So...riding a motorcycle while carrying is interesting.
I've had two recent experiences that are each to its advantage and detriment.
#1- I am getting off the highway and hanging a right on the off-ramp. There is a light for the right-turners and 3 lanes to choose from. I usually choose the one farthest to the left as it keeps me from having to shift around lanes once I turn. However, about 50% of the time there is a panhandler in the flat section next to it. Never really gave it any thought. Until a few days back the guy there noticed my bike and walked straight up into my business. Can't blame him I guess, the bike is sweet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_W650) but in this case it drew attention and he came up to talk about motorcycles and how he saw a guy do a wheely on one and it was "F**king cool" and though I should do the same and proceeded to give me a high five and when I didn't reciprocate, kinda pushed my shoulder and grabbed my face shield before walking off. Definitely within my 'zone'. Yes he had been drinking. As soon as he first walked up to me I thought about pushing him away, but I didn't want to piss him off and give him a reason to escalate things (even if I were justified). Instead, I decided it was best to just kinda humor him for a sec and see how it played out. It worked out in my favor (lucky). After he walked off I gave him no attention but watched him out of the corner of my eye. Was weird. I actually was 1st in line so if things got hairy I could have gotten out of there in a quick sec but still got me thinking. Motorcycle riders are damn exposed to anything or anybody. I was also thinking about how if I had a tank holster (I don't) and he had decided to push me off the bike it might have made things pretty hard in getting back to it if he were to continue any type of instant, quick assault.
So #2 - I was at the gun shop a couple days ago (trying out the HK P2000 no less!!!!!!!!) and when I went back out to the parking lot right outside the shop (think single line, 10 spaces), there were two guys that were right near the front of the entrance to the shop, and they had a handgun out in the open, looking like there were pointing it down the street, so I saw them from a profile/side point of view. About 50 ft away, with about 4-6 cars separating us. They were at the back of a pickup truck with the tailgate down. As soon as I saw it, it struck me as really, really odd and I made sure I was out of sight behind the cars as best I could. What the hell were they doing? I heard a 'click' which sounded like a dry fire and heard them continue to talk. Again, just didn't seem appropriate. I watched them for about a 30 sec to see if I could make a determination from their actions but decided I just wanted to get out of there. If I was to go back out the same way I had come (the only 'official' entrance), I would have ridden about 3-4 ft away from them and had to pause right next to them before just jumping right into traffic. However, there was about a 3-4ft opening at the other end of the parking lot that led to a dirt alley. I took it, fast. There would have been NO way I would have been able to get a car out of there, so I was really thankful I was on the bike and was able to bypass that whole situation. Once I was far enough away and at a place where I could stop, I pulled off on a side road and called the shop to inform them of what I saw.
Okay, one more: On the way home one evening, I took notice of a car behind me and the individuals in the car. For some reason, they just gave me a weird feeling, seeing their faces. I cannot explain it. They were behind me for quite a while, through a turn and all. If I was to assume the worst and figure it could be someone that tails a driver until they get home then rob them or worse, I'd rather make it harder for them to choose me as a target, so I was able to zip out from in front of them and put some real distance between me and them using other cars and lane positions - which would have been much harder in a car. Its a little risky if you have to move fast as it gives you less reaction time around traffic, but the option is there if you need to take it.
So does anyone else carry while riding? Most threads about MCs and CCWs have to do with either holsters or laws but I'm talking about awareness/experience while on a bike. Any one else have any thoughts on this, any tips, what they look for or look out for when riding and carrying? I'm interested in hearing from some other folks about this interesting topic. What have been your experiences, or what to you think about how a permit carrier needs to adjust given the nature of being on a bike instead of a car?