Like most others this thread has been amazing and illuminating. When i first started out in the early 70's with a bantam 175 and a 2nd hand greasy leather jacket, I was ignored by those on Commandos and Rocket Threes, even Tiger Cubs would only grudgingly acknowledge me. Scooters were a strict no no and one sure way of being beaten to death by a horde in parkas on lambrettas that could outrun me. As I got bigger and better bikes I got more smiles and waves and sense of being accepted. Things changed at the end of the 70’s with the Japscrap and Brit oilers encampments and you were either one or the other and never should the twain meet.
As the British bike industry imploded and every one rode around on Jap screamers or those things with lots of exhausts old rivalries passed away and as we were all on a Jap machine (the only ones you could buy then, early 80’s) every one waved or acknowledged each other with the exception of various chapters with colours. (these guys still do not wave as its uncool)
Today in 2009 I find that the encampment thing is alive and well although it no longer depends upon the make of bike but the type. I nod to everyone and stop at the first opportunity if a fellow biker is stopped at the roadside but find it is (in general) the big tourers, mainly BMs and Goldwings/Panams that ignore me. It is nice to hark back to a bygone age when we were all friendly and part of an exclusive club but the truth is it never was.
It is one of the reasons I love the HUBB. There is a sense of camaraderie here and everyone I have met so far, either at meets or camping has been great. I wish most of the rest of the biking community I have met over the years had been like the people I have met here so far.
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