I read Norman Plombe’s letter, “Why on Earth Are You Waving at Me?” in the June 5 Xpress. … Why on earth would he want to project [his] grouchy jerkiness to the rest of the most sincere camaraderie that bikers continue to exhibit? We’re the last of the vehicular brotherhood. You see VW bugs flashing lights at each other? You bet you do!
Back in the day, I used to flip my hidden head- lights to other Mazda RX-7s; it was brotherhood camaraderie. I only stopped when the cars got so numerous that no one flipped me back.
It is my great pleasure to continue in the last, greatest show of camaraderie left. After this, we’re done. The roads have become meaningless, impersonal. And it’s people like [Plombe who] hasten the end. Thanks, pal.
Regarding [his] issue of waving being “dangerous,” I strongly disagree. There is a large difference between raising your left hand to point straight out, signaling a left turn, and putting your left arm in a upward raised L shape to signal a right turn, or what “cagers” (car drivers) recognize.
The waving maneuver is subtle, and does not in any way interfere with legitimate turn signaling. Sorry if you don’t use motorcycle turn signals; perhaps you should ride a Virago; they have self- canceling turn signals, you know.
I strongly encourage riders of motorcycles, old and new, Harleys and vintage Metric Cruisers, to keep on waving, brothers in camaraderie. Ignore the occasional Grouchy Old Jerk.
— Carl Raphael
Asheville
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.