All of the nice bike and favorite thing some said about your bike talk reminded me of this.
So last weekend I am coming home from a long day of riding in beautiful Southern Ohio and stop at a gas station to take a piss. I pull in and see three dudes off their bikes standing around and talking. They yell at me "Hey Ducati" and wave me over. I bullshit with them for about 10 minutes each of us talking about our bikes. They had an SV, a Victory Cruiser, and some Rice Rocket. Anyways the whole time these guys are standing there talking about the 250 miles they did that day, the weather and leaves, and bs'ing about our bikes they all have beers in their hands. I also noticed that these were probably the last three out of a whole 24 pack.
It just floored me that these nice, seemingly intelligent (they all had full leathers and helmets) dudes had been drinking all day. I couldn't imagine riding after one beer but obviously these guys at had at least 8 a piece and probably more since they had mentioned stoping numerous times.
Why on earth would someone choose to drink and ride? I made sure I left way before them so I wasn't riding anywhere near where they would be.
We have a lounge at our office. It's not unusual for a few people to hangout after work on a Friday night. I'll be honest, I've driven my car home from work after having a beer or two ... never more. Most people can relate.
One such Friday I enjoyed one ... ONE beer at the bar before I remembered I had my Monster that day. I geared-up and headed home not thinking that the beer mattered. IT DID. I'm not a total light-weight, but I could feel a subtle but noticeable difference in my balance, focus, and vision. Nothing dramatic, but enough that I didn't feel as safe as I usually do on the bike.
I pulled over and walked around a store for an hour before continuing home.
New policy: Riding = Zero drinking.
1 beer/hour for me WITH food and a max of three. [popcorn]
I completely agree with you. I cannot imagine riding my bike after having anything to drink. That is a personal decision related to the amount of extra risk I am willing to assume while operating a motorcycle. Occasionally, I will meet some friends for drinks, have one, wait an hour or so and then drive my cage home, but never the bike.
Some people choose to ride without helmets, some people feel like they can knock back a few and still be safe. I can't speak to their abilities, but shame on anyone who operates any kind of motor vehicle while intoxicated, distracted, angry, whatever, and causes an accident that effects the life of someone else. Ride your bike into the ditch and injure yourself, but remember that even that might effect your family.
I mean, I rode home behind a driver last night who had a hard time keeping it between the lines and nearly ran a red light ahead of me. I pull past her and look over to see her talking on her phone. I wanted to tell her what I thought about her recklessness, but doubt that she would have understood what I was trying to tell her. People's lack of attention to the impact of their responsibilities is a pet peeve of mine though...
Quote from: yotogi on November 07, 2008, 10:55:32 AM
I completely agree with you. I cannot imagine riding my bike after having anything to drink. That is a personal decision related to the amount of extra risk I am willing to assume while operating a motorcycle. Occasionally, I will meet some friends for drinks, have one, wait an hour or so and then drive my cage home, but never the bike.
Some people choose to ride without helmets, some people feel like they can knock back a few and still be safe. I can't speak to their abilities, but shame on anyone who operates any kind of motor vehicle while intoxicated, distracted, angry, whatever, and causes an accident that effects the life of someone else. Ride your bike into the ditch and injure yourself, but remember that even that might effect your family.
I mean, I rode home behind a driver last night who had a hard time keeping it between the lines and nearly ran a red light ahead of me. I pull past her and look over to see her talking on her phone. I wanted to tell her what I thought about her recklessness, but doubt that she would have understood what I was trying to tell her. People's lack of attention to the impact of their responsibilities is a pet peeve of mine though...
Um, I'm speechless. [popcorn]
Quote from: yotogi on November 07, 2008, 10:55:32 AM
<snip>...and then drive my cage home, but never the bike.
Quote from: Valor on November 07, 2008, 10:05:47 AM
<snip> IT DID. I'm not a total light-weight, but I could feel a subtle but noticeable difference in my balance, focus, and vision.
New policy: Riding = Zero drinking.
Is this because you feel you can control your car better than your bike or cause you are safer from injury in it than on the bike?
I figure, if I can't ride I can't drive and vice versa. Just curious as to your reasoning. Does Driving = Zero Drinking? How can f'd up (to whatever degree that means) on your bike not = f'd up in your car?
Full disclosure: When I first started riding I had a zero drinking policy because i was still learning how to ride. Now that it's as second nature as driving I don't mind having a couple of drinks - just the same limits I impose on myself when driving.
As far as the scene the original poster witnessed....
Not clear if that 24 pack was consumed in the whole day, that reduces the impact quite a bit.
If that was only what was consumed at the last stop, well, that's a lot different.
Some folks can do it, not me.
If I drank 8 beers, one after the other, I couldn't walk, let alone ride.
Quote from: DCXCV on November 07, 2008, 11:19:05 AM
Is this because you feel you can control your car better than your bike or cause you are safer from injury in it than on the bike?
I figure, if I can't ride I can't drive and vice versa. Just curious as to your reasoning. Does Driving = Zero Drinking? How can f'd up (to whatever degree that means) on your bike not = f'd up in your car?
Full disclosure: When I first started riding I had a zero drinking policy because i was still learning how to ride. Now that it's as second nature as driving I don't mind having a couple of drinks - just the same limits I impose on myself when driving.
I can see your point on this but I will go to happy hour after work and have maybe 3 beers but I would never do this if I was on my bike. I just feel like there is about 10x more going on when your on a bike as opposed to the cage.
Probably a derby... but still a great article...
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/streetsurvival/riding_drunk/index.html (http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/streetsurvival/riding_drunk/index.html)
Quote from: Speeddog on November 07, 2008, 11:43:12 AM
As far as the scene the original poster witnessed....
Not clear if that 24 pack was consumed in the whole day, that reduces the impact quite a bit.
If that was only what was consumed at the last stop, well, that's a lot different.
Some folks can do it, not me.
If I drank 8 beers, one after the other, I couldn't walk, let alone ride.
I'm pretty sure that those three had put that 24 pack away in one day. They also were at a festival and were drinking there. One even mentioned not being able to remember how many they had.
Oddly enough, it's not uncommon to pull up to the overlook at Deal's Gap and see folks (usually Goldwing or Harley baggers/dressers or any other dressers) pulling a beer or three out of their bags ~
JM
Well,,,, I agree don't drink and drive,,,BUT
Years past when I drove Formula Fords I worked all day and evening on my car for an event at Moroso Park near West Palm.
We had beers and day,, all evening,,, got a late start on our 6 hour drive to West Palm.
Drank all the way to West Palm in the van and as the sun was rising Saturday morning stopped for a 12 pack..
You have to keep the head going or else you drop...
Before the noon hour I had put in several practices and won the pole during qualifying..
There were guys there speaking french with semi's full of spares and clean fancy driver's suits.
I had an old van, open trailer, playing Black Sabbath music , an old car, no spares, and a dirty / greasy driver's suit...
Got the pole and oh heck another 12 pack...
Things I (we) did ....
I love getting trashed and riding.
It makes it easier to go fast enough to where the striped lines become solid...
1 drink per hour and no more drinks than I have wheels is my general policy....
this of course differes if I am going to be somewhere for the day or a long time though...but generally speaking anyway
This isn't shocking news or anything new. You should see some of the ice houses in my area. They are packed with bikes and of course everyone (bikers) drinks.
Quote from: desmopr on November 07, 2008, 10:54:47 AM
1 beer/hour for me WITH food and a max of three. [popcorn]
+1 My personal policy as well
Quote from: DCXCV on November 07, 2008, 11:19:05 AM
Is this because you feel you can control your car better than your bike or cause you are safer from injury in it than on the bike?
I figure, if I can't ride I can't drive and vice versa. Just curious as to your reasoning. Does Driving = Zero Drinking? How can f'd up (to whatever degree that means) on your bike not = f'd up in your car?
Currently, due to my personal lack of experience, it requires 100%+ focus while riding the bike. I am sure that as I get more comfortable, I will feel comfortable to the point where I would consider it personally safe enough for me to apply the same rules to my bike as my car. I still can't imagine that I would break my 1 drink, 1 hour rule in the cage or on the bike. Tough to say though. I really am not much of a drinker to begin with so...
No body's even mentioned smoking good pot. ;D ;D ;D
I am a very very bad person.
LA
Quote from: DCXCV on November 07, 2008, 11:19:05 AM
Is this because you feel you can control your car better than your bike or cause you are safer from injury in it than on the bike?
I figure, if I can't ride I can't drive and vice versa. Just curious as to your reasoning. Does Driving = Zero Drinking? How can f'd up (to whatever degree that means) on your bike not = f'd up in your car?
I think I understand where you are coming from but I've never had to balance my car on two wheels to keep it from falling over :P. Or had to make sure to alter the brake bias depending on conditions while driving my car..... or remember to shift my weight and countersteer in a turn....... or watch for loose gravel or spilled diesel fuel on the rode. In my mind there is just soooo much more going on when you ride. That's why my standard is a bit stricter when riding my two-wheeler than it is when driving a four-wheeler.
I work with a lady that goes on these bike runs and all she can talk about its they stopped at every bar and had drinks and rode to the next. I just don't get it. [bang] Bar hopping while riding. To me that's just asking for trouble. Not just one drink at each stop but shots and beer. She says that most of the Harley riders do this on each run. I guess to each their own but I never ride with them anyway and never will.
My big mouth gets me in trouble when I'm sober... let alone when I've been drinking. [evil] ;D
No drinking and operating anything more complicated than the remote.... [laugh]
Quote from: PizzaMonster on November 07, 2008, 06:36:54 PM
I think I understand where you are coming from but I've never had to balance my car on two wheels to keep it from falling over :P. Or had to make sure to alter the brake bias depending on conditions while driving my car..... or remember to shift my weight and countersteer in a turn....... or watch for loose gravel or spilled diesel fuel on the rode. In my mind there is just soooo much more going on when you ride. That's why my standard is a bit stricter when riding my two-wheeler than it is when driving a four-wheeler.
+1
while driving a car requires more attention than lots of folks give it, it requires less (to my mind) than riding.
Quote from: LA on November 07, 2008, 06:13:29 PM
No body's even mentioned smoking good pot. ;D ;D ;D
LA
I think that would be more scary than drinking.
I never mix the two. In fact, with my 1st bike, the amount of money saved by not drinking when I went out on the bike practically made the bike payments ;D
I got pretty drunk and drove my monster home during the summer last year. I made it home fine, but it was stupid. I was doing dumb things like going way too fast (it was at night as well). Dont think i want to do that again. Honestly i have no problems with one beer and riding my bike. No more than one though. [drink]
Quote from: SaltLick on November 08, 2008, 07:21:51 AM
I got pretty drunk and drove my monster home during the summer last year. I made it home fine, but it was stupid. I was doing dumb things like going way too fast (it was at night as well). Dont think i want to do that again. Honestly i have no problems with one beer and riding my bike. No more than one though. [drink]
Alright, since you were brave and admitted to riding drunk I will too. Last year I went on one of those bar hopping Harley rides with some friends. I was being good for most of the day, then got carried away at 2 of the stops. Didn't make the last bar b/c I started to feel pretty good. Hung out for a while then rode home. No stupid stuff on the bike but I DID NOT LIKE IT ONE BIT!! No doubt it took all my concentration to ride home safe. NEVER AGAIN!! >:(
After seeing what happens to drunk riders and drivers all too often, I will not drink and ride. My personal choice......
fellow riders gave me an easy rule to remember : The maximum number of drinks = the number of tires on what you're driving.
Two's my maximum - and it's with food and I'll wait an hour or so before getting on the bike.
Each person has different limits. 8 beers is no problem when I'm not driving, and out with friends. Riding a bike takes too much concentration. I love riding, I love drinking. I also love walking, having the ability to feed myself, and I really enjoy being alive.
We ride mostly during the day, so the two don't mix. Just get in the habit of not riding to where you're drinking, and the temptation is gone.
I've never understood it. At home, I drink like damn fish but if I have to drive or ride, it's one beer and several glasses of water later before I drive/ride.
I'm a real lightweight.
Riding means no drinking whatsoever that day.
Driving, possibly a couple of hours after a quarter of a beer.
Over time, my personal rules have changed for drinking and riding. They've become more lax. And that's probably not good.
When I'm in the twisties, there is no drinking. None with lunch or otherwise. The coupla of times other people have ordered a beer with lunch, I've turned up an eyebrow, but decided--based on the person, their judgment, how they ride and the sort of route we were taking home--that I wasn't going to say anything. Beer is allowed afterward. We often stop to have a beer on Michael Moore's deck after a morning of twisties. Other times we head to the local moto bar for a post-ride drink.
When I ride to the bar (1.5 miles away from home) to meet up with riding buddies or after a ride, I drink and ride. I'll have 3-4 beers over 4-5 hours, 1 beer over 1 hour, or 2 beers over 2 or 3 hours. No bourbon. Too hard to gauge amounts and its effects. I probably shouldn't ride in those situations, but I do. I can think of at least two occasions when I got home and realized I shouldn't have ridden, even if I was under the legal limit. If I'm planning on *really* drinking, I take a cab. Others drink more and ride. Their choice, as poor as it is. One of these days, when we grow all curmedgeony (new word!), we're going to re-evaluate meeting at a bar. But not anytime soon.
I have...
a beer with lunch maybe.
Makes me brave...not a good thing when riding on the street.
just one impairs my judgement, i'd likely have another, and another.
so i don't have any when i ride.
Quote from: DuCaTiNi on November 09, 2008, 03:46:29 PM
just one impairs my judgement, i'd likely have another, and another.
so i don't have any when i ride.
That is exactly how I am with drinking. Once I start I tend to keep going. If I know I am going to be drinking at all I leave the bike at home or parked!
When I was 21 and got my first bike I had my only experience with drinking and riding. I dumped the bike on a right hand turn and rode the bike into a drainage ditch. That was it, I never rode and drank again. Now, I don't drink at all so it is no longer much of an issue.
Several years ago we used to have a subscription with NHTSA. Included were alcohol related fatality statistics. The highest risk groups were those who were really drunk (no surprise there) and those who had one or two drinks. My guess is the people who were over the limit compensated, but those who only had one or two were just a little dumber and a little braver. Obviously motorcycles are a different issue since they fall down and are more difficult to operate.
I ain't no saint, so I won't preach, just be aware.
When I drink and ride I find it hard not to spill.
Most of my beer either ends up on the bike or my jacket.
I wouldn't go so far as to killing a 24 pack with 2 buds, but I can have a couple beers and ride fine. Not that I choose to do so, but I have once and didn't have any problems as I was practically sober. I've ridden high as shit once too, not by choice though. I left my bike in an alley and forgot about it and smoked way too much at my friend's house. I thought I was going like 90mph on the fwy but I was only going like 50.
With that said, I'd rather ride after a couple beers than after a couple hits. But I prefer to ride without either. (When I go out to drink I take my truck and make my gf drive, there's no way I'm driving knowing the way I drink.)
I have met a guy that smokes a bowl before he hits the canyons. Not sure how he does it but he's pretty damn good.
Quote from: ducpainter on November 09, 2008, 12:11:01 PM
Makes me brave...not a good thing when riding on the street.
Oh! pregnant dog please.
A thoughtful person, like you maybe, probably doesn't get brave, or stupid or anything from a beer - maybe even two. ;D
LA
Quote from: lauramonster on November 08, 2008, 01:15:30 PM
fellow riders gave me an easy rule to remember : The maximum number of drinks = the number of tires on what you're driving.
Phew!! Hope you never get a chance to drive an 18-wheeler! ;D ;D
I get smashed and then I ride home [evil]
... on the T
On the bike I stay clean. I'm uncoordinated enough when I'm sober.
(the T is the Boston subway system)
I'm 59 now and don't touch a drop of alcohol mainly because it triggers an almost instant Migraine Headache.
When I was in my late teens I rode with a pretty rough bunch .
One Saturday we went to a Town not too far away and our objective was to drink a beer in each bar on each side of the main street.
I would say that there were probably 15 bars total .
About all I remember was at the last bar we went in , I went into the men's room and proceeded to to put my fists through the walls which were that black wall board .
I must have done it a 1/2 dozen times before one of the guys I was riding w, came in and yelled that the owner had called the Police .
I don't know how but next thing I knew it I was screaming out of town and heading for a country road.
I never saw my riding buddies again that day. In fact I have no memory of how I made it home.
That would have been a big fine and jail time. I guess I was lucky that day.
I was running errands today and drove past a biker bar and there were 2 Harleys that looked like they cost $40,000 a piece or more. They looked like show bikes.
All I could think was how much the riders would drink and what if they wrecked them .
The only thing I can use and ride on is caffeine or prescribed Provigil which the Air Force gives to the B17 Pilots that have to make those bombing flights from Missouri to the Middle East and back to Missouri.
Those 2 things will keep me alert and allow me to ride for 4 hours at a high intensity. I only drink tea or take the Provigil 1 at a time , never the 2 together.
You know how Caffeine gives you more energy and mental acuity.
At my age and with Osteo Arthritis of both knees and hips , the stimulating effects seem to take my mind of the pain even with a Celebrex, Aleve, and 2 Arthritis strength Tylenols.
As far as riding is concerned , and getting older , it sucks to have all the pains of a very ,very active lifestyle catch up to you.
44 years of Golf, lots of Hiking , 15 years of Body Building, and several years of Enduro Riding . Dolph
You know you've probably had too much to drink when you stop at the lights and forget to put your foot down.
Quote from: brimo on November 15, 2008, 01:58:33 AM
You know you've probably had too much to drink when you stop at the lights and forget to put your foot down.
Thinking back to my earlier years.....I'm afraid I RESEMBLE that remark :-[ ???
A buddy of mine had just crashed his Kawasaki K900 a few months before and insurance had bought him a brand new K1000. He was still in a cast but one evening we decided that if I rode pillion with him, at stop lights he could put down his good (left) leg and I would balance the bike if it leaned to the right. All would be good...right?
Well we get downtown and we slow for a light. He is busy fishing for neutral so no foot down. I'm checking out the ladies on the sidewalk instead of paying attention. We didn't quite hit the pavement but I'm sure we looked like quite the pair of keystone cops trying to keep that bike upright .
Yes....I think alcohol may have been involved. [bang] [beer]
it's a simple equation:
# drinks ≤ # wheels of vehicle operating
∀ familiar w/ their own tolerance
Quote from: LA on November 13, 2008, 12:09:11 PM
Oh! pregnant dog please.
A thoughtful person, like you maybe, probably doesn't get brave, or stupid or anything from a beer - maybe even two. ;D
LA
Actually...
I do get brave.
I need to start drinking when I'm at the track. :P
(For anyone that doesn't know me....that was sarcasm.... ;))
So...if it's okay to have less drinks than wheels.....
Anyone else want to be on a road of cagers with three in 'em?
I've had a drink or two in me and ridden. Never again. It's not worth it.
Quote from: NORCAL510 on November 16, 2008, 04:36:19 PM
it's a simple equation:
# drinks ≤ # wheels of vehicle operating
∀ familiar w/ their own tolerance
I need to get a duely so I can drink more when I go out.
[drink] [drink] [drink] [drink] [drink] [drink] 6 drinks! wooo...!
Well... Those mornings I drive a school bus, I know what I can have for breakfast!!! [evil]
JM