Groupthink

The statewide Harley Owner's Group motorcycle rally is in Fort Smith this weekend. About 5,000 people are in town riding their Harleys all over the place.

Tonight at dinner, I pulled up to a light and four guys on motorcycles were in front of me. Three of them were riding the exact same motorcycle. You know the kind. They had stretched front-forks and were going for an "American Chopper" look. But beyond that, the paint scheme on each one was exactly the same. The fourth guy was the rebel of the group, he'd added some grip covers with black fringe to his chopper.

As I sat through the interminably long light, I started trying to think of a time when I'd ever drop $20,000 to $30,000 on an exact replica of something my buddies have. I mean, I understand the whole "Hey, let's all get motorcycles and ride them around together." That kind of seems like it could be fun. But not riding matching motorcycles. That seems odd.

Once upon a time, I wanted a Harley. I'm talking back in the 1980s before everybody's dentist and attorney had one. Now, however, I want a moped ... oh, I mean a scooter ... like a Vespa.

For one thing, it would save on gas. And, frankly, I think it'd be kind of fun. Though it would be difficult to strap a baby seat onto one.

Of course, if I get a moped these days I'll have to get one with working brakes. I don't own any Pony sneakers to use for Flintstone-style braking like I did on the moped I owned back in the early 1980s.