I look for them every summer. South Carolina doesn’t have a helmet law, so most riders don’t bother with one. That’s bad enough, of course. But the hot Carolina summer also encourages light clothing. Yet, until yesterday, I hadn’t seen the ultimate idiot clothing combination–that rare complete disregard for any sort of safety equipment. Well, I finally saw it: no helmet, shorts, tank top, and flip flops!
You see quite a lot of riders in in t-shirts and jeans. But they usually have the good sense to wear decent shoes or boots. Even those dumb enough to opt for shorts rarely go the whole hog and ride with nothing but flip flops. But, there you have it. To be fair, the idiot in question did have some aviator shades on. I guess that counts for something.
I agree the guy was an idiot, but, honestly, if he were riding a Vespa would you have made the same observation? In town, the risks are pretty much identical. Also, I think you are underestimating the bullet-stopping potential of aviator glasses.
When I was younger, and rode mopeds and such, I was just as stupid. But, today, I’d suit up better than this even for a scooter. And this wasn’t a kid. The idiot in question was in his mid-to-late 20s, perhaps his early 30s.
To be fair to said idiot: he was not on the bypass (where the typical speed is 80 MPH). He was on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston, which is a very busy divided highway, more or less like College Avenue in Fayetteville (typical speed for both being about 45-55 MPH).
Off topic, on my mind: entertainment.
1) For me, Chris Nolan has entered Scorcese and Coen brothers company as far as film directors are concerned. The Dark Knight is riveting, disturbing, and a hell of a lot of fun to watch. Put that with Batman Begins, The Prestige, Insomnia, and Memento (top 10 movie ever, IMO), and Nolan is 5 for 5 with me.
2) Watched the VH1 documentary/honors to The Who. Foo Fighters and Incubus were great, but Pearl Jam’s scorching version of The Real Me was the highlight. In college, three bands (all past their commercial prime even then) dominated my car’s tape deck – The Police, Steely Dan, and The Who. VH1 reminded me of how great these guys were. After Daltry and Townsend played a couple of songs, I see they’re still capable of kicking lots of ass.
I can’t wait to see The Dark Knight. I’ve loved everything I’ve seen by Nolan.
I also caught that VH1 Rock Honors: The Who show. And my impression of it was similar to yours. I thought Foo Fighters were very good, but Pearl Jam was amazing. And I was really impressed with The Who. Daltry and Townsend didn’t look old up there at all. They were solid. It was a rock-and-roll good time.
27 years ago Daltry sang “I still sing a razor line every time”. Still does.