These days,funerals don't get the respect that they deserve. Today Wed May 9 for instance. I was riding in a funeral procession. The deceased was a young lad of about 20, he was a sufferer of Cerebal Palsy all his young life, and he succumbed to his condition, last week. His funeral services were today.
9.30am this morning saw 4 riders line up along with a motorcycle sidecar Hearse...and an escort cycle.   In the back streets we were fine, but once out on the major roads this is where the problems started. Roundabout and people forcing their right of way. There isn't really anything to be done while escorting you can just shake your head in disbelief. A 21st Century phenomenom, No RESPECT. Twice within 3 miles i had cagers force their way into the funeral procession. Only to suddenly come up upon the hearse then look for a fast exit.

4 miles into the ride i saw it again, on a round about...a cage forced its way into the line right infront of the bereivement cage.....I had, had enough. I dropped out and parked the bike on the roaund about...The procession drove through unhindered. Problem was i was at the back...I'm used to outrider roles so it didn't take too long to get back up front...10 miles further down the coast, At Kiama, we hit it again...round abouts...this time I was ready...I got alongside and onto the roundabout...and forced the dopes to stop...the procession flowed through smoothly...until Mr 20 something blasted his horn at me....trying to go through...we had words...He stopped. I took up position behind the last cage...Mr 20 something drew along my left side...winding his window down he popped out his head...Here it comes he's going to try something, smart....Nope! He yells over the top of my gurgling Vance and Hines, sorry about that Mr I didn't realise what it was till i saw the hearse!......So there are a few cagers about, including Mr 20 something who do show some respect when their attention is drawn to it.

I don't think i'll be doing anymore of these escorts though..coming out onto the freeway I scootered over to the no 1 lane to force the cages and semi's travelling south to overtake me in lane 2 the speed lane..but my offsider took his eyes off me and thinking I was heading into the number 2 lane...why i have no idea..ran into the side of my bike..He nearly took us both down...Idiots in cages...they also ride bikes..Everybody and his dog knows funeral processions don't travel over 50 mph.

Keep it upright..(I'm certainly trying too)

Thanks for sharing this, its funny how things take on a totally different perspective when viewed thru the eye of another. Your close call w/disaster brought to mind an accident involving 4 PD officers who were escorting, of all things, one of their own fallen.
All it takes is anothers dumb manuver to turn any normally easy task into all out hell.

Glad to hear you came with thru ok w/no more than a good scare ..
Every day over here riding is like running a gauntlet,the traffic suks almighty big time.Just plain rude & ignorant out of state,country touristia's hangin uturn on busy streets,no signals etc etc..have to ride w/finger by horn & hand ovr brake always it seems like...

stay safe n enjoy the ride

I have rode twice as an escort for the funeral procession.Most times we try to have at least eight bikes doing the blocking.I blame parents for not educating their young on showing proper respect....

I'm a member of the Patriot Guard Riders so there have been many times when I've been a member of a funeral procession as one of the "flag bikes". Unless there is also a police escort, it is just unreal how many cagers will force their way into or thru the procession. Just a total lack of respect. And, even if there is a police escort, when you're on a multi lane highway its uncanny how many cars will pull dangerous stunts with a funeral procession.

Glad you survived your scare.

Jonesy it is a sad day when those that morn can not do so in peace. We meaning the human race in general really have forgotten what is truly important. I light a white candle may his spirit sore freely to where ever he wishes to go and do, I hope that his family will find much comfort in his memories. To you sir for not letting us forget what is important thank you "T"

I was told last night that the family appreciated what we did for them..they were especially greatful when I blocked the roundabouts that i could for them...the last one was the best even with Mr 20 something...wish he had of started something now...as the last car were ready to jumpout and give him a pounding, they all had there seat belts undone and were just sitting there waiting...Sometimes being large has its advantages...scare tactics...cause the way i am relly all bluff and no bite left!

Last furnel procession I did was my sisters... Glad we did not have far to go as alot of drivers are total fing idiots and shuld not be alowed to drive... And I am oppisite all bite and bark, Woolys the nice one.

so sad the lack of respect...when i was growing up if a procession came by we pulled over and weren't allowed to talk until the last car/cycle passed...at my granny's procession last oct...with police escorts that had the lights on..i noticed at least 20 cages that didn't slow or stop ..til they saw the 2nd police car...it's a sad thing to witness, they would expect it for their loved ones......

thank God we still have a wee bit of respect for the dead here in Ireland...never see those kind of problems here, plus at any bike-funeral we contact the cops and they oversee the whole thing (discreetly) and pity the idiot who shows that kind of behaviour, 2 points and a €120 fine will teach them respect.