Bill, The Harley, And Biker Greetings

Bill went to Laugerman’s to check on his bike, since it has over 50,000 miles he wants everything checked and updated and in good running order for spring. Dave said he brought it in just in time because the cam chain tensioner was getting ready to go out. He saw it totally torn down last week and I think it sort of bothered him, but he trusts Dave Laugerman with his bike. It’s sort of like his baby and he’s so proud of his Harley.

He’s been riding for 44 years and he’s a very safe and cautious rider and I feel totally at ease when I ride behind him. When they stopped the helmet law, I decided not to wear one and so did he for awhile, but then he felt he was sending a bad signal to his son who also rides so he decided to wear his helmet again. He worries a lot about his son, even though he’s 30 and a very safe rider himself because Bill taught him.

When I was younger and rode with my friends I don’t remember ever seeing the bikers acknowledging each other with a hand gesture as they do now, but Bill tells me he and his Dad always have. It seems that bikers have grown into a more respectful and courteous bunch than the biker gangs of old and just because you ride a bike now it doesn’t mean you are a rebel looking for trouble. People from all walks of life enjoy this past time.

The Vietnam Vet really took to this and every year there is a motorcycle ride to visit The Wall in Washington. I have never been on this ride, but I’m sure it would be an exhilarating experience, but from what I’ve heard from those that have made the run is that it’s slow going once you get there and it’s hard on the bikes with all the idling and gear changes, but it’s a respectful thing to do with all your brothers to honor those that didn’t make it back.

Bill and I have been together five years and I love riding behind him and that’s when I first noticed the greeting he always gave to other bikers. I didn’t ask him about it because I didn’t want him to think I was stupid so I simply watched and observed. I have never seen him give the wave or nod to crotch rockets or mopeds unless it’s an older gentleman and it’s done out of respect.

I have no clue if it’s an equality thing or not, like since you ride the same thing I do you have my full respect therefore I salute you or if it’s simply showing respect for the freedom to ride and enjoying the same thing. I have seen Bill use the arm extended down with 1 finger pointed out, the arm extended 2 finger flip, arm extended with palm out, fingers extended from the handle bar and a nod of the head.

He always laughs when someone puts their hand up in the air and waves, I have heard this called the geek wave and I’m sure there are many other names for it. Bikers sometimes get offended when they make a gesture and it isn’t returned, like when he started wearing his helmet again and he would make the hand gesture to someone who wasn’t and if they didn’t return the same he thought they thought he was a wimp for wearing his helmet or maybe he just said that to make me laugh.

I have no clue of what the proper etiquette is for the biker salute or even if there is one, but I do know enough from being with Bill to never stick my hand up in the air and wave, I have however imitated his arm extended finger down greeting or 2 finger flip because it looks so cool when he does it and it makes me feel cool when I do it. I don’t wear a lot of Harley stuff but Bill loves to fly his colors.

Well, Bill just got home and reports that the bike is back together, but Dave took a small vacation and since he fixed the cam chain and all that other technical stuff he wants to put some miles on it to make sure everything checks out before Bill gets it back. It rode great before he took it in and Bill has been pleased with it since we got it so it ought to ride even better now can’t wait for Spring.