Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Philosophy and the Cold Morning Wave

Weatherbug says it was 32 degrees farenheit.

Then, the Weatherbug said it "felt like" 32 degrees farenheit.  (obviously no wind chill)

But you and I know that on 2 wheels at 30 mph, even if it says it's 32 degrees farenheit, it will not feel like that when in motion. It feels much, much colder!

I was about 2 miles on my way (part of a 5 mile commute) and riding in fairly heavy traffic this morning. The sun was very low in the sky behind me as I traveled west. As I rode, I noticed up ahead, a few blocks away, another person on a motorcycle, turning east onto the street. Knowing we would pass each other, I identified an opportunity for a wave.

So I did my usual, left arm extended out just a bit, index finger slightly pointed to acknowledge the other rider. It was quick, just a couple of seconds, traffic was busy, other things to keep an eye on.

He responded with an almost identical quick wave (hardly a wave, just like me, a slight extension of the arm).

Whole incident, probably no longer than 2 or 3 seconds in length.

So, why was that brief little encounter meaningful?

Was it because it was cold outside, and we recognized each other to be adventuresome and hearty souls of some sort?

Was it because we both saw each other as crazies?

Was it because there was some sort of "connection" with each other in the vast realm of the cosmic universe?

All I know was that it was nice. I liked it. I have always liked the wave. Not everybody does it, but many do, and I just like it. It's fun!

I'm excited for this week. The weather looks fantastic for the rest of the week. Highs in the 70's later on this week. Lows in the 40's.

That's Real Good!

Zehr Gut!

Ride On and Carpe Diem, my friends!

9 comments:

  1. Jimbo/cpa3485:

    Here it may be a bit different.

    Cruisers: take left arm off handlebar and very low wave, sort of like feeling the wind

    Sportbikes: either a quick helmet NOD, or a couple of fingers raised up, without moving your arm at all.

    Most just give a quick helmet nod

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast

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    1. Helmet nods just aren't the same. I guess it's an acknowledgement, but not as good and harder to notice. I've done the nod before, but usually only because it was hard to do the wave. The nod is only done reluctantly in my book.

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  2. Here it is mostly wave or nothing. It does seem the colder it is out the more likely those I meet wave. The exception is some of the scooters. Many of them just look befuddled...like they are trying to figure out how I know them :^)

    I love the wave. And, truthfully most riders here either wave or wave back.

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  3. Keith,
    I got a wave from a scooterist just this morning, and yes, he looked a little befuddled. I've seen him around recently a little bit, and he seems new to riding. But wave he did!

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  4. At the beginning of the riding season, everyone waves at everyone else. By the time Fall rolls around, less so.

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    1. That's a good point Richard. I'll keep an eye on that one.

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    2. On today's ride, I got smiles and thumbs up even from cab drivers!

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  5. I wave for the most part and I wave at bikers and scooterists. The scooterists seem a little startled when a chick on a bike waves at them. But I wave because my Moto roots are in scooting. I get a lot of bike snobbery going on here, I ride a Honda and some 'other' cruiser riders won't give me the time of day, but for the most part I get waves and nods.

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  6. Dear CPA3485 (Jimbo):

    I wave at everybody on a powered two-wheeled vehicle. I generally take my left hand off the bars, raise my arm, and open my palm. The Harley wave is interesting. The guys lower their left hands from the bars and wave with an open palm.

    I miss the waves from the 70s: the raised closed fists of defiance.

    Fondest regards,
    Jack/Reep
    Twisted Roads

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