THis might be a "Verboten" subject on this board

[solo1]

I'm sitting here on Fathers Day thinking  (that's my first mistake.)

 Many, many, years ago before I raised a family, I was in the Service and learned to drink to forget my problems.  "Smashed" was the order of the day.  However, that didn't work out very well when the wife and I started raising a family so I toned it down to not more than one drink.  Now, my meds won't allow me over one drink or so anyway so I'm "Cool"   

I've attended many VRCC functions and I really enjoy the members.  I enjoy even more the conversations that I've had during the day's "meetings and tire kicking " sessions too.

However, I don't know if I enjoy the evening sessions as I don't know whether I'm talking to the person or whether I'm talking to the alcohol.  I know there are many interesting members here and I enjoy talking and listening.  I'm not really into having "fun" by indulging in much alcohol, and I don't need the same to have fun,  BUT neither am I one to tell others what to do.  I do find at the evening sessions that I search out friends who are similar to me, maybe just enough imbibing to get relaxed.

I've also noticed that all of the events emphasize riding and good food but some of the events seem to emphasise a third element, drinking. 

I'm presently signed up for one event and I'm thinking of signing up for another.  I'm giving it some thought. I'm not sure if I really get the enjoyment that I once did.   Part of it is due to coming to these events driving the Miata.  I see absolutely NO bias against me driving, It is obvious that I'm welcome but also, obviously, there is a discussion gap between two wheels and a cage, even though the Miata, to me, has much of the fun factor of two wheeling, except the banking and power.

The other factor is the one I've mentioned previously.  This thought is peculiar to me.  My son, Mark, doesn't drink at all and he has no problem talking to others.  Another one is RJ but RJ is such an institution and overall party guy that he has no problem either.

I'm not looking for an answer, I'm not looking for a discussion, I'm not looking for anything, just kind of putting my thoughts out and hoping that no one takes offense because none is meant.

 

[Gary]

I must admit, I do see at least a couple of problems here...

1) I don't think the Miata should be allowed in the Slow Race

2) You are going to have a HECK of a time doing the cones...

Just my 2 cents.

Happy Fathers Day solo1. 

[solo1]

 Shoot, I was counting on winning the slow race

[R J]

Shoot, I was counting on winning the slow race

Wayne, as for those who indulge too much, just walk away and ignore them.  Find someone who is close to being sober or is sober....  The ones who have indulged and are being obnoxious are just looking for attention, till their head takes over in the morning, then they want left alone.  That is usually when I get my revenge with them.

Driving, well that is the way it is and as long as you enjoy yourself driving, screw the rest of them, they will get old some day also...  Then I wonder what they will have to prove.

[Master Blaster]

With you RJ.  Once I was young and stupid and used to imbibe too much, thought I was quite the party animal.   I remember many years ago when I quit smoking, was hesitant because I thought it would spoil my drinking, used to chain smoke when sucking them down.   Well its been many years since I did either, :angel:and to tell the truth I dont miss it a bit, and take no pride in it.  Thats why I dont join the party hearty bunch at these gatherings.  One thing is I cant stand the secondary smoke, and really cant see why it is necessary to get high to associate with friends.  Guess I have reached  the age that my prioritys have done an about face.  Wayne the sport car thing is something I have thought about also.  This round not planning on bringing the Valk, but sport bikes.  Much easier to handle at altitude.  Some may not like it, but Kawasaki will be my ride this year.  Maybe we can trade rides sometime if you feel up to it. 

[Serk]

Heck, I'm still young and stupid, but don't drink at biking events. Don't drink more than a beer or two other times. I've actually developed a certain appreciation for being the sober guy... Watching the drunks make complete fools of themselves can be quite entertaining in it's own right... (As long as they don't move on into Mean Drunk territory, of course)

[fudgie]

I don't think any of the events emphasise drinking as a element. IMHO. At the end of the day when everyone relaxes they toss a few back and socialize. No harm no foul. Good way to unwind and get to know one another. I drink, esp at a bike event. Do I always drink at a bike event? No. I have to be in a 'mood' to drink. Most of the time I prefer a glass of good ol cold country well water! Plus its really fun to mess with the drunk ones! 

[Michael K (Az.)]

Wayne, don't let the drunks affect what you want to do. they're living their problems, not for you to have their "iffy" behavior ruin your fun.(Some guy wrote a book about this kind of stuff, I think)!
(Keep in mind I'm really not addressing the VRCC but the stuff in life you run into. Race the track, not the other drivers.)
That said, I am glad that they won't let you in the Slow Race! I was worried there for a minute!!

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

 
 

   

Verboten
Main Entry: ver·bo·ten 
Pronunciation: \vər-ˈbō-tən, fər-, ver-\
Function: adjective
Etymology: German, from Old High German farboten, past participle of farbioten to forbid (akin to Old English forbēodan to forbid), from far-, fur- for- + biotan to offer — more at bid
Date: 1916
: forbidden ; especially : prohibited by dictate

[solo1]

Sorry I can't speak to that Joe.  My parents could speak low and high german but it didn't rub off except a few words.

[Highlander]

Sooooooo. . . Serk.  There will be someone from texas coming to the CBR.  You gonna be one?   

Hey Solo 1, the Highlander's will bend your ear all night long if you want.   

[Serk]

Sooooooo. . . Serk.  There will be someone from texas coming to the CBR.  You gonna be one?   

Hey Solo 1, the Highlander's will bend your ear all night long if you want.   

Highlander - I so wish, but due to the uncertainty of my continued employment, all trips, fun things or anything else that costs money has had to be canceled this year...

[solo1]

Sooooooo. . . Serk.  There will be someone from texas coming to the CBR.  You gonna be one?   

Hey Solo 1, the Highlander's will bend your ear all night long if you want.   

I've not made up my mind yet Bill.   I'm going to talk to Millie and see if she wants to go again.  It's nice to know that I would see you and the Mrs again.   Always good to see you and Cheri.

[Highbinder]

I've never been to a biking event where folks that were staying over that didn't have refreshments....as for being able to talk to folks who drink, no problem, I have just as much fun with them sober as when we drink...in all the events I've been too.. very few times have I seen anyone stumbling down drunk...no place for it, won't tolerate it alittle social drinking is ok in my book, it makes people smile...can't be all bad...

[solo1]

Thanks everyone for the comments.  I'm satisfied that everyone was cool although I'm a little disappointed that no one told me to go to Hell.   

My sons rode to Hell (Michigan) a few weeks ago and I was kinda looking forward to be asked to make the trip 

No Harm, No Foul

[R J]

I'm a little disappointed that no one told me to go to Hell.   

 

No Harm, No Foul

Here Wayne, I'll hep ya out.......   Go to 7734.....  Did that work for ya?   

[flamingobabe #44]

Solo, I don't remember if we have met, I'm hotglue's other half. But next time we see each other we can talk 2-seaters, I have a Sky and love it!!!! fb

[Normandog]

I hope at least one of em is one I'll be at. I don't care if you drink or not.

[the inspector]

Hey Solo....just for the record I only had 1 beer at the B/G ride in. It's all about the ride for me, and when I get to old for my Valk (2 wheels) then on to a Lead Sled (4 wheels) I did go to the Lead Sled East event while I was at the B/G ride....now those cars are me for sure. I'm getting old myself and hate to say it 62 hell I though I was 61....dam.

Later Bro
"the inspector"

[..]

Shoot, I was counting on winning the slow race

You can do the Slow Race BUT you have to be on 2 wheels.

[solo1]

Shoot, I was counting on winning the slow race

You can do the Slow Race BUT you have to be on 2 wheels.

Foiled again!  I tried the same thing with my sidecar rig.  That wasn't allowed either and I wasn't good enough to fly the chair   It's driving me bonkers, Paul

Flamingo Babe;  The Saturn Sky is a neat sportscar.  Maybe it'll be even better with Roger Penske at the controls.
It's also nice to know that Ford has the Mazda line, Zoom, Zoom.

[Hoser]

I can see a trike or sidecar in my future,  If I can't do that, I'll go to this! hoser 

[Hef]

Solo, The Miata is a cool little car. I own a 1991 Mercury Capri which is Ford's spin-off of the Mazda Miata. The Capri was built by Ford in Australia. It actually has a Mazda engine (1.6 four cylinder).  They only produced the Capri for 4 years. In 1990 I was crusing on my Wing down a two lane at 60 mph and a running deer made a leap from a wooded area by the highway and landed in my fairing just behind the front wheel. Needless to say it took me down and I was very fortunate to survive without any life threating injuries. Helmet saved my life! I did have a nasty concussion even with the helmet. Anyway, I had ridden all my life, have three brothers who also ride but after this incident I decided that for the sake of my wife and three kids that I needed to give up motorcycling. I bought the Capri and loved it but after one year I began to be miserable. I would hear my brothers talk about a ride and I would drool. My wife finally said "go buy a bike and enjoy it." One week later I had a Gold Wing again and was riding all the time. I bought the Valk about two years ago and love it. However, I have enjoyed the little convertible as well. I now have 238 K miles on it and it still runs great and looks good. I am 60 years old and don't know how much longer I can ride but when I do quit I am sure I will have some type of small convertible. Enjoy your Miata and drive safely, Hef.   

[Jack]

Solo, the getting drunk must be a Yankee thang.  I haven't seen anyone overindulging at the southern meets or, maybe, the southern boys handle their liquor better.  I usually have one glass of Crown in the evening but it has been a long time since I got drunk and even longer since I ride a bike with alcohol on board.  As for your convertible and FB's, I wish I had one!

[flamingobabe #44]

Shoot, I was counting on winning the slow race

Flamingo Babe;  The Saturn Sky is a neat sportscar.  Maybe it'll be even better with Roger Penske at the controls.
It's also nice to know that Ford has the Mazda line, Zoom, Zoom.

Rumor has it that the Sky will go away with Penske's purchase of Saturn, I think all Kappas will die FB

[solo1]

Hold onto the SKy, it hasn't fallen yet

Also, in answer to the Capri, I had a friend that replaced the original engine in the Capri with a small block Ford V8.  That car would scoot.  The Miata is slow by comparison.

However, the Miata is just plain fun to drive.  The more I drive it, the more I like it. I recently added a header and a high flow cat, but kept the stock muffler.  The exhaust sound is like music to my ears, especially going through 6,000 rpm. The sound reminds me of the Offenhauser 4 cylinder engine used almost exclusively at Indy many years ago. Tomorrow I'm replacing the shocks with Koni's, one stock shock is leaking. 

I had a blast last year at Inzane following the Valks through the "Snake"  At 81 years,  I believe that i found a four wheel replacement for the Valk that's easy on my knees and that gives me full confidence again.  The Miata will never be able to do what the Valk did, but, then again, I can't do what I once did either, LOL.

My, we certainly strayed away from my original thread 

[Kendall]

ya go to Inzane,, Looking forward to talking to you.

[Hoser]

Hold onto the SKy, it hasn't fallen yet

Also, in answer to the Capri, I had a friend that replaced the original engine in the Capri with a small block Ford V8.  That car would scoot.  The Miata is slow by comparison.

However, the Miata is just plain fun to drive.  The more I drive it, the more I like it. I recently added a header and a high flow cat, but kept the stock muffler.  The exhaust sound is like music to my ears, especially going through 6,000 rpm. The sound reminds me of the Offenhauser 4 cylinder engine used almost exclusively at Indy many years ago. Tomorrow I'm replacing the shocks with Koni's, one stock shock is leaking. 

I had a blast last year at Inzane following the Valks through the "Snake"  At 81 years,  I believe that i found a four wheel replacement for the Valk that's easy on my knees and that gives me full confidence again.  The Miata will never be able to do what the Valk did, but, then again, I can't do what I once did either, LOL.

My, we certainly strayed away from my original thread 

How bout a ride? hoser

[Cruzen]

Whenever you have a gathering of people there will always be someone drinking excessive quantities of adult beverages.  It’s there escape from the fact that they just lost their job, or they spent their last cent on making that ride and they’re hoping you don’t insist on going to a restaurant that costs more than a Denny’s.  Maybe it’s their escape from the realities of being at home and all that means or at the very least they took a good look in the mirror and found that they are butt ugly, or looked at their significant other and had a similar feeling and they just can’t stand their situation.  Whatever, it will continue to happen.  Have pity on those poor souls, and be thankful that you don’t need that sort of escape.

Now I am not a prude and do on non ride occasions have a few adult beverages as do some of the others in my riding group.  I enjoy socializing with other motorcycle enthusiasts, however I tend to look for the genuine article.  Someone hiding behind a bottle or drink is fortifying themselves for the character they think they are or they think you expect them to be.  You know that tough biker guy who drinks more, rides harder, longer, faster, shoots straighter and can f..k better than any other mammal on two legs.  Yea right!!  Some are actually very good actors.  I think there are some interesting motorcycle enthusiasts, and their significant others, out there with some good stories to share so look for those who are not so into themselves and can hold a decent conversation without the need to imbibe to excess.  By the way, I have found that the riders with some dirt on their bikes usually have the best stories.

[RedValk]

Solo, the getting drunk must be a Yankee thang.  I haven't seen anyone overindulging at the southern meets or, maybe, the southern boys handle their liquor better.  I usually have one glass of Crown in the evening but it has been a long time since I got drunk and even longer since I ride a bike with alcohol on board.  As for your convertible and FB's, I wish I had one!

oh, oh.........now the truth has come out.........  

[fudgie]

Whenever you have a gathering of people there will always be someone drinking excessive quantities of adult beverages.  It’s there escape from the fact that they just lost their job, or they spent their last cent on making that ride and they’re hoping you don’t insist on going to a restaurant that costs more than a Denny’s.  Maybe it’s their escape from the realities of being at home and all that means or at the very least they took a good look in the mirror and found that they are butt ugly, or looked at their significant other and had a similar feeling and they just can’t stand their situation.  Whatever, it will continue to happen.  Have pity on those poor souls, and be thankful that you don’t need that sort of escape.

Not sure how to interpit this.  I don't use it to escape anything. Just the way I roll. I'm not here for a long time, just a good time.

[RedValk]

Fudge....i NEVER drink ....NEVER. that's MY story.........and no matter how much factual evidence says otherwise, i'm stickin' to that story   

[Dogg]

nothing wrong with a few beers/drinks in the evening knowing you wont have ur arse in the seat till morning. Some over indulge and yes, there is some truth to the guy that lost his job or finally realized he ain't happy with his life anymore. But those guys are actually far and few between, I may have a few beers(3 or 4 is about it for me) and it doesnt get me stupid, nor do I ever ride after a few beers. but winding down time is winding down time and a couple of beers is a nice way to wind down, take some of the edge off, relax muscles that have been tense all day and being in an enviroment where it is expected to relax and let it all hang out, well, that might just add to the extra "relaxing" some people do

  I havent been drunk in so many years. only by choice. Id rather be in control of my stupidity than not... 

[mikeb]

Thanks everyone for the comments.  I'm satisfied that everyone was cool although I'm a little disappointed that no one told me to go to Hell.   

My sons rode to Hell (Michigan) a few weeks ago and I was kinda looking forward to be asked to make the trip 

No Harm, No Foul

if you ever go to hell i will meet ya at the dam site inn and be proud to have a soda with you .. i gave up  drinking and smoking  in 1998 i did not want to have my kids remember me like that .. i have ruff times too dealing with the over served..  mike b partytyme@mospam.gmail.com

[fudgie]

Fudge....i NEVER drink ....NEVER. that's MY story.........and no matter how much factual evidence says otherwise, i'm stickin' to that story   

Your story is safe with me!  lol