Is it worth it?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,589
Likes: 4,550
From: USA
Is it worth it?
Two weeks ago I lost another friend in a motorcycle accident. Ironically this is the second one that died from a M/C accident in five years from a Corvette club I once belonged too. Without taking a count I would guess ten is the number of friends or acquaintances that have lost their lives in M/C accidents in the last 20 years. Two in ATV accidents. And one that lost his leg. Only know of a couple in autos. I am in my sixties and have been riding some sort of two wheeler or ATV for around 50 years and am not about to give up a life style and am not going to hide under the bed, but I am slowing down. Our area has doubled in population in the last 10 years and the number of idiots on the road has increased at least twice that. It is getting so each time I am on my bike that I spend more time looking after my own @$$ than I do enjoying my ride. So I guess that is why I am asking "Is it worth it?" Any of you folks apprehensive as you pull out on the road?
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 2
From: Lafayette, LA.
I lost 3 friends in the last 2 months. One heart attack, one heat stroke, one drowned. I believe when your number is up it is up. It does not slow me down from riding and I don't give it a second thought when I crank her up.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 396
Likes: 7
From: Dubuque, Iowa
When I die, whatever age, I would rather come sliding in banged up, exhausted, and warn out exclaiming "man what a ride", than coats in safely in a well preserved body having never experienced to true joys of life. But thats just me.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 5
Bill, when you spend more time worrying than enjoying your ride then it's time to take up fishing or golf. I'm not saying to not ride defensively. You have to. Ride as if invisible and rarely will you be disappointed.
You have to put it out of your mind. Instead of, I hope some idiot cager doesn't turn in front of me, say to yourself, when the idiot cager turns I will see and avoid. I will not let him ruin my day.
You have to put it out of your mind. Instead of, I hope some idiot cager doesn't turn in front of me, say to yourself, when the idiot cager turns I will see and avoid. I will not let him ruin my day.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Absolutely it's worth it. While it is tragic that you've lost these friends, and I'm sure they weren't ready to depart this Earth just yet, they died doing something they loved to do. I can think of worse ways to die.
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Banned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 300
Likes: 1
Only a question you can answer that question for yourself...to me it's worth it.
I ride in D.C., you don't need to tell me about idiots, but as Cajun King said, when it's your time it's your time and it doesn't matter what you're doing.
I ride in D.C., you don't need to tell me about idiots, but as Cajun King said, when it's your time it's your time and it doesn't matter what you're doing.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,718
Likes: 17,555
From: Driftless Area
The upside to sharing the road with idiots is that it keeps your reflexes sharp, raises your heart rate, and exercises your mind as you think up new swear words to use.
Sorry your herd is thinning......stay with it. Soon you will be the Monarch.
Sorry your herd is thinning......stay with it. Soon you will be the Monarch.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 188
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
I think about it once in awhile,especially when I have my wife on the back. I'm in my fifties now and living on borrowed time due to cancer. When I crank up the bike the feelings go away. I just enjoy myself as much as possible. Last fall I did a solo across country and only had a couple close calls. Life is too short too worry about it. Enjoy the ride as much as you can.