this is an interesting debate; I began riding in a helmet mandatory state, so it just seems normal (along with the fact it's safer and, as greg mentioned, more comfortable). after I started riding, the first time I traveled to a 'helmet optional' state and saw people riding around without helmets, I almost went crazy - it just seemed the stupidest thing possible. honestly I simply don't get it.
all that said, I am kind of torn on this whole issue. I believe people should have the right to choose how they want to live their lives; but when something such as a helmet is mandatory from a safety (and social cost/effect management) perspective, then it's a non-issue. the first thing that comes to mind when I hear about another motorcycle death is, 'were they wearing a helmet?' it would be nice not to have to ask...and if it were law, I probably wouldn't have to ask the question as often.
there are so many things in life we take for granted that are laws, whether instituted by a governing body or by social mores. many of those things we don't even think twice about; others we make conscious decisions about whether we want to break the mold. I can't help but think that, if there was a mandatory helmet law, after a generation, the only people that would even think twice about it would be those that remembered 'back in the old days'.
I think a modified version of this type of ad could be useful; clearly some of the situations shown seem reckless and could simply inflame the non-mc folks out there. if an ad can be poignant and leave a simple impression on someone, then it is useful.
cool - thanks for the suggestion. and also cool that you record their concerts! I have a good friend who is a recording engineer and it's something I've admired for a while
elk - I was playing pretty regularly until last year, when I took my current job which requires a reasonable amount of travel. I would love to find somewhere I can play on occasion; but I need to do some practicing first perhaps we should have a motorcycle night at the orchestra, seeing there are a few fans of classical music...
not sure if this thread is still really going, but I LOVE Mahler...any chance I have to hear his symphonies live, I go. a few years ago, I heard the berlin phil do #1 (mariss jansons conducting), and february I got to hear #6 at the musikverein and the vienna phil (semyon bychkov conducting). 4 and 5 have been somewhere in my concert experiences as well...I've also been fortunate enough to perform the first two symphonies (I play cello).
if it's all seeming too bombastic, I think the recommendation of #1 is a good choice; a little more 'restrained' than some of the later symphonies. give it some time; it may grow on you. in the mean time, do some richard strauss tone poems - alpine symphony, till eulenspiegel, don juan (not necessarily less bombastic, but a little more light-hearted)...or debussy la mer, ravel daphnis et chloe, prokofiev symphonies, bartok concerto for orchestra, copland #3...and the list goes on. I'm a big fan of late romantic and 20th century music...if you're interested in going atonal, just say the word
I was directed here by a friend I met on a ride last fall, and though I thought I had already joined up, I was apparently mistaken. given that I can be a bit absent-minded at times, this is nothing new
I grew up in mn, but after high school moved to nc where I lived for 19 years. it was there I discovered the art (or at least the enjoyment) of the motorbike. I've been riding for about four years, and it was love at first ride. prior to returning to mn last summer, I was averaging about 15,000-20,000 miles a year. while a good bit of this was interstate/commuting miles, there were countless weekends I went out for some fantastic joy rides in and around the appalachian and smoky mountains. the blue ridge parkway and I were good friends...
now with a shorter riding season and (at times) heavy travel schedule for work, my mileage has dropped significantly. but the passion is still there. whether riding the 10 minute commute to work or heading out for a full day, my bike continues to provide me great enjoyment and an escape from the mundane hecticness of daily life.
I'm not the world's fastest rider and I'm not really trying to prove anything to anyone...I've seen too many egos and sudden surprises take people down. that said, I enjoy a spirited ride through twisties and sweepers and thrive from the increased pulse of a road adventure.
hopefully I'll get to meet a number of you this summer when time and weather affords the experience of a new journey.
here are a few photos.
on the blue ridge parkway. my bike's a little dirtier now...
at biltmore house.
a recent picture of me minus the bike. hopefully I don't look too shady
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