Usually I write about how I love the people that surround me in this world of motorcycling. I love how patriotic, generous, and down to earth they are. I was a bit let down this month by some of our peeps in the motorcycling world. I witnessed bikers talking right through the playing of the National Anthem. Not only didn’t they shut up during it…they didn’t stand. I might as well have been at Kaepernick’s stadium. Oh, I was annoyed. Who does that? I don’t even want to use the excuse of being drunk. They simply were rude. Here is a guy on stage playing his heart out. Jasmine Cain with her hand over her heart. Most of the crowd standing. And about 20 lazy, rude, unpatriotic fools!

The other item of annoyance is when festival organizers go to extremes scheduling great, free music and you don’t bother to get out of the bars to show up. T. J. and I saw some outstanding free music at many events this year and people are jammed into crowded bars pounding shots and longnecks and missing out on amazing music. I do wish most organizers would realize they need to put the concerts on earlier in the evening, that bikers don’t want to be far from their final stops late at night, but why can’t we as adults pace ourselves a bit and take advantage of the shows these events put on!!

Now none of this means I don’t still love motorcyclists, I also witnessed Jesse James Dupree of Jackyl ride on a charity event as part of Cotee River Bike Fest. Evey single weekend I see people take the last $10 bucks out of their pockets to ride on a poker run for a worthy cause. I see veteran’s riding for the Patriot Guard and people like Willie at Tropical Tattoo helping veterans like he is a bearded Santa! But please live a little and try something other than the barstool at bike rallies. And for God’s sake and the sake of America, stand for any rendition of the National Anthem and shut up!

Ride on a toy run, call your parents and tell them you love them and don’t forget your sunscreen.