Sunday, January 20, 2013

It's A Guy Thing

Every year, there's a big motorcycle exhibition at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York.  I go, both to see new bikes and to run into friends.  I always bump into a dozen people I know.  Here are some pictures of the show. 

Afterward, the tough guys I was with wanted to do some drinking before returning home to their wives, so we headed to a gritty working-class bar.  We drank beers, talked about motorcycles, drank more beers and talked about sports.  Then we roughly slapped each other on the back and staggered home.  At no point did we talk about relationships, feelings or clothes.  It was a guys' day and that's what guys do.  :-).


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

14 comments:

  1. Really cool bikes :)!
    But there are plenty of women who like that stuff too, drinking beer and talking about vehicles and sports in a pub :) Actually I am one of them (altho I don't have much knowledge about cars and bikes, they grab my interest) :)
    But I understand what do you mean by the guy thing :)
    x, Lara
    http://rockteraptor.blogspot.fi/

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  2. Sigh -- we definitely have too many females at my workplace. I crave the opportunity to drink beer and NOT talk about relationships. Though they probably wouldn't appreciate us drinking beer at work.
    Had an interesting thought today, as I was driving across the city in very slippery conditions. When driving with my legs together (aka: lady-like), I was timid, cautious and nervous. The minute I shifted position to a more, er, open one (aka: manly), I felt more confident and in control of the vehicle. Slightly off topic, but I immediately thought of it again when you mentioned gendered mannerism (slapping each other on the back). And now typing it reminded me of Scott encountering two brothers today (my dad and my uncle) and their decidedly different approaches to greeting him. My dad hugged Scott in a "father hugging son" kind of awkward way, ending with a slap on the back. My uncle, on the other hand, who has met Scott all of three times, hugged much more... openly, if that makes any sense... despite their lack of familiarity. I wondered how much sexual orientation plays into mannerism (as my uncle is openly gay).

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    1. Great reflections, buddy. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Sounds like a good time! (Minus the sports talk) ;] Maybe I hang out with the wrong guys, but it's always video games and relationship gossip.

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  4. I love perty shiny bikes too. But I don't know what I'm looking at other than the basic parts and brand names. Most of the new styles don't really hold my interest, but take me to a vintage bike show and I'm in heaven! Not hog heaven. ;)

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  5. Nice bikes! I wasn't able to make it to the IMS this year so I missed seeing all the cool motorcycles.

    P.S. I do have a few lady friends that keep conversations rather superficial. Self-protecting or self-absorbed? Either way I stay on stand-by just in case they need a real friend.

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  6. Hmmmm, girls go to bars, talk smack, and then stagger home. But at least in my case, a few drinks will probably cause me go into overdrive talking about relationships, feelings, and other women's clothes :P

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  7. I couldn't help but notice there was a hot biker chick sitting on one of the bikes. That could be you, no? It seems that would be an accurate reflection of some of your passions in this multi-faceted existence. I'm married to a Scorpio who loves cars, madly-passionately. "We" recently gave the garage a facelift, with a stained concrete floor, cabinetry including a counter which is finished with red/white checkerboard ceramic tile etc. Framed prints of cool cars and racing events IN THE GARAGE! Yes, this Pisces loves her Scorpio, clearly.

    I can understand the love of bikes vicariously. I'm glad that guys do their so-called guy stuff, but I'm also emphatic that it doesn't have to be gender specific. Love what you love, period. Dress the way you want and ride your bike!!! You'll look gorgeous.

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  8. Ugh that Indian sign is amazing. :-) Love it.

    And about what Jean said above - about the girl on the bike - I wouldn't mind seeing you with hair like that girl. Her hair looks two-toned! I think that's rad, and I think that would be a good look. I know that's not what she meant but, you know, just saying.

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  9. Nice bikes! Sometimes I wish I could fall into the not really talking about anything & scarfing down a beer. I think sometimes women get a little too involved and it's nice every once in awhile to not have to think about everything & analyze it to death. As or the beer I am more of a martini or gin & tonic kind of girl and if I am power swilling it is usually tequila - and that is in the very distant past.

    I didn't get to the motorcycle shw in Vancouver this year because of cost & leaving the Island and it just seemed like too much bother.

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  10. re: SOA
    I really like the show, as i have followed the career of the main character--he's English! I do agree it's way too violent though. My dad and uncle were in motorcycle clubs when I was little, and I would say their club reminded me of the movie Mask. And my mom looked exactly liked Cher did in that movie. My uncle still rides everyday, still has the long crazy beard and excess of Harley shirts. I used to have all the types memorized as a kid.

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  11. I love bikes! A good Harley or Chopper thats my think, neither are popular in the UK though sadly. I am determined I will learn to ride one day, and my hubby really wants to as well, we both love them. Ah well one day! Glad you had a nice time with the guys!
    Daisy Dayz Blog
    I'm in pursuit of an online income - check out my new Online Work Blog

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  12. This looks like such fun and right up Graemes alley. We haven't been to a show in a while.

    You didn't pick up a new machine for yourself?

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    1. No, but I always do some serious shopping at these events. I collect information on what I want next. For example, I was planning to replace my BMW touring bike with BMW's new version of it, but after seeing what Yamaha did in re-engineering their FJR sport-tourer, I'm now leaning toward that bike. I never would have shifted my plan without seeing the bikes in person. Looking at magazine photos is totally different (and less helpful) than swinging a leg over a real motorcycle and seeing how it fits. :)

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