"Casual" Rider - yes or no?

[Lucky Lady]

While in Seattle last summer, in bumper to bumper traffic on the freeway, I looked two lanes over and saw a helmeted guy in flip flops on a big bike. I know: don't judge. But I just can't help but wonder what a person like that is THINKING when they put on their helmet, slip into their flip flops and head out onto a major freeway. They care about their head but not their feet? I don't get it. Wa. state must have a helmet law, otherwise he'd probably not bother with that either.

[jstark47]

LOTS of nerve endings in toes. I'll keep mine in boots, thank you. But there's no accounting for people.....

[dr_bar]

Did flip flops on my bicycle when I was a young child. Tip of the flip flop caught the ground as I was pedaling in an unpaved back alley. Dragged my foot right off the pedal and tore all the calluses almost right off my foot. I wasn't even going fast, I can't imagine what would happen at speed on a motorcycle... (Or maybe I can, and that's why I don't wear them... ) )

[MmeMagpie]

or maybe a Darwin award is handed to you... .

I guess that would be a postumous award? :?

By the very nature of the award, it would have to be. You only get an honourable mention if you survive.

I saw one exception to this - a fellow removed himself as a contributor to the gene pool after using the ball washer at the golf course

As for flip flops, shorts, etc. on bikes... all I can think of is the pain of being pelted by speeding bugs and debris on the road. Cover me from head to toe. I've even found that the mesh jacket is cooler than without in summer - it's portable shade.

Allen, mesh jackets can be pretty cheap if you spend a little time looking. Try searching Joe Rocket on ebay. These jackets start pretty inexpensive new, and this can mean a mesh jacket for well under $100 if you're patient. I think mine auctioned for $30 (bought new for $140).

[IntoTheWind]

I was at the beginning of a 5 hour ride last weekend on my 2010 Heritage Softail Classic and hit a stop light where I pulled up next to a guy and his wife (vs. a dude and his ol' lady) riding a HD Touring bike. I took a quick glance and noticed the guy wearing cargo shorts and flip flops and his passenger wife wearing similar attire.

What caught my attention was the dude wearing cargo shorts and flip flops. Yes, FLIP FLOPS - not tennis shoes, sandals, etc. They were like shower flip flops. His bike must have been over 800 lbs. My first thought was WTF???

I've been riding for many years so I'm kind of set in my ways. As an example, I ALWAYS wear jeans and boots over my ankles. I recognize that I'm an old dude so I'm wondering - am I just old and need to accept new trends OR was that dude a complete friggin' idiot?

I'll use your input as my guide.

I'd go with lack of experience. I see someone like that ... I see someone that has never had to work for a living. Foot and ankle support is a must if you're going to make it to old age. Your feet/ankles give out ... you're done.

For example, my bike got knocked over of few years ago, in a parking lot - by a car. It went over far enough to bang up the left rear view mirror pretty good (had to have it replaced). If that wasn't bad enough, it was lying on a slope, angling downward - the tires were off the ground. I had to lift it up and set it upright. The GoldWing was over a 1000 lbs. Think this could have been done with shower shoes on? I won't even wear sneakers. I can think of a lot of reasons not to ware shower shoes.

A long time ago, I ended up on the table, getting my leg re-attached to the knee. I was waring full leathers - good, thick cow hide. That didn't keep my leg from being torn off. It did (or does), however, give me an appreciation for all the modern armored gear on the market today. To bad most if it don't fit.

Still, I don't care what other people do. As long as it doesn't effect me, or mine. There is plenty of stupid running around. To much for me to lose any sleep over.

[ShovelheadJohn]

I deck out in leather just to rip to the corner store and back.....I guess some people have to get hurt before they learn.....I just hope its minor......

[Ram]

I ride with a club and often lead many of the club rides (none 1%ers) I really don't care what people ride when I pass them by but if they ride with me or our club they wear at least most of the gear (long pants, foot wear, Helmet) most at least wear a vest over their "T" shirt. I insist on at least this when riding in my group as I don't think It would be fair for the rest of the group to see un-necessary damage to someone (road rash) because they did not have enough common sense to cover up.

There are two types of riders, those who have gone down and those who will go down. JMO