If I have to explain why ...

[kopcicle]

Ambassadorship . I know it's a word because my spell checker says so . If there is one expression we have all heard at one time or another that rubs me the wrong way it's "If I have to explain you wouldn't understand ".
I will never pass up a chance to explain what I do and who I am when it comes to motorcycles . I'll rise to the bait even when it's obvious the question comes from a disinterested and purposely clueless ignorant . you never know who might be listening . I'll stress safety , individuality and personal freedom . I'll hit on the highs and the lows of ownership and riding . I'll offer introductions to MSF courses . I'll point at introductory bikes and the reasons why . I'll outline ATGATT and cite examples of minor accidents that could have been a lot worse . I'll even tell on myself when I've been stupid or ignorant .
We are ambassadors to the public for what we do and who we are . Never pass a chance to relate to even a casual question with the kind of honesty that is a surprise even to yourself . So instead of "...you would never understand" how about "I'll try but the answer to your question is really in the doing ".
I have little or less time for the media driven , me too , gotta be cool , lemmings of the motorcycling world but they too deserve initial tolerance and and something less than an argumentative answer . If I can convert just one to "it isn't what you ride it's that you ride ". I'm happy .
It may be because of my longevity . It could be because I ridden the same KZ1000 Police for decades but the one issue I don't have is with clubs . All the locals seem th recognize if not know me . I can park the KZ wherever and whenever I like . I don't back it into a line of patched bikes unless it's the last spot and I don't show anything but respect for another ride , rider , or patch until I know different .
I've always been that way because I was taught right . Decades on it has served me well and will continue to .
I do have some glaring pet peeves . Trashing classics in the name of me too customization . Form over function . Holier than though brand specific *****s espousing the "one true mark" . Elitism . Bullying , terrorizing or intimidating the motoring public for any reason . Last but not least the rider with no concept of how his/her actions affect another .
Enough out of me I feel the need to ride . If I have to explain why , have you got an hour or two ?

~kop

[Gary - K7GLD]

Various forms of elitism, and brand/activity snobbery or exclusiveness are not limited or specific to bikers - I see in my Amateur Radio, RVing, and hotrod/custom activities as well...

After all isn't OUR personal choice of outside-of-work time and activities more "special" and exalted than that of others?

Let the comments roll in...

[thert]

My, someone loves you.