Stereotypes / Misconceptions...

[Method]

Ok i was going to write this last night, but i basically couldnt be arsed

Anyway,

Last night i was out on the bike heading out to get some petrol, as i got onto the dualies around my area heading out of town to the tesco station i noticed some guy at the side of the road. He looked quite young, and he had a scooter. I couldnt stop there and then because i was heading down a sliproad with cars behind me doing about 50-60...

I got to the petrol station and of course, the old "Laff, another ped boy who's clueless has blown up his derestricted 50, with a 70 kit on it and neons, and hes probably waiting for his ghetto mates to pick him up in their saxo and throw the ped over the bridge" was going through my head.

Anyway, i rode back the same way about 10minutes later, and he was still there. Now at this point i was in two minds, i had the stereotype going through my head and was actually a bit worried that this kid might be a chav who would rob my bike as soon as i got off to see if he was allright... For some reason my good side came out, and i looped back round the roundabout and i came back down the sliproad, bumped up onto the curb and came to the side of him.

I was still cautious at this point so kept everything on and just sat on the bike - engine running. Asked him if he was allright and just checked the area and him out quickly with my visor down ( Its tinted, so he couldnt see my eyes looking all around him ).

Anyway, once again i gave him the benefit of the doubt and got off the bike and raised my visor. Took the keys out and put them firmly in my zipped pocket, and walked over to his bike.

Anyway to cut a long story short, this guy turned out to be the same age as me (19) and was a proper sound lad! He was asking me about my bike and how long i'd been riding, and telling me about what he had done since he left school etc.

Turns out this "Ped Boi" was a regular kid like me, he'd done labouring, courier work, and is now training to be a plumber! Obviously someone who worked for his money!

He had been waiting there for about an hour or 2 allready so i stood with him for about 15-20mins just chatting and cheering him up, its no fun being by the side of the road in the cold The poor guy had picked up a huge nail round the roundabout i double back round and it had basically deflated his tyre instantly

But what realy made it for me, was just as i was about to leave he said - "Thankyou for stopping for me mate, i realy appreciate it, i realy appreciate you stopping like that. If i ever see you stuck at the side of the road, then i will undoubtedly be stopping for you!"

So it just goes to show, in the age old arguement of "Do you stop or not?" that stereotypes shouldnt waver your decision in anyway... Admittedly be cautious, as i was. Be ready to nail it off when the ghetto kids fly out the bush at you, but it just goes to show that you cant tar everyone with the same brush!

I was realy impressed to meet such a down to earth - "Ped Boi"

Just thought i'd share that with you
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CBT Aug '03 ... Gilera GSM 50 ... Honda NSR 125 Aug '04 ...
Full Test Dec 04... Suzuki GS500 Jan 05... Suzuki SV650 Mar 07... Gixxer 6 K5 May 08... Oh and my 'Rado
My Bikepics.com - No Brakes, No Gears... No Fear.

[irving]

[Method]

[JonB]

At the end of the day, we all have to start somewhere. When I was on my moped I'm pretty sure I never fit into that stereotype, I only ever rode by myself and used it as my first piece of transport at 16. I remember when I broke down on my moped, all I had were the tooting horns from people taking the piss.

I agree with your moral sentiments though.
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Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[sagiliam]

I was in a similar situation last week apart from i was the one at the side of the road. unfortunatley though not one biker of the many that went past stopped. even one of my mates from school didnt bother, which pissed me off. In the end some old lady let me in her house as it was pissing it down with rain. She told me about her son, who unfortunately passed away, was a biker and others used to help him so she felt she had to do the same and i appreciated the gesture so much. I meant to take some flowers and a thank you card but i still aint got round to it! Better do it soon!!
But well done for stopping, i know now i would probably stop in a similar situation. Especially having been there myself! I stereotype others all the time, but i try not to let this get in the way. I like to get to know them and not judge on first impressions. So good on you mate!

LS

[Method]

[fredsredhat]

[quote="Method"]

[phil_DT]

Ran out of petrol on the DT last week about 2 miles from my home! had no phone, so i started pushing it home. All i got was a bunch of chavs in their saxo shoutin out the window " unlucky! get a car ya cheap tw@t!" quite annoyin really! i suppose the moral of the story is dont be a cheap tw@t, fill ya tank up lol!!
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1992 DT80MX with Gianelli zorst and Mallosi Carb. Goes through engines faster than tyres.....

[Deano]

i ride my ped round all the time and the looks i get are dreadful when pulling into places like boxhill are ace cafe. people look at melike a cunt and i just think to myself FFS give me a chance before casting your meaningless opinion.

[alone]

I'll never forgot the bloke who pulled over by me on the M25 one time. I was a bit unsure about which junction I was meant to get off, for Crawley.
Pulled over, and within 3minutes, this biker pulled up and asked if I was alright. Told me exactly where I wanted to go, and then just zipped off up the next slip road.

Since then, I've considered stopping for someone else. But always feel I'll be useless if I do. I guess a friendly face is sometimes all that's needed.

Thanks for the reminder we're all human

[Method]

[Bendy]