What’s Up in the Forums: Could Anything Make You Stop Riding ?
Having kids can certainly change your viewpoint as well. At least it did for 6 gun‘s buddy.
“I didn’t but my best friend did. There were three of us that rode bikes all over the town that we grew up in. Now him and his wife have triplets. After looking back on my wreck and seeing the other of the three of us have a major wreck, he hung it up and sold his bike. He figured it might be his turn, and he wants to watch his babies grow up.”
Even if you don’t give up riding, scary accidents like the one Dillbilly Bone narrowly avoided can certainly change your perspective on things. Sometimes for the better.
“Once. Caused by my own inexperience and a bit of overconfidence. It nearly resulted in a head-on collision with an oncoming SUV. My wife and lifelong soulmate was behind me. We both came very close to getting killed instantly…at my hands. It ended with a shocking scare but no wreck or damage. Absolutely destroyed my confidence. It took all I had to get (both of us) back on the Limited and make it home.
I recall how I felt when we arrived, pulled off our helmets, and I looked into her eyes. She’d seen death flash past and I knew it. I basically went through a period of ‘anything but a ride’ until the emotions passed and I understood what happened and why it did. I rode alone many days after that. She took her time and joined me when she was ready.
The entire experience transformed my outlook on riding. I used it to ride better and safer, as well as to develop my skills with a big touring machine. I learned to never take anything for granted when riding, and to focus on my job as close to 100% as conceivable. Now I ride with NO ego and try to avoid trouble in every possible way. There’s always some risk, but I’ll do what I can to avoid elevating it on my end.”
It goes without saying that most Harley riders have had some sort of wake-up or close call in their time. But whether it be family, money, or accident, this topic seems to resonate with everyone here at HD Forums. So we want to know – has anything ever happened to you that made you think twice about riding your Harley? Head over here and tell us your story!
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