Deseret News | Wild hogs: 'Big bikes' aren't just for outlaws anymore

Reader comments
Wild hogs: 'Big bikes' aren't just for outlaws anymore

Randy | 5:40 p.m. Aug. 5, 2009

Must be a slow news day at the DN.
Who cares about a bunch of over-the-hill wannabe Hells Angels??

Buckaroo | 8:43 p.m. Aug. 5, 2009

Not for "outlaws" anymore? The story centers around an attorney....It read to me as a story about an outlaw....he has a license to steal...

BearOne | 11:36 p.m. Aug. 5, 2009

Sorry, Randy----but someof us still enjoy reading a story like this-------

Chill out, and remember that if you don't like the story, you can hit the "back" button.

Comments continue below

Mick | 5:45 a.m. Aug. 6, 2009

But overall, you will still see a huge difference in the people who ride HD's "hogs" vs. the BMW riders. The latter dress for safety. Buckaroo is right on the mark.

Cheech | 5:45 a.m. Aug. 6, 2009

The problem with this story is that it is so cliché–The Weekender Wannabes and their Shiny Big Bikes.

There are so many other, and better, stories about the world of motorcycling, but the reporter is too lazy to really dig for a good story, or this is just a way to pander to the aging Boomer readership.

I find groups like these amusing because they often ride in cheesy formations. Instead of truly enjoying the ride with lots of open space, they follow each other like the true conformists they are. Lead rider may get the fun, but others get to stare at the rider ahead.

I love the fact that none of these “hard-edged” yuppies is seen wearing or holding a helmet. The herd will be thinned. Even after tough guy Pusey’s accident, I guess some geeks never learn.

I’ve been riding motorcycles for more than 36 years. When I see creampuffs like the “Pals and Gals” on the road, I put them in my rearview as soon as possible.

Good article | 8:15 a.m. Aug. 6, 2009

Many people have been riding "big bikes" for decades and now that it has become fashionable to ride, they are called names or stereotyped as in some of the comments above. They don't belong to clubs or organizations they just love to ride. One has to wonder when "Mick" got his first BMW. Was it in the 60's or 70's? Probably not. Only when riding a BMW with friends appealed to him. "Bearone" has it right. If you don't like the story or the message then don't continue to read. Harley Davidson riders are some of the finest and most patriotic people in the country. Too bad if you don't like to hear the truth. Many professionals are Harley riders and they love the experience and the open road. You others can just get over it!

Bill from South Dakota | 8:51 a.m. Aug. 6, 2009

fun article! We see lots of different groups here. The great thing about motorcycling is that any type of person can ride. HD's GoldWings, BMW's Titans,Victory's Indians, etc...are all great ways to experience the experience! Those of you that think that only the "bad" can ride need to get a life. I also ride with a helmet most of the time, however there are times when I just can't put it on. Ride smart, and ride safe. The statement about being seen and being a target is right on! You just got to constantly be on the defensive.

Big Dawg | 9:05 a.m. Aug. 6, 2009

I am a true Hell's accountant and every weekend I dress myself up in bad to the bone biker "leather uniform" and also sport a really cool bandana. Great article. thanks DN

Steve | 11:01 a.m. Aug. 6, 2009

It's hard to say who's more ridiculous, the "posers" who put on their leathers and ride around pretending to be "bikers" over the weekend, or those who pass judgment on them from atop their "high hogs."

Thank goodness we don't need approval from the "League of Authentic Bikers" to ride, huh?

At least these folks actually ride beyond the edge of town. (A lot of the "posers" only use their bikes to ride from bar to bar, or to decorate their driveways.)

I appreciated the comments about safety. Indeed, you are significantly more vulnerable on a motorcycle, and it makes sense to minimize the risk by being highly-visible and wearing protective gear. My advice: "If you use your brain, wear a helmet. If you don't use your brain, well, I s'pose it really doesn't matter."

amused | 11:05 a.m. Aug. 6, 2009

Check out the very mainstream hairstyles and tattoos of the group on the photo. Tell me there aren't any illegal drugs on any of them, or at home in a sock drawer or hidden somewhere on a bike. Pu-leeeze. I met and rode with Willie G years ago. I know who bikers are. The ones on Harleys still think that anyone who ISN'T on a Harley is a wuss and they tell nasty jokes about them. Talk with any of them and you'll find that they are patriotic all right - they surely believe in that "keep and bear arms" thing. They are stuck in the 60's and hopefully someday their mentality will vanish along with all the rowdiness and swearing and 1%er attitudes.

Better Photo Op | 11:30 a.m. Aug. 6, 2009

At the very least the group could have picked someone for the lead photo that knows how to ride. Anyone who has ever ridden probably caught right off that the dude is leaning away from the direction of the turn. Typical habit of someone who is inexperienced and afraid of the bike.

BH | 11:33 a.m. Aug. 6, 2009

"But today they are really reliable." Then why is it any time you go to a hog rally, there are always a few dudes that have to trailer home a broke down bike?

BH | 11:33 a.m. Aug. 6, 2009

"But today they are really reliable." Then why is it any time you go to a hog rally, there are always a few dudes that have to trailer home a broke down bike?

BH | 12:00 p.m. Aug. 6, 2009

"The Mid-west is so but ugly" said Pusey. He may have had 95k miles on his last bike, but perhaps he put them all on just driving to the coffee shop. Because he sure didn't see anything of the Mid-west. What did he do? Drive down I-70 through Kansas, and decide that all of the Mid-west looks like that? Not quite sure why the reporter even bothered including such a statement that is clearly one man's opinion.

Anonymous | 12:05 p.m. Aug. 6, 2009

Why am I not impressed? I grew up hearing about pan heads, shovel heads and hard-tails. I remember the oil stained cement and forceful kick starts. I remember when Sonny Barger leader the Oak Chapter of the Hell's Angels.

I see obese gray haired old man in their black leather uniforms trying to look like the bad boy biker riding in basic antiquated technology (BAT). They same guys that the mere sight of Sonny's boys would have done a quick disappearing act, emulate whose they once feared.

One solution to the cost of Social Security would be a tax incentive to buy a Harley. If you ever drop that Harley; as you are laying in traction in a hospital, to will flash on the reality, you're not twenty anymore.

Fellow Rider | 7:56 p.m. Aug. 6, 2009

Great story about this group of individuals. I had a good time reading through the article. I get a kick out of how people pass judgement on individuals they probably know nothing about. Just a feel good story about a group of friends living their lives how they want to and having a good time doing it.

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6 photos

Tom Smart, Deseret News

Jerry Petersen, left, Linda Petersen, Leslie Coleman, Roger Coleman, Terri Meadows, Robert Pusey, Jim Meadows and Cari Pusey, out for a ride in July, are a group of friends who have been riding motorcycles together for years.

Gallery (6 photos)