hiding your riding? (From family)

[MrDan]

Something came to mind when I was debating telling my parents.  If (god forbid) I were in an accident and my parents had to come identify my body, I wouldn't want them to say "nope - not him" because they thought I didn't ride.  The same rationale was behind my telling them when I get my tattoo (months after but still).  I'd rather them be aware, regardless of how they react, then be caught by surprise in an already horrible situation.

Morbid - but that was why I told them

oh - and savor - you can do what I did and run in to them at home depot when you're carrying your jacket.  my mom was like "nice jacket - but it's 80 degrees out" ... yeah - she really didn't like finding out there ...

[Grainbelt]

Mom had a little suzuki GT185 when she was in college. It was my uncle's idea, he raced motocross and still rides and services bikes. My dad rode that bike some, and dirt bikes on the farm.

Even so, they were a little unnerved by the whole deal. I was living in Minneapolis (not the burbs) at the time, lots of traffic and crazy cagers. My mom doesn't even DRIVE there.

That being said, my bro and I took the safety course a year ago and I'm MTGMTT (most of the gear most of the time), and all of it on the highway. They are ok with it now, and my brother finally picked up a bike this spring. Its a calculated risk thing.

Now, my GF, on the other hand, hates the bike and wants nothing to do with it, doesn't want to hear about, and claims to have nightmares about me dying on it. good times.

[nautiquelfe]

This is actually a pretty comforting topic for me.  As I too hide the fact that I got a bike from my parents.  My father has been very sick for years and I really dont want to give my mother any other things to worry herself with.  It's tough sometimes to deceive them and it makes me feel a bit shameful.  The one time i'd talked to her about it was when i was much younger and it nearly had her crying.  And that was just talking about it.  I plan to tell her someday but i'd like it to be on my own terms and when i'm a much more confident rider.   Its nice to see others that have these types of issues.  BTW, I'm 31yrs old and my parents are very involved and important in my life. 

[RVertigo]

I only "avoid" the topic with my Grandparents...  They're old...  They don't like it...  So, I just don't talk about it.  Kinda like my tattoos and smoking...   

The rest of my family is different.  My sister has her own bike and my brother wants one (but his wife won't let him)...  My mom doesn't like it, but I actually enjoy rubbing it in her face.     (And if you knew her, you wouldn't think less of me for doing so).


Hiding your bike and gear isn't lying about it, it's just avoiding it.  I don't think there's anything wrong with "avoiding" the topic...  Rather that saying, "I was out riding my motorcycle yesterday."  You could say, "I was out on the road yesterday."     Creative truth telling.

But, flat-out lying about it isn't good.    If my grandparents asked me about it, I'd tell 'em...  But, there's no point in forcing it on them.

[Savor]

This is actually a pretty comforting topic for me.  As I too hide the fact that I got a bike from my parents.  My father has been very sick for years and I really dont want to give my mother any other things to worry herself with.  It's tough sometimes to deceive them and it makes me feel a bit shameful.  The one time i'd talked to her about it was when i was much younger and it nearly had her crying.  And that was just talking about it.  I plan to tell her someday but i'd like it to be on my own terms and when i'm a much more confident rider.   Its nice to see others that have these types of issues.  BTW, I'm 31yrs old and my parents are very involved and important in my life. 

My mom also cried with this topic... multiple times. I just don't know how to bring it up. Went through different scenarios and all seem bad. Could be that I'm a pessimist 

Might as well as sell the bike before summer begins instead of going through all the drama of being caught red handed or trying to convince my mom.

[Chris861]

I've never tried to hide it either.  Of course I really couldn't because around last June-July while I was still living with my parents, I came up here to visit my brother for the weekend and when I returned home I was driving his truck with my bike in the back  .  I think my parents saw it coming since my brother bought one a few months earlier and I had told them I was going to look at some bikes, and had already been looking at them.  They didn't really want me to get one, and my dad was kind of mad, but I guess they are ok with it.  They still worry sometimes, especially after my brother's accident.  She was seriously wanting me to sell it after that.

[Ticklemebink]

I'm totally in the same boat!  im tryin to save up the money for one now and with a grandma as a very nosy financial advisor.. shes startin to think im really putting money away for a good cause for once in my life....  but lil does she know ive been spending it on gear and for the bike!  i guess i dont blame them.. im the only child, and i am a single mom of a 1 yr old boy! but hell..  this bike will be perfect for him to learn on one day along with pimpin out the hummer i have!  HAHA   live life to its fullest right! ill just choose to be smart on the road and not ride the yellow lines in between cars so i can live to pass it on to him!

[bbanjo]

My Wife told my Mom on me when I got the GS in '02 . I got away with my folks not knowing that I had a street bike for four years while I was in the army (many moons ago).

[RVertigo]

Speaking of...  The other day I was helping my friend move some stuff he has at his parent's house...

When we pulled up he said, "By the way...  My parents don't know I'm getting a motorcycle...  And there's no reason to bring it up."     Made me think of this thread.