"The Biker's Handbook, Becoming Part of the Motorcycle Culture" by Jay Barbieri is an informative account of the biker lifestyle and provides comedic, often hilarious descriptions of events and antics of Jay and his friends. It's clear that Jay has been riding for some time, and earned the right to call himself a biker. But, his rantings to the new rider often seems "over the top". Experience provides some semblence of knowledge but does not give one the right to determine that all new riders are dumb. His book reads like a "my way or the highway" sort of instruction to new riders. Sometimes his writings are contradictory. For example when discussing the helmet, in one breath he says that he wears a helmet sometimes; in another he says that "you will buy a helmet", and calls the reader who buys the brain bucket helmet with his first bike "a complete idiot". It's disconcerting to hear another biker publicly put down new riders rather than encourage them, whether intentional or not. I would think a new rider would be offended and quickly throw the book aside. I, on the other hand, understand the culture and enjoyed reading the opinion of Jay with his many years of experience to back up his beliefs. There are far more times when he provides excellent information than times that he is condescending and belittling to those with less experience than him, and that makes the book worth reading for a new rider and seasoned rider alike. My advice, is that a new rider not consider The Biker's Handbook the Bible on motorcycling. I believe new riders should read as many books on the topic as they can, learn from other riders, take a motorcycle safety course, and search the internet for blogs, forums, and expert advice. Only time and miles on the road will help the new rider understand the biker subculture and become a part of it as a natural progression, whether as a member of a H.O.G. chapter, an independent rider, or a member of a motorcycle club.
Again, the book is worth reading if you can get past the often condescending attitude of the author. There is a lot of great information and there are some funny stories, too. One thing Jay said that set well with me was "always stop for a stranded biker on the side of the road". He went even further by saying "always stop for any broke down vehicle on the side of the road. It will help portray the image of the biker in a better light." I've been stranded on the side of the road, and sometimes passed by fellow riders, and it is not acceptable in the biker world.
The stories of Sturgis, Daytona and other rallies including the upcoming Republic of Texas rally in Austin are descriptive and interesting. It's obvious Jay has learned how to rally! He recommends fly and ride to long distance rallies, but here is yet another area I'm in disagreement with. I'm of the school "trailers are for boats", and I wouldn't trade for the world some of the long distance trips I've taken -- even Sturgis with five people, a couple of breakdowns, and various other problems. It was quite an adventure, and not worth trading for a fly and ride just to spend more time at the rally. I am also of the school "it's the journey, not the destination". Still some of his advice on the big rallies that are some distance from those of us in Shreveport and Bossier City will be beneficial if you decide to ride to one of the big rallies in the United States.
Bottom line. "The essential to budget travel is to approach onward. When it comes along to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved holidays and/or going to see new places we have never been before, the fact of cost and budgeting is often in the back of our minds. Organizing and expending our travel budget properly is a consideration for most families. Curbing expending and fees, while still experiencing your vacation to its fullest, is the key to certain success and fiscal liability. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thought behind economizing money while touring is simple: Even if your personal finances is incredibly small, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or leaving the homestead! Also recalling that while traveling, no matter whether on a price range or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a large vacation or travel costs!..". Buy the book. Read the book. Learn from it. Make your own decisions about the book, but remember experience and miles on the road is what will give you an understanding of the motorcycle culture. The book is available in hardback, softback and Kindle editions at Amazon.com.
________________
Contact Mary at maric12@gmail.com
Los Angeles travel guide - Wikitravel - Main Page - Wikitravel
wikitravel.org/en/Los_AngelesOpen source travel guide to Los Angeles, featuring up-to-date information on attractions, hotels, restaurants, nightlife, travel tips and more. Free and reliable ...
Outlaw motorcycle club - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outlaw_motorcycle_clubAn outlaw motorcycle club (sometimes known as a motorcycle gang or biker gang) is a motorcycle subculture which has its roots in the immediately post-World War II era ...
VICE United States The Definitive Guide to Enlightening ...
www.vice.comVideo NSFW NewsVICE's online den of nefarious activities, investigative journalism, and enlightening documentaries.
ArtBiker World : art, bikes, bikers, culture art, bikes, bikers ...
artbikerworld.wordpress.comart, bikes, bikers, culture (by ArtBiker) ... Yes Friends! www.ArtBikerWorld.com is now live and all the new posts are going to be at the new site.
The Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary - Motorcycle terms, Biker
www.totalmotorcycle.com/dictionary/motorcycle-dictionary-index.htmYou are here: Index--- Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary. The Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary When you're a biker, you're a part of a large community with its own ...
hells lovers motorcycle club ArtBiker World Blog
artbikerworld.com/?tag=hells-lovers-motorcycle-clubThe following is the obituary of Mr. Frank Rios. Rios was the co-founder of the Chicago based motorcycle club, the Hells Lovers. Started in the late 60s, the ...
Hamptons.com Hamptons & North Fork of Long Island Insider's Guide
www.hamptons.comHamptons Beach Cam Real EstateHamptons insider's guide to Southampton, East Hampton, Westhampton Beach, Montauk, Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, and North Fork of Long Island, New York.
Travel News: Your Guide to Everything for Travel - latimes.com
www.latimes.com/travelGet the latest on travel trends and the best vacation destinations in California, the U.S. and the world!
Motorcycle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MotorcycleA motorcycle (also called a motorbike, bike, moto or cycle) is a two or three wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task they are ...
japan-guide.com - Japan Travel and Living Guide
www.japan-guide.comEverything about modern and traditional Japan with emphasis on travel and living related information.
Careers Articles - Find Careers Related Articles on ArticlesBase.com
www.articlesbase.com/careers-articlesFind Careers articles at ArticlesBase.com a free articles directory. Submit your articles for free distribution and find Careers content for your website, Ezine or ...
Culture, Entertainment and Art - Telegraph
www.telegraph.co.uk/cultureThe latest arts, culture and entertainment news from the Telegraph. Your source for arts, movies, music, theatre, books and TV reviews and previews.
Previous Question Index: Topics Starting with A
en.allexperts.com/qprevious expert question answer list, Topics Starting with A
Party At Sturgis Bike Week 2010: Harleys Sexy Chicks And Live
www.rlfleming.com/1257/party-at-sturgis-bike-week-2010-harleys-sexy...What could be better than going to Sturgis and hanging out with hot chicks and cool Bikers, listening to some of the best live music, while checking out some
Bali travel guide - Wikitravel
wikitravel.org/en/BaliOpen source travel guide to Bali, featuring up-to-date information on attractions, hotels, restaurants, nightlife, travel tips and more. Free and reliable advice ...
TENNESSEETOURIST.COM - Your Vacation Travel Guide To
www.tennesseetourist.comYour guide to events, festivals and Family Fun in the 3 States of Tennessee.
Cars and motorcycle reviews; latest motoring news - Telegraph
www.telegraph.co.uk/motoringLatest cars and motorbikes, motoring news and reviews including what car to buy and best car insurance from telegraph.co.uk.
By Brand Of Motorcycle. Top Ten Reasons Why Riders Dont
cyrilhuzeblog.com/2011/06/21/by-brand-of-motorcycle-top-ten...Cyril Huze Blog World's Number One Source For Custom Motorcycle News
Dirt Bike Parts & Accessories, Motocross (MX) Parts & Gear
www.motosport.comDirt Bike ATV Street Motorcycle OEM Parts for Dirt Bikeson orders over $99 within the lower 48 - $8 flat rate shipping on orders under $99
CNN Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com
www.cnn.com/videoVideo U.S Live Schedule Politics JusticeIf you get CNN at home, you can watch it online and on the go for no additional charge.
2012 Ducati Monster 796 Review - Total Motorcycle - Your Virtual ...
www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2012models/2012-Ducati-Monster...2012 Ducati Monster 796 review, photos, features, price and specifications at Total Motorcycle; your virtual riding destination.
The Commission for Culture and Olympic Games Olympicorg
www.olympic.org/culture-and-olympic-education-commissionThe Commission for Culture and Olympic Education advises the IOC on the promotion of culture and Olympic education and supports the IOC programmes and activities ...
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Click to see the code!
To insert emoticon you must added at least one space before the code.