Observations Of An Old But Not Bold Rider

[Rocky]

On Good Friday I took the back roads in my car on my way to visit my daughter and her husband for an Easter supper. Man, was it good too!
I could have taken the super slab, but I wanted to also go by the Thunderbird Diner and check out the progress.
The area is paved and it looks like a boarded up building, but I'm sure that's protection against vandals considering all the glass that makes for good targets.
And don't get me started about vandals!

The country road is past rivers, lakes and forests and is ridden by lots of bikes.
The weather has finally broken, and even though it was only 10-12C (50F), there were a lot of bikes on the road - mostly Harley and cruiser types riding mainly as singles.
This is just the beginning of the riding season for us and car drivers haven't seen bikes for nearly six months, yet to a man/person the riders were dressed from head to toe in black - and often riding black bikes.
I suppose that's part of the "I'm bad" look, but to me the stealth look can work against you - even on a sunny day.
I came home on the same road as it was nearing dusk and I saw many riders heading back to the city with only a small taillight showing to the rear. You could barely make out the riders.
Oh well, to each is own, but I'll continue to wear my white helmets with silver reflective stickers and a red textile jacket with a large strip of 3M reflective piping.
I hope everyone got home safely.

 

[DaveM]

I always try and be as viable as I can even on a sunny day, just because I can see you does not mean you can see me and most times on a bike the possibility of them not seeing you is really good.

 

[Rocky]

It's quite amazing the difference a white helmet can make compared to a black one.
Our group club rides are always on sunny days and those in the group riding along wearing white helmets pop out while the black helmets seem to blend in and are far less visible.
I intend to be as visible as I possibly can.

 

[DaveM]

Even when I am in my car on a gloomy day I will always turn on my headlights and these days when on the open road also have them on, most drivers don't even think about that.

 

[Rocky]

Even when I am in my car on a gloomy day I will always turn on my headlights and these days when on the open road also have them on, most drivers don't even think about that.

Funny that you mention that.
As I was driving home last night at dusk I met so many vehicles without their headlights on - which means no taillights until you hit the brakes.
Sometimes I wonder about the human race

 

[hemibee]

I know what you mean about the blacked out bikes and riders. I see them all the time around here too and there's a growing number of the sport bikes that are doing the same thing. I haven't got it installed yet but I have a LED taillight accessory that will cast a red grid behind my bike for more visibility. The ad showed the grid for use with the brake but I'm thinking of using it with the taillight instead of the brake.

 

[Qship]

Thunderbird Diner? Where is this and when does it open?
I wear black when riding, as that is most of the available choices for jackets and chaps. I ride very defensively and use my passing lights to increase my visibility.
I plan on picking up some new helmets soon(modular) and they will be brighter colours to increase visibility and safety.

 

[Rocky]

The Thunderbird Diner is on the Hammonds Plains Road and is scheduled to open sometime in May according to local info.
I know they are hiring staff.
The fibreglass T-bird has been mounted on the roof for weeks now and the large parking area is paved.
The exterior of the building is finished with just plywood covering all the glass for protection I'm sure.
The owner, Vernon Kynock, is a local trucker, contractor and businessman, and is a big classic car fan so I think he will also like the classic motorcycles too.
I'm looking forward to going there.

Good choice in buying a brighter coloured helmet.
Here in the city there are several motorcycle dealers with a good selection of riding gear so there are many choices other than black.

 

[Rocky]

Hey Qship, FYI the diner has a Facebook page.

Vernon's Thunderbird Diner

 

[Qship]

That's going to be a definite stop sometime this summer. Will have to check the FB page and see what they have planned. Sometimes places like this become so popular they have to have different themes for each night to attract crowds for each theme. IE. 60's muscle cars, Hot Rods, Ricers(ugh), Vintage car/bike nights.
May be a meet for Triumphs some day?

 

[George S.]

Yesterday I was passed by a scooter (I was in an exit lane getting off the interstate) that had a high rear trunk box that had red white and blue logos for an ambulance service, which is extremely rare to see something like that in this area.

As bright and unusual and as attention getting as that box's lettering and logo was, the first thing I noticed and what stood out was the rider's neon yellow helmet.

 

[triumph david]

I like that diner, wish it was closer, those black bikes and clothes blend perfect with darkness!

 

[Qship]

As a result of having to take my wife for a specialist's appointment in Rocky's fair city of Halifax, I have two updates to this thread. Here's an update on the Thunderbird Diner;

Almost ready to open. Just a few more final touches.


And the new helmets we ordered were available for pick up along the way in Moncton;

This should make riding in the rain a little more bearable and be safer as well.

 

[Rocky]

Very cool Q
Thanks for the update on The Thunderbird.
I went by the diner last Saturday, but was with a group of bikes and could only take a quick glance.
Nice helmets too

 

[Qship]

@Rocky, The Thunderbird diner is officially open.
Let us know what you think when you go.

 

[Rocky]

@Rocky, The Thunderbird diner is officially open.
Let us know what you think when you go.

Copy that

 

[Qship]

Hey @Rocky. Guess where I was at?

 

[Rocky]

Cool that you revived this old thread and have been to the diner.
The diner did a land office business all last summer and there was almost always a lineup to get in. It certainly was a hit!
It's in an area with a huge suburban population so there's no shortage of customers if you produce the goods.
I went 3-4 times last year and will be going again, but I guess I didn't update the thread .