The Wave: Making Friends with Strangers

Author: Tay Jones, CEO of Twisty Rider LLC

Last weekend I rolled out with our teenager and a buddy for a Memorial Day weekend ride.  The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place to live.  There are always motorcycles out and about on nice days.  Passing another motorbike out on the road and giving the quintessential “wave” is satisfying to the soul.  To be honest, I look forward to it – I think the kid got a kick out of it too.

Cruisers, dual-sports, sport bikes – whatever – it’s a brotherhood (or sisterhood) of like-minded individuals, sharing a little piece of their adventure.  Not getting to wave to other bikers is a disappointment, to say the least.  And other bikers not waving at you because of the bike you ride, well that’s just a tragedy.

It wasn’t the case on this ride, but on those days when you’re suffering through a commute in the cold, driving rain, with no heated gear, and playing the game between venting the helmet so you can see through the fog and rain (and not die) but also not being too uncomfortable, giving the wave is important.  You’re saying to the other rider: “I get it… this sucks and is the best damn thing at the same time.”

Showing a little love to each other is important.  I like to think that the car people are always a little jealous when they see the wave between strangers.  Like they are missing out on a secret – and I think at some level, that’s the truth.  (Ever find yourself waving at motorcycles when you’re driving in your car? – yeah, me too.)  Everyone likes to be included.  But if you want to get the wave…

Get out of your car – Get Out There And RIDE!