[nox23]

I'm just making an observation of what I think tends to be illogical thinking on the part of riders in general, but especially sportbike riders. It concerns the "punks on them crotchrocketes" stereotype that I often hear complaints about. I read/hear about being safe, riding responsibly, wearing your gear, making fun of "squids" (been riding a year and a half and that label and discussion is very tired already). Among all this preaching there seems to be an overall consensus that it's cool to go fast and be stupid, but only occasionally... (this seems to be the loophole of not being a squid) I think that if riders feel that strongly about the image problem, then we should consider ourselves "amabasadors" of the sport each and every time we ride, especially in the city. If any of us have ever knowingly done something unsafe or ridden faster than necessary, then we deserve the bad rap, and have contributed to that image problem, especially if this was done in front of the general public. I understand that riding a sportbike involoves an art of pushing limits, but the fact is that public roads were built to go from point a to point b, thats it. Not to test your skills. Not so that we could ride out bikes. Thats what the track is for. I also understand that the track costs money. The reality is that if one cannot afford the track, then one cannot afford the sport. I'd love to take up flying, but thats out of my financial league. So guess what, I don't get to play cuz I don't have the money. I have yet to be harrassed by anyone, including cops. Yes drivers have done ridiculously stupid things that had I not reacted or been able to predict would have killed me. They also do that stupid shit when I'm in my truck, I ride the speed limit, and basically pace traffic. I just focus on being fluid and smooth which is a challenge in traffic. I just get my high from being on the bike period, and feed on the experience. All I'm saying is that stereotypes exist for a reason. I'm tired of hearing about riders going down or getting killed over stupidity on the part of the rider going 90 when they could have been doing 70. Then everyone hopping on the "fucken cagers" bandwagon. All comments appreciated, even if you disagree, I'm just making an observation, thats what forums are for right?