Fall Down Go Boom
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 33
From: Upstate NY
Sorry to hear about your mishap, but I am glad that you came through it okay. There were a lot of good suggestions in this thread. I was out of riding for only 5 years and felt really out of synch for the first few rides. Just take it easy and ride at speeds that make you feel in control. You will regain your confidence. As others noted, its tough adjusting to getting older. The reflexes and eyesight do change. I have to remind myself on the twisties to just relax and feel the bike respond to the corners. I love riding in the mountains, but I have a different mindset then when I am riding a straight highway. It will come back to you. Just be patient and take it one curve and one day at a time. Thanks for reminding all of us to stay in that comfort zone.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
Just remember, Keep your eye on the ball, not others. I don't think you were out of your skill level, you just let someone else take your head out of the game and that can be deadly. Glad you are ok.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 794
Likes: 3
From:
I agree! I think your biggest mistake was watching your mirror, more than whats happening in front of you! If the guys riding behind you were as good as you think they were, their not going to run into the back of you! Your attention needed to be on what was going on ahead!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,687
Likes: 6
From: Kalaui Kona HI
I am glad your ok. When I first started riding I was told by an old guy (now I am one) the most dangerous riding is in groups as you have all kinds of skill levels and some try and ride over their abilities witch can be deadly. This is not a game its life and death.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
From: Fall River MA
I recently was distracted by a group of ******** and I let it get to me. I almost got taken out by a car and it put things back into perspective. I pulled off and gave them the finger when they went by. I learned to not let others get in your head cause there is to much we have to think about already. Happy to hear you werent hurt badly.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
Thanks for all of the support folks. I decided to take Hwy 80 home instead of 88. I was so bruised and in pain I decided to leave Saturday afternoon instead of Sunday. And to say I had lost a lot of confidence was an understatement. I have to be honest...I was sweating the trip home. But once I got going everything was ok with the exception of a few curves. I did tuck myself in behind a couple of trucks and I am sure the 500 bikes that passed me going 70 wondered what the heck the ole guy was doing going 50. But I didn't care. Once down I chided myself for being so uptight and just relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the ride home. Can't wait to get the bike back from the dealer.
Lots of good advice on this site. Glad I found it. Ride safe.
Lots of good advice on this site. Glad I found it. Ride safe.
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