Commentary

I meet a lot of nice, interesting people while on a motorcycle but one part of the biker culture that has always bothers me is the overt racism practiced by some who ride bikes.

At a Roanoke Valley Harley-Davidson open house this past Saturday, I saw too many openly racist themes, with patches proclaiming "white power" to helmet decals that read "I pay taxes and speak English."

We live in a nation of diverse interests and opinions but advocating the superiority of one race over another should be an concept that disappeared from our culture a long time ago. The Roanoke Valley Harley Owners Group (HOG) has black members. Harley-Davidson tried to ban use of the Confederate flag from its branded products in 1994 but pressure from Southern dealers caused the company to reverse its decision.

But symbols of prejudice still adorn too many bikes and bikers. I've seen headlights shaped like Nazi Germany's Iron Cross and swastika pins on vests.

Riding should be about fraternity and brother (and sister) hood, not hate and prejudice.

Several people saw my Harley parked outside the Floyd County Administration Tuesday, dripping with moisture from the rain that moved in to the area for most of the day.

"My God," one said. "Do you ride in the rain?"

Of course I do. I bought the bike to ride, not sit in the garage and use only on nice, sunny days. I've got gators (rain wear) and use them when it's wet. No big deal. You always ride with care and caution and rain is no different.

The only time you won't find me on a bike is when it's snowing, if there is ice on the ground and ground or during a thunderstorm with lightning. Then I crawl into a car.

From the Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles website index page on motorcycles:

"Despite the best prevention efforts, motorcycle crashes do occur. In a crash, the most important factor for reducing injury to a motorcyclist is personal protection. The proper riding gear—a helmet, eye protection, leather jackets and trousers, durable gloves, and proper footwear—can provide this personal protection."

Observe the two Virginia State Police Motor Officers in the photo at left (taken at the annual Carroll County Gun Show & Flea Market over the weekend). Like motor officers in many states and jurisdictions, they ride with short sleeve shirts in warm weather.

So much for leading by example.