I saw this thread yesterday and almost posted. But today's experience maybe gives me more to go on.
I've been riding various bikes off and on since high school- over 25 years, been carrying a gun on bikes and everywhere else legal when sober for 14 years.
Today someone ran into me while I was riding my cheap scooter. Yes, scooter.(It's not the only bike in the garage). A few carry/bike lessons were observed.
First the crash:
Could've been worse but still not fatal probably. I'm in left turn lane approaching signal, jackass in a Subaru pulls from a dead stop in the right/forward lane right into me. Not in front of but into me and knocked me into the curb/down. I'm just scuffed up as is the bike. If it had been the bigger bike it actually would have been a lot worse. Luckily I drive very carefully in traffic and I was going relatively slow and was quick on the brake.(Gotta appreciate those motocross years).
Roll, little boo-boo, I'm right up and bikes together and still running. The guy's still stopped ahead. A bystander tells me he saw it and got the plates etc as I make my way to the car.
Carry aspect:
Yes, I was armed. My usual is one of two platforms, either a snub or G26 AIWB. Today a snub.
I was pissed, experiencing an adrenaline dump and my mind was sure this guy did it on purpose. My mind was moving very quickly I think actually.
All at once my mind reminded me I was armed and to be calm. I was arriving at the window and saw him and immediately knew it was accidental. Despite my defusing my temper I'm sure my demeanor demonstrated what I was feeling. But that millisecond of thought allowed me to observe before I began yelling. Then I began only I was thinking and well under control.
He wanted to stop and apologize and bla-bla but I dismissed him; again, just not needing to open the doors to a confrontation or always pleasant police interaction while armed. I'm ok, no real damage or injuries- carry on.
I don't think it much matters what gun you're carrying while riding. But I do think where matters. If I had been carrying left side hip I'd have quite worse bruise I'll bet. I'm a righty - throttle side. I can draw left handed from my AIWB carry- not so at 4:00. That could matter too.
OP's loadout idea and reasoning: Maybe hang around different riders if you're more concerned with them over being innocently targeted and attacked by a criminal. The attire aspect is valid, but relatively moot if using a good caliber and good modern ammo. Stay away from FMJ in general. Missing is higher possibility than under-penetration. When using good ammo there's no reason stagger or mix rounds.
Ok, probably long, on the phone.
Ride safe, shoot straight & Happy St Patrick's Day!
Cheers!
-JC