When visiting the United States, you will notice right away that the US is full of all sorts of interesting people with different backgrounds, different ways of dressing, different ways of speaking, and on and on. You will fit in just by being you as everyone here is unique in their own way, so you see there is no need to feel nervous about being a foreigner here because most people won’t even notice you especially in a large city, they are used to seeing a diverse group of people every single day.
The one thing that sets Americans apart from most of the world is our love of the automobile. When vising the United States for the first time you will see every make and model of car and truck, RV’s, travel trailers, SUV’s, sports cars etc. You will also see many types of motorcycles and off-road vehicles. Americans love their toys, and you will see them everywhere.
Let’s get back to the type of people you will run across and still hold to the topic of motorcycles. You will often see, in groups, Harley Davidson riders. The Harley Davidson is an American made street motorcycle which are just commonly referred to as “Bikes” or “Hogs”. They are usually loud and flashy with lots of chrome and accessories, and the riders are often times very intimidating in looks. Harley riders love to dress up in their leathers and spikes and boots. Maybe you have an image in your mind from the movies or TV of the American biker and they are all in an outlaw Biker gang. Far from it! There are thousands of “MC’s” or motorcycle clubs in the US, and they are a way for riders to get together and show off their bikes, take road trips and have fun. If you are visiting a Nation Park, you may see large groups of riders in the park. They are just out on a ride seeing the sites and having a good time just like you, don’t panic, if they are stopped somewhere go admire their machines, but be advised don’t touch!!! It’s always best when visiting the US to remember it’s always good manners to look but not to touch anything that is not yours!!! Americans are very particular about their personal property, and the last thing you want to do is put your hands on someone’s prized car or motorcycle. One last thing on bikers, yes there are outlaw motorcycle gangs in the US but the chances of running across any are small. The days of the Hells Angels wreaking havoc are long gone, but occasionally I hear on the news of some rival gang fighting or violence. These outlaw gangs don’t usually like one another and will occasionally have run ins that will make the news. Best advice, if you are pulling up to a restaurant or bar and there are rows of motorcycles parked out front, find another place to eat just to be safe.
Americans really love their cars and trucks. We love to fix them up and make them our own. Hot Rod is an American term for a fast car. If you are visiting an area that is having a “Car Show” by all means take the time and go!!!! Americans love to show off their cars and going to a car show will give you an opportunity to see the best of the best!! Remember please don’t touch the car!!!! Often times car shows will have many events happening such as a car cruise or drag racing, definitely worth a visit if you have time!!
Americans also love their pickup trucks. You will see them more as you leave the big city areas and get more into rural areas. Expect to see four-wheel drive trucks that have huge tires and are lifted up from the factory height. Americans also love to lower their cars and trucks; we just love to modify anything with wheels literally!!! Not only are the people of the US diverse so are their vehicles lol.
When visiting the US you will have many opportunities to go play if you like. As stated, Americans love their toys. ATV’s, dirt bikes, snow machines, jet skis, boats etc. are in every part of the country and many places have them for rent for everyone’s enjoyment. The price can be high for some rentals depending on what you are renting but if this is your one chance to ride a snowmobile do it!!!!! In the USA you can pay to do just about anything or have a guide or outfitter take you out and help you. Take advantage of this if this is a once in a lifetime chance for you to say take a raft trip on a white-water river. If you are never going to have the opportunity to do something again in your life by all means splurge!