Fifty Plus (50+) - 50+...I must remark

Although I jump in here from time to time, I regularly participate on a Ducati motorcycle forum. The Ducati forum is probably 80% guys between the ages of 28-50. Some of the differences in conversations are stunning. God help you if you try to discuss a societal or political issue on the Ducati forum. For example: someone recently posted something critical about Fox News. The sides were drawn. Several guys averred that Fox News was the only truthful news and someone posted a bunch of links to Fox News Lies. The next thing you know people are calling each other "Liberal pinko socialists" and "Right wing wackos" or some such. I'm no fan of Fox News but that isn't my point here. It's like everyone knows that they have the only "truth" and everyone else is an a**hole. It's not just that kind of topic either. Sometimes they're talking about why you're a jerk for buying the bike you bought. Amazing! Having a conversation here on the 50+ Forum is like an island of sanity. It must come with age and experience. And, I thank you all for that. As us young folks say, "Just sayin'."

I make a deliberate point of avoiding political and religious discussions in the forums I frequent, and I appreciate others who do as well. Those kinds of beliefs are so central to our personal identity and sense of self that it's hard to have disagreements that don't come off feeling like insults, whether they were intended that way or not. I'm not saying it's impossible to do that, but this type of communication (internet forums) sure makes it hard to avoid. Even when buffered by the good conversational manners most of us were taught in grammar school (as in prefacing comments with a "my opinion is..."), it's tricky at best.

Consequently, I too appreciate places where people remain rational and, well, just pain nice.

From time to time I love a good discussion about either politics or social issues. My perspective is that I have beliefs that have been a lifetime in the making but it doesn't stop me from new insights when presented with new information or a different way of seeing the old information. What really amazes me is how many younger people seem to think that their view is the ONLY valid view. And, they take it very personally.

how many younger people seem to think that their view is the ONLY valid view. And, they take it very personally.

Yup, you get a better kind of solipsism on a Ducati forum. Naturally. Just like gear driven valvegear. Has to be.

(1988 750 Sport, 1998 ST2. Then I got a 97 Africa Twin, and I've never used profane language about a motorcycle since!)

From time to time I love a good discussion about either politics or social issues. My perspective is that I have beliefs that have been a lifetime in the making but it doesn't stop me from new insights when presented with new information or a different way of seeing the old information. What really amazes me is how many younger people seem to think that their view is the ONLY valid view. And, they take it very personally.

Many older people do, too, it's not just an age thing.

... The next thing you know people are calling each other "Liberal pinko socialists" and "Right wing wackos" or some such...
You say "liberal pinko socialist" and "right-wing wacko" like they're bad things.:lol:

I actually think that old folks who get a bit of exercise are more likely to follow Ann Landers advice and "don't sweat the small stuff". I think we are a little more inclined to remember some of the many times we were sure we were right only to be proven wrong. Being humbled now and again is a good thing.

I think we are a little more inclined to remember some of the many times we were sure we were right only to be proven wrong. Being humbled now and again is a good thing.

"Wrong"? I don't think I'm familiar with that word. :)

(1988 750 Sport, 1998 ST2. Then I got a 97 Africa Twin, and I've never used profane language about a motorcycle since!)

Strangely enough I've had 3 Supersports ('96, '96' and '05) and two 998's and never felt the urge to be profane.

Strangely enough I've had 3 Supersports ('96, '96' and '05) and two 998's and never felt the urge to be profane.

Good for you!

The 750 Sport had charm aplenty, but 2 big design faults - 16 inch front wheel so stood up in corners at the slightest feather of a brake (which I know one shouldn't..... but sometimes needed when faced with oncoming wrong-siders) and the ex-Fiat Uno carb which didn't carb without icing below 40 deg.s F. Try that on a winter's day commuting in London when it won't run at less than 5500 rpm, and the dry clutch becomes an on/off switch if you use it more than twice every half hour. It would cause a saint to explore the deep end of vocabulary.

I really liked the ST2, altogether a more modern thing, but with weaknesses around starter sprags, clutch bearings and battery charger systems which, when faced with a long journey from the Alps to London, strained the equanimity !

Enjoy your Duc

Strangely enough I've had 3 Supersports ('96, '96' and '05) and two 998's and never felt the urge to be profane.

Good for you!

The 750 Sport had charm aplenty, but 2 big design faults - 16 inch front wheel so stood up in corners at the slightest feather of a brake (which I know one shouldn't..... but sometimes needed when faced with oncoming wrong-siders) and the ex-Fiat Uno carb which didn't carb without icing below 40 deg.s F. Try that on a winter's day commuting in London when it won't run at less than 5500 rpm, and the dry clutch becomes an on/off switch if you use it more than twice every half hour. It would cause a saint to explore the deep end of vocabulary.

I really liked the ST2, altogether a more modern thing, but with weaknesses around starter sprags, clutch bearings and battery charger systems which, when faced with a long journey from the Alps to London, strained the equanimity !

Enjoy your Duc

A friend of mine rode a Ducati back in the early '70's (can't recall which model it was). He told me that although as much as he loved the bike, he thought that Ducati was italian for "electrical problems".

I grew bored with unwinnable arguments long, long before I was 50. And long before that I learned that ad hominem is a fallacy of logic. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a jerk.;)

Having a conversation here on the 50+ Forum is like an island of sanity. It must come with age and experience. ."

White bikes are best.
Brooks are unnecessary and overrated.
Bike paths are the work of fascism.
Helmets are silly.
Banjos are musical.

Let the wild rumpus begin.

Oh and, in case anyone mistakes, I have a black bike as well as blue and white one, I use a Brooks Swift on one of 'em, I dislike bike paths but use them in crowded places, wear a helmet most of the time, and am very friendly with DooDoo Wah from Sonora CA

White bikes are best.
Brooks are unnecessary and overrated.
Bike paths are the work of fascism.
Helmets are silly.
Banjos are musical.

Let the wild rumpus begin.

Oh and, in case anyone mistakes, I have a black bike as well as blue and white one, I use a Brooks Swift on one of 'em, I dislike bike paths but use them in crowded places, wear a helmet most of the time, and am very friendly with DooDoo Wah from Sonora CA

I'll bet that;
Your white bike has red spots;
From the brain damaging head wound;
That you sustained from the fall on the bike path;
Caused by standing to rest your sore butt;
While not wearing your helmet;
Ever see Deliverance?

I'm sure there are other words of wisdom in the fine print, but until The Readers Digest Large Print Edition comes along, they shall remainn a mystery to me.

There have been tense moments and political skirmishes here too. Be mostly we are wise enough to stay clear of that stuff.... mostly. That way we can't discover what real jerks we are talking to.:)

Note: do not EVER say anything bad about engineers here!

"Wrong"? I don't think I'm familiar with that word. :)

Wrong is what other people are. ;)

Banjos are best.
Bike paths are unnecessary and overrated.
White bikes are the work of fascism.
Brooks are silly.
Helmets are musical.


Fixed

White bikes are best.
Brooks are unnecessary and overrated.
Bike paths are the work of fascism.
Helmets are silly.
Banjos are musical.

Let the wild rumpus begin.

Oh and, in case anyone mistakes, I have a black bike as well as blue and white one, I use a Brooks Swift on one of 'em, I dislike bike paths but use them in crowded places, wear a helmet most of the time, and am very friendly with DooDoo Wah from Sonora CA


Yawn!!

Please pass the Geritol

Fixed

Golly jeepers b'gosh, I think I'll have lots of trolling fun.

Who's that trip trappin' across MY bridge.

(On a fragile plastic bike that explodes in the sun)

Although I jump in here from time to time, I regularly participate on a Ducati motorcycle forum. The Ducati forum is probably 80% guys between the ages of 28-50. Some of the differences in conversations are stunning. God help you if you try to discuss a societal or political issue on the Ducati forum. For example: someone recently posted something critical about Fox News. The sides were drawn. Several guys averred that Fox News was the only truthful news and someone posted a bunch of links to Fox News Lies. The next thing you know people are calling each other "Liberal pinko socialists" and "Right wing wackos" or some such. I'm no fan of Fox News but that isn't my point here. It's like everyone knows that they have the only "truth" and everyone else is an a**hole. It's not just that kind of topic either. Sometimes they're talking about why you're a jerk for buying the bike you bought. Amazing! Having a conversation here on the 50+ Forum is like an island of sanity. It must come with age and experience. And, I thank you all for that. As us young folks say, "Just sayin'."

Yeah, I know just what you mean.. I belong to a couple motorcycle forums, but I have learned to stay clear of the political forums. Lines will be drawn.. However, the main point in joining a forum is to be around peeps that are into the same HOBBY as you are.. Be it motorcycles, bicycles or what have you. However, that is not too bad, for the simple reason, most forums that have a political forum state up front that sparks will fly, sometimes it is lightly moderated, and heated discussions will take place.

What I find annoying is in regular forums, somebody comes with a POLITICAL bash/put-down, and 10 out of 10 it has nothing to do with the hobby.

However, we must live with it all. Not going to go away.. I have TRIED, and TRY hard not to feed into them, but I slip sometime..:D

That Fox news bit was a kicker too. right and left!! :D
BTW, good points!! :thumb:

(On a fragile plastic bike that explodes in the sun)

It's the new Trek C4 Nitro.

I'll join the club of staying away from political discussions. It seems no one can have a civilized talk anymore. No one can say "I disagree with you on that, and here's why". Then explain, in a civilized manner, why they think someone's view is wrong. No, today the insults, personal attacks, and outright hatred come right out. I feel it's dragging this country down, badly. Didn't Abe Lincoln say "A house divided against itself, cannot stand"?

Well, that's what think, anyway.

Never learned to ride a motorcycle. If I were to take it up, it would probably be one of those Honda Rebels. I'm told they're easy for beginners.

Are you my ex posting as artkansas?

This is the first public forum I have joined in on in years. I went searching for a bike one and was thrilled to find one for 50+ers. Bikes are very cool and nobody else around my immediate vicinity thinks it is fun talking bikes with a 50 year old woman. LOL. In fact, I don't know many my age who would go out and buy a road bike. I still feel weird in spandex, but I'm doing it.

I do yack on private, member only ones (oh, so snobby). There is a palpable difference and my lesson has been learned. ;) I must say, overall this is one of the most civil public forum's I have seen. I thank the moderators or perhaps all the old fogies like me. Besides, how much controversy can there be when yapping about bicycles [ducks and covers]?

Besides, how much controversy can there be when yapping about bicycles [ducks and covers]?

Try a helmet thread sometime!!!!!!!!!!%$#$%^&*(*&^%^%$%^

Try a helmet thread sometime!!!!!!!!!!%$#$%^&*(*&^%^%$%^

What kind of a !!!!!!%$#$%^&*(*&^%^%$%^ MORAN would want to participate in a HELMET THREAD????

...I bought a cheap helmet because it looked nice...

...I bought a cheap helmet because it looked nice...

The traditional helmet argument is whether or not to wear one. Arguments abound on both sides of the issue, and folks are not afraid to share them.

I ride a fixed gear bike 2-3 times a week because it is a more time efficient workout which fits my busy schedule. I don't frequent the SS/FG forum as the demographics and maturity level is not to my liking.

I have been riding "10 sp racing bikes" for longer than most folks in the Road and SS/FG forum have be alive. This forum has folks with diverse interest and civil demeanors.

Mainly I check into this forum and the C&V. Not being a purist about maintaining originality in my bikes many of the threads on C&Vdon't interest me.

On a tractor forum that I go to they have a special section for politics SO I stay away from that.. This is a good place to have a nice conversation
so thanks to those in charge who give us that opportunity

I'll join the club of staying away from political discussions. It seems no one can have a civilized talk anymore. No one can say "I disagree with you on that, and here's why". Then explain, in a civilized manner, why they think someone's view is wrong. No, today the insults, personal attacks, and outright hatred come right out. I feel it's dragging this country down, badly. Didn't Abe Lincoln say "A house divided against itself, cannot stand"?

I pretty much agree with you on this.

There is a manager at work, whom I deeply respect, and who respects me as well. We are pretty much diametrically opposite politically, so we don't discuss it. I like it better that way -- we joke, we make the usual snide comments about 'civilians' (we're both vets), and we can see through the BS equally well. Heck, he's even on my FB friends list!

I spent a little time here in the P & R sub-forum; the elitist toxicity of that corner was unbelievable! I have NEVER felt such condescension in my life (and I grew up under a condescending mother)! If you ever want a dose of undeserved humiliation, and self-appointed pundits kicking at the foundations of your whole life experience and belief system, ask Tom S. to approve your access there. (BTW, thanks, Tom, but I'll never go back.)

Condescension is one of those hot buttons for me....

The invention of internet forums and chat rooms was a godsend for trolls. Arguing with them makes them happy in some twisted way, and they can have virtually unlimited arguments going. Stay away from the troll bait.

I'll join the club of staying away from political discussions. It seems no one can have a civilized talk anymore. No one can say "I disagree with you on that, and here's why". Then explain, in a civilized manner, why they think someone's view is wrong. No, today the insults, personal attacks, and outright hatred come right out. I feel it's dragging this country down, badly. Didn't Abe Lincoln say "A house divided against itself, cannot stand"?

Well, that's what think, anyway.

Never learned to ride a motorcycle. If I were to take it up, it would probably be one of those Honda Rebels. I'm told they're easy for beginners.

The motorcycle is a worthy companion to the bicycle..I commute 5 days a week on the bicycle and the motorcycle combined. Every mile is pure sweetness. The Rebel would be fine first choice.. Not only that, at our age, IMO, we shouldn't be saving anything...;)

The invention of internet forums and chat rooms was a godsend for trolls. Arguing with them makes them happy in some twisted way, and they can have virtually unlimited arguments going. Stay away from the troll bait.

:thumb: :thumb:

I have 1 Ducati,1994 Monster that's green from day one. This is newer than any bicycle I own, about 20.

Didn't Abe Lincoln say "A house divided against itself, cannot stand"?

He sure did, but prior to that time, say up until the Madison administration and a bit beyond, fist fights on the floor of Congress were not an infrequent event. You had passionate men, taking passionate stands. The notion that our government has been civilized until recently, just isn't correct. I think our level of civility hasn't changed all that much. It's just that today we hear of instances where civility is lacking instantly via numerous media outlets. I must say, however, that I do tend to stay in the 50+ section of BikeForums primarily because the demeanor here is more respectful and mature.

He sure did, but prior to that time, say up until the Madison administration and a bit beyond, fist fights on the floor of Congress were not an infrequent event. You had passionate men, taking passionate stands. The notion that our government has been civilized until recently, just isn't correct. I think our level of civility hasn't changed all that much. It's just that today we hear of instances where civility is lacking instantly via numerous media outlets. I must say, however, that I do tend to stay in the 50+ section of BikeForums primarily because the demeanor here is more respectful and mature.
American history, as taught to US schoolchildren, has been sterilized and sanitized to the point that it's a joke. A bad joke.:50:

For those of you who are new or have never looked around here,
the Politics & Religion forum is here --> http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/250-Politics-amp-Religion
and the Trollheim forum is here --> http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/293-Trollheim

These are really fun places to hang out. :twitchy:

American history, as taught to US schoolchildren, has been sterilized and sanitized to the point that it's a joke. A bad joke.:50:

Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States" is the antidote. Unfortunately we are way too brainwashed now.

The Ural motorcycle forum site is much more polite.

Hmm. It seems to me that a lot of the "no politics" talk here on Bike Forums really means "no politics that disagrees with mine."

For those of you who are new or have never looked around here,
the Politics & Religion forum is here --> http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/250-Politics-amp-Religion
and the Trollheim forum is here --> http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/293-Trollheim

These are really fun places to hang out. :twitchy:

I'm almost afraid to ask, but what the heck is the Trollheim forum?

I just love this place, as I have written before.

Many fine folk with much and vaired experience and willing to share.

Sense of humor seems nealry universal.

Sex, religion, politics - as mother taught, best avoided in plite company

Jeff, still fat

I'm almost afraid to ask, but what the heck is the Trollheim forum?

IMO, one would assume a place where TROLLS gather!! http://www.cehoward.net/badteeth%5b1%5d.gif

One thing for sure, I am staying clear!! ;)

I'm almost afraid to ask, but what the heck is the Trollheim forum?


IMO, one would assume a place where TROLLS gather!!

Alternatively it's where unhappy drivers go to share their Saab stories.... ;)

There have been tense moments and political skirmishes here too. Be mostly we are wise enough to stay clear of that stuff.... mostly. That way we can't discover what real jerks we are talking to.:)

Note: do not EVER say anything bad about engineers here!

GRRRRrrrrr! I'm ready!