limit in all states before you are considered dui or dwi if you can reamain within these limits and operate a vehicle the states say you can drive.until there is zero tolerance with alcohol limits there will always be bikes/cars/boats/skateboards/and pogo sticks parked at bars __________________ 2004 - 1600 classic 1997 - 1200C harley sporty 1985 - 750 Honda Shadow VROC# 20171 Chromaholic #512

05-15-2007	#19 (permalink)
2WheelFun the "fun old" guy Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Albion, Washington "Pacific Northwest" Posts: 30,291	People drink and ride motorcycles? Sadly they do. I've been on a couple of rides with some very nice local folks and one of the riders (my first time to meet him) had a beer each time we stopped. I thought we all had a riding problem so were spending alot of time on the roads but in his case he a drinking problem as well. He could ride without any problems (none that were obvious to me) but it sure made me feel uneasy wondering if he was going to have a problem driving his bike. I later found out he didn't even have a motorcycle license. That was the last time I rode with him. __________________ *KING KAHUNA* *2007 V2K LT* ****PICS** 2007 Brute Force 650i **PICS** I love the smell of SeaFoam in the morning**

05-15-2007	#20 (permalink)
Silvercon AMA NRA LIBERTARIAN Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Salisbury MD Posts: 716	I once had a friend that made it a habit of drinking and rideing. The wonderful thing about it was he broke his ankle and realized he had a problem, instead of killing someone with a cage and realizeing he had a problem. So instead of going to Jail and learning to be a criminal he went to AA on crutches and got his life back together. It takes so much more balance to ride a motorcycle that if we could get all the drunks to ride instead of drive that would solve our DUI problem. I am not condoning drinking and rideing but its better than drinking and driveing.