It All Started When They Said The Motorcyclist Was Not Wearing A Helmet

A few weeks ago a young man died because he may have made some bad choices on his motorcycle but one thing that really irritated me, besides how uncaring people are about others, was the fact that they kept harping on motorcycle helmets.  This rider was not wearing a motorcycle helmet.  The media made sure to point that out numerous times, on social media and on the news reports.  Individuals from around Iowa continuously pointed that out over and over again on social media.  I think this irritates me because Iowa DOES NOT have a helmet law.  It's the individual riders choice.  I think that is how it should be throughout the country.  People don't want me to tread on their rights to be, do, and say anything that they want to, so why is it any different when it comes to the choice of wearing or not wearing a motorcycle helmet.  I do wear one religiously, but that is my choice.

The thing that makes me laugh is how so many non riders believe they are experts on how much a helmet will save our lives.  Really?  I can maybe see it saving my life if I accidentally drop my bike at a low speed and fall off, but if I'm going 70 mph and a cage decides to hit me, not sure that helmet is going to make the difference or not.  Hopefully I never have to find that out.  

Another thing that really made me mad is how so many of the people commenting on social media about this accident kept saying that motorcyclists are really most of the problem because we go too fast and swerve in and out of traffic.  I guess it's like anything, a few doorknobs ruin everyone else's reputation.  I admit that sometimes I go about 5 mph over the speed limit, but that's only to stay away from all of the cage drivers that are talking on their cellphones or texting.  Instead of gunning for us to have a helmet law, why don't we work on laws against talking and texting when you should be driving.  I'm riding along and instead of enjoying my ride I'm looking for the cagers that really aren't giving two shits about anyone else but their life because they are so in need of being in touch with everyone all the time.  How about ya put the phone down and pay attention to the road!  Maybe roll your windows down and experience life a little!!

I would have to say though that the thing that irritated me the most about the social media comments. about this sad accident. were all of the people that said this young man got what he should have for his actions.  It's sad how social media has made it so easy to hide behind a screen name and has enabled people to just say the meanest things possible about other human beings.  It's very sad.  It made me think, I sure hope I'm never the one that the news is reporting on because I'd hate for my family to read such horrible comments saying that it was my fault and I deserved what I got.  Compassion is something that more people need to work into their day to day lives when interacting with others.  

Rest in Peace, Shawn Sabin.

Labor Day Weekend

Wow...Can you believe that Summer '07 is drawing to a close? The years just fly by once you cross over from the age of 25. I'll be 39 this year and I'm thinking, where did it all go? I know...I'm still young...I hear it all the time but it's just wacky how you think you have so much time ahead of you to accomplish things you want to in life.

Thanks Dan for taking me to all of the bike nights this summer. I always feel safe when I'm riding two up with you. Had good times this summer with Dan, Kristen, Brent, Big Don, Jack and made new friends with Vance and Kris. I know...the season hasn't ended yet...thank god! Hopefully as in years past we have until November.

This weekend Dan and I took a trip up to Northeast Iowa on the Zippy Pickle and stayed with Greg and LaRue, my folks. I had to kid Dan because I only required the use of one saddlebag for all my stuff. He had a saddlebag and a knapsack. HA HA HA! The trip up there was really nice. We rolled in about 8:30ish and you could tell Greg and LaRue were very happy we had all the gear on. Especially the helmets. Iowa does not have a helmet law so it's the rider's choice. On Saturday we were up early so we could ride in and hang for a while at Silver Eagle HD. My Dad wigged a little because we didn't have the ole helmets on. I guess it is a little selfish of me for not considering his feelings about it since he is my father but it is my choice and most of the time I go without. The ride into Waterloo was so nice...it was cool, crisp, refreshing. There wasn't anything going on at Silver Eagle but the staff, as always, was friendly. Talked for a long time with one of the sales guys Ken and I got to go back and look at the new '08 Fat Bob that they just got in. It was pretty sweet!

My mom wanted to go out to the new casino in Waterloo so once we got back to their place we headed in on 4 wheels to the Isle. It was a really nice casino. It made me feel like I was in Vegas. I didn't win big, but I never do. I just don't get why I don't have the luck. Once we were done there we went for dinner at Texas Roadhouse in Cedar Falls. YUM! Funny thing...I wanted a Margarita and without thinking I said to my Dad...I'm going to get a Margarita, I'll give you the money for it. I looked at him and was like...OMG I can't believe I just assumed you are paying for dinner. Wow...I felt like a heel. Well he did pay for dinner...thanks Dad.

Sunday we got up and took off for Waverly around 9. Stopped by the Kielman's to check out their new house. Totally beautiful. Took off for home around noon. Stopped in Hampton for a burger at McD's. Dan got to talking to this older gentleman who was so excited to tell him he rode motorcycles too. He said he had to give it up last year when he turned 76. His wife told him that it was just time and he agreed. You could tell it made him sad. He also told us he was a prisoner of war in Korea. I thanked him and he was so modest and told me I didn't have to thank him. I wanted to hug him...he was such a cute old guy and you could tell it made his day that we were listening to him. I love the stories you hear from our elders. I could sit and listen to them for hours. They lived extraordinary lives and we need to take it in before they are gone.

We made it home to Johnston about 3:30 pm. What a great weekend and it was made even greater because we rode the Zippy Pickle and were outside feeling all the elements and clearing our heads from all the mumbo jumbo that goes in and out of it all week long!

Adios Summer...Welcome Fall and more good times ahead!