187 replies to this topic

[Dave Burrell]

Yes... Pashnit was better when you didn't have to pay for it..

heh I agree. I lucked out and got 'grandfathered' in - so I don't pay. I contribued a few stories and lots of pix over the years - ever since he started out and it was only about 5 pages in total - now its huge with hundreds of pages. The guy Tim, who runs the site puts some serious time into it so I can see why he charges.... he should just make it for less money, 20 a year seems a bit steep

[Sonny]

In general I'm against any kind of aggressive driving. Lane splitting's a minor one but still could be seen as aggressive. I do my part and let people merge in front of me whenever given the chance. I don't drive slow, but always courteous as if other drivers are my family. Kind of nice to see there are a lot of nice drivers out there in Folsom, the bad one's are just more memorable.

[Orangetj]

Hey Chris,

I've been riding on the street for the past 11 years, so I'm not an "old pro" by any stretch but I'm not a beginner either. I don't take unnecessary chances and I consider myself a competent, conservative and safe rider. I haven't found Wentworth Springs road to be overly crowded, but I do try to get up there by 9:00 a.m. or so when I ride it. Mosquito Ridge is alright, but frankly I find it a bit tiresome to ride and I've had a few too many close calls with corner cutting squids and car drivers up there to feel all that comfortable on that stretch of road.

It sometimes seems llike I've been on most of the roads within a couple of hours of here, but there's always more to be found! I'd definitely be interested in learning more nice rides.

[Lowpez]

well...I started to read the first two pages worth of replies. Always a hot topic...for both riders and non riders.

1st thing I would like to say is this. It is widely know as "lane splitting" But a better way to look at it is as "Lane Sharing". In the eyes of the law it is legal...and the law is very vague on when it is allowed? But I do know from talking with several other riders is that it is illegal to ride in the middle of two lanes...like on the dots or middle stripes.

For you that do not ride, but make a little more room for us riders thanks! Have you ever noticed that when you have done that a ride might give you a little thank you wave? I try and do that all the time.

And yes there are a lot of squid riders out there that do a lot of stupid things when riding, and lane sharing! It is to bad for the rest of the riding community. But on the other hand aren't there lots of drivers of cars that do stupid things everyday?

Lets us all share the road ways.....

Peace out!

[Andrea V]

Non-riders don't know what Squids are.

Maybe we should tell them what a Squid is.

[Orangetj]

Ah, yes....squids. No, ma'am, I don't like 'em.

[Andrea V]

A PARTIAL definition....


Squid The term squid is used to describe a style of riding. The style of riding is related to the sea creature's style of swimming. The sea creature can be seen taking off quickly in a straight line. When the squid comes to a turn they will come to almost a complete stop, turn their bodies, then take off quickly again.
Much like the sea creature a "squid" rider will blast off on a straight road as fast as they can go. When they come to a corner they will slow down to a very inconvenient speed. The "squid" rider will do this until the turn is done and when the road straightens out they will blast off again.

The term "Squid" is commonly used to describe riders that are irresponsible and pose a danger to others.

A squid is an irresponsible motorcyclist. The term is derogatory and common among motorcyclists in North America. It is generally associated with a new or reckless motorcyclist seen riding erratically and/or beyond his or her capabilities, often without appropriate riding gear (shorts, backwards ball caps, flip flops, wifebeater T-shirt, etc).

[Lowpez]

great stuff....thanks for educating the masses!!!! I to as a M/Cist do not care for squids!

[Dave Burrell]

A squid is an irresponsible motorcyclist. The term is derogatory and common among motorcyclists in North America. It is generally associated with a new or reckless motorcyclist seen riding erratically and/or beyond his or her capabilities, often without appropriate riding gear (shorts, backwards ball caps, flip flops, wifebeater T-shirt, etc).

great post Andrea! and here's a few photos of "squids"





Riding wheelies is cool - but NOT on main streets and on the freeways

[Andrea V]

If you have trouble finding squids, here are some helpful spotting tips:

Check the local hospital's emergency room. Check the embankments at the outside of decreasing -radius curves. Check the county morgue. When tracking squids, look for bits of plastic and broken-off side view mirrors, stray knee slider pucks, shattered helmet faceshields, and tire marks that lead off into the weeds. Look also for bloodstained asphalt and wrappings from bandages and intravenous supplies. These are all sure signs that you're crossing the path of a squid. Squids usually have loud aftermarket exhaust systems, which make them easier to find before they actually crash.

[Robert Giacometti]

I'm equally divided about lane splitting.

[SacKen]

I'll be the first to admit what nobody else has the sack to admit: the #1 reason I hate lane splitting is jealousy... when sitting in traffic barely moving, taking an hour to get downtown while the riders zip past you on a hot summer day, is it really the safety issue that ticks you off?

I am mildly ashamed

[chris v]

I'll be the first to admit what nobody else has the sack to admit: the #1 reason I hate lane splitting is jealousy... when sitting in traffic barely moving, taking an hour to get downtown while the riders zip past you on a hot summer day, is it really the safety issue that ticks you off?

I am mildly ashamed

Don't be ashamed of it, your being honest. No problem with that feeling as long as you don't block riders in purposely.

[Dave Burrell]

I'll be the first to admit what nobody else has the sack to admit: the #1 reason I hate lane splitting is jealousy... when sitting in traffic barely moving, taking an hour to get downtown while the riders zip past you on a hot summer day, is it really the safety issue that ticks you off?

I am mildly ashamed

hahah that was great Ken, and I don't blame you, I know it pisses off some drivers when I'm going by and they're stuck in traffic.

I almost got a custom license plate for my bike that read: BKZICAN - means "Because I Can" as in.... I can split lanes and get places faster..."because I can" heheheh I know I know, I'm warped...

[SacKen]

Don't worry, my jealousy manifests itself as envy rather than vindictiveness. I try to make room for the people that are safe and seem to be cool riders. While I never purposefully squeeze out the a-hole riders, I won't make the effort to move over for them either.

Now, the rice rocket that splits lanes down Madison when traffic is already going 50 MPH or the hog that splits and sits right next to you while they constantly rev the engine for no @#$! reason other than to be loud... those guys produce visions of my bumper tapping their wheel.