I don't think I really tried to rebel, I did ignore some society norms, and I just liked to try everything, I even tried surfing a few times. Driving to fast a few times, and just trying a lot of things out, to me that was part of growing up, we,(I), had a lot of freedom, a heck of a lot more freedom than a twenty something today. There simply was no room for fear back then we were immortal, death was not our mistress, fear was not our master, we owned them both. those 15 years were the best in life, 1 horse to 500 bhp. Sometimes I forget about that section of life, and look at people that age to be foolish or idiots, but they are just tasting life and learning about the immortal phase.
The funny thing is I see more young women being active and living than I do young men.
I'm with you, I think that pendulum has swung to young women. I know they are the majority of the crazy young drivers that I see (I was one of those at that age).
The thing that amazes me is how few young motorcycle riders I see. To me it's the perfect way to challenge mortality AND fear at the same time...
It will end up like just north of where I live, women on 4 wheelers, horses, and motorbikes. You are right there are few young people on motorbikes and most of the young ones in Alaska are women. I' waiting for the hunting and fishing take over by the women next.