My wife and I recently traveled by motorcycle to Astoria Oregon and back, taking mostly all backroads. It was supposed to be a very relaxing four days of riding the Oregon backcountry and getting to know a coastal town known for its great fishing and freight industry service.

Luckily, we had excellent weather with little smoke from surrounding fires burning both to the North and South of us. However, due to the extremely hot temperatures in Central Oregon, the fog rolled in off the coast and we were not able to even see the water from the 101. We decided to make the remainder of the trip a slow, relaxing ride through the Willamette Valley while looking for some fine wine samples.

While riding the backroads, we encountered the usual parade of motorcyclist touring the same routes, some would wave enthusiastically while others kept to themselves. I’m ok with it either way (see biker wave). But, there was a new wave by a rider on a seasoned and well worn BMW, whereby, the wave came with the riders left foot sticking out into the wind. I have seen this before but only in Europe.

It sure makes more sense to me, taking a foot off the peg vs taking a hand off the handlebar. This would grant the rider with more control over the motorcycle should something or someone jump out in front of his or her path. With the left foot wave, you still have control of the handlebar, clutch, throttle and both brakes. The only thing you temporarily lose is the shifter.

Taking a hand off the handlebar (even for a split second) could spell disaster if something runs out in front of you on a motorcycle, you have been served!

MM