ASK KICKSTAND

Ask Kickstand is an email advice column dedicated to motorcycle questions. These questions can be technical; regrading mechanical issues, safety related, philosophical, spiritual or relationship issues.

Disclaimer: Kickstand is not a psychiatrist, a professional mechanic, Motorcycle Safety Trainer, pastor or a social worker. If a reader chooses to follow Kickstand's advice it is with the understanding that neither Kickstand nor the Nobodies will be held liable.

Dear Kickstand,

I have a problem that is getting out of control quickly. I have become a very avid motorcyclists in the past three years. I absolute love riding and take every opportunity to ride whenever possible. Since I am a friendly sort of guy, I got into waving to other bikers and enjoy doing that also. To me it is a way of communicating to other riders the bond we have and also to express the sheer joy of riding.

About two months ago, I realized that I was looking forward to waving to others as much as the actual riding. At first that seemed odd to me, but I decided it was not that unusual. Then just last week, while driving my car, my wife asked me why I was waving to all the motorcyclists! I didn't know what she was talking about. She explained that she had noticed that the last few times we have driven together, I would wave to all the motorcyclist we passed. It is true. Since she pointed the behavior out to me, I have noticed that I wave all the time to bikers. What has really scared me is the fact that I cannot control the waving behavior. I have tried to not wave while biking and cannot stop. I have also tried to stop waving while driving in my car and I can't control myself in those situations either! It is like a compulsion. What can I do?

Sincerely,

The Happy Waver


Dear Waver,

You have a very serious condition that requires medical attention. Compulsive Waving Disease (CWD) is a degenerative neurological illness that can debilitate a person. It was first diagnosed in 1987 by Dr. Les Ness while he was working with Minnesota's Princess Kay of the Milky Way. She had participated in hundreds of parades and started waving compulsively every time she rode in a car. There is a very effective treatment for this disease and the recovery rate is nearly 100 percent. You need to go to your primary physician and tell them that you need to be tested for CWD. This is not to be confused with Chronic Wasting Disease which affects hoofed ruminant mammals such as white tail deer. So make certain your doctor knows what you are talking about.

I hope the best for you and please let us know how you are doing.

Sincerely,

Kickstand