On VIP stuff, the rule book often goes out the window. Sometimes the overtrained systemised rider doesn't know how to do dispatch rider - when you're hurtling into a busy junction then as you say, you're busy stamping on the rear brake with your right hand in the air, blowing a whistle and finding Neutral at the same time ....
I think that us Brits are quite good at the old quiet efficiency thing as part of our culture! Think about what is quintessentially British; RAF pilots, Jenson Button ... Ranulph fiennes
Who'd ya rather have rescue you, some American special forces team or the SBS!!So to me a lot of it is about style and how we go about doing things. I think style is good on a bike, and for me, (and I'd like to think that most people in my world would think the same..) that cool, calm, but quietly ruthless style is how it should be.
So your French example .. I'm not going to sit here and poo poo them and say what a load of old tripe - It probably looks pretty flamboyant and errrr, very French! It'd certainly get yer attention if you were sat at the front of the lights just about to pull away. The Italiens are all about looking good in their boots and jodhpurs and the Yanks .... well you can here them coming a fecking mile away! Twenty outriders with all the bells and whistles going
!!But, ummmmmmm, nah, I still like our way best. Don't get me wrong - It can still be lairy, there's still a place for riding it like yer stole it, but just in a British way!! Arriving in the middle of Ludgate circus standing on yer pegs???
Not very 007 !!!
