A "Heads Up" for Newbies!!!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,179
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From: Boca Raton, Florida
A "Heads Up" for Newbies!!!
Appropriately titled, as you'll soon find!
Coming home from a friend's house after dinner last Sunday (My first ride at night)... I came upon a small "round-a-bout". A "Traffic Circle". It was something I've navigated at 30mph in the car and slightly less (perhaps a lot less) on the bike... during the day. Road posted at 30 mph entering and exiting and posted at 15 mph through the round-a-bout.
I'm a new rider (less that 1000 miles at this point, so all of this is quite interesting to me.
As I've said, I've done this many times on the bike during the day, but this time... I found myself staring at the outside curb as I attempted to exit the obstruction. i.e. I failed to make the turn and had to straighten the bike and decelerate (REAL FAST)! I did a one-foot-on-the-ground "Save" and straightened things out and continued on my way. Quite CHAGRINED!!! Wow!!!
Called my friend (former NY Motor Officer, good buddy, and "Trainer"
) and told him of the error. I guess I allowed myself to become mezmerized by the beam of the headlight. I think that rather than looking at WHERE I wanted to go (as I would have during the day) I allowed myself to be distracted and looked at where the headlight was pointing. And of course, headed in THAT direction... the Curb!!!
What an aggrevatingly graphic demonstration of the admonishment to LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO!!! I'm posting this to ask if any others of you have experienced the same error at night and to warn any new folks of the problem I allowed myself to fall (Fortunately not literally, this time) into.
Jim aka kiltiemon (with continued appreciation for all that I've learned for the more experienced folks on this forum)
Coming home from a friend's house after dinner last Sunday (My first ride at night)... I came upon a small "round-a-bout". A "Traffic Circle". It was something I've navigated at 30mph in the car and slightly less (perhaps a lot less) on the bike... during the day. Road posted at 30 mph entering and exiting and posted at 15 mph through the round-a-bout.
I'm a new rider (less that 1000 miles at this point, so all of this is quite interesting to me.
As I've said, I've done this many times on the bike during the day, but this time... I found myself staring at the outside curb as I attempted to exit the obstruction. i.e. I failed to make the turn and had to straighten the bike and decelerate (REAL FAST)! I did a one-foot-on-the-ground "Save" and straightened things out and continued on my way. Quite CHAGRINED!!! Wow!!!
Called my friend (former NY Motor Officer, good buddy, and "Trainer"
) and told him of the error. I guess I allowed myself to become mezmerized by the beam of the headlight. I think that rather than looking at WHERE I wanted to go (as I would have during the day) I allowed myself to be distracted and looked at where the headlight was pointing. And of course, headed in THAT direction... the Curb!!!What an aggrevatingly graphic demonstration of the admonishment to LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO!!!
I'm posting this to ask if any others of you have experienced the same error at night and to warn any new folks of the problem I allowed myself to fall (Fortunately not literally, this time) into.Jim aka kiltiemon (with continued appreciation for all that I've learned for the more experienced folks on this forum)
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,138
Likes: 1
From:
RE: A "Heads Up" for Newbies!!!
I just ride with my eyes closed, then I dont have to worry about such things.
Glad you saved it and weren't hurt!!
Glad you saved it and weren't hurt!!
ORIGINAL: kiltiemon
Appropriately titled, as you'll soon find!
Coming home from a friend's house after dinner last Sunday (My first ride at night)... I came upon a small "round-a-bout". A "Traffic Circle". It was something I've navigated at 30mph in the car and slightly less (perhaps a lot less) on the bike... during the day. Road posted at 30 mph entering and exiting and posted at 15 mph through the round-a-bout.
I'm a new rider (less that 1000 miles at this point, so all of this is quite interesting to me.
As I've said, I've done this many times on the bike during the day, but this time... I found myself staring at the outside curb as I attempted to exit the obstruction. i.e. I failed to make the turn and had to straighten the bike and decelerate (REAL FAST)! I did a one-foot-on-the-ground "Save" and straightened things out and continued on my way. Quite CHAGRINED!!! Wow!!!
Called my friend (former NY Motor Officer, good buddy, and "Trainer") and told him of the error. I guess I allowed myself to become mezmerized by the beam of the headlight. I think that rather than looking at WHERE I wanted to go (as I would have during the day) I allowed myself to be distracted and looked at where the headlight was pointing. And of course, headed in THAT direction... the Curb!!!
What an aggrevatingly graphic demonstration of the admonishment to LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO!!! I'm posting this to ask if any others of you have experienced the same error at night and to warn any new folks of the problem I allowed myself to fall (Fortunately not literally, this time) into.
Jim aka kiltiemon (with continued appreciation for all that I've learned for the more experienced folks on this forum)
Appropriately titled, as you'll soon find!
Coming home from a friend's house after dinner last Sunday (My first ride at night)... I came upon a small "round-a-bout". A "Traffic Circle". It was something I've navigated at 30mph in the car and slightly less (perhaps a lot less) on the bike... during the day. Road posted at 30 mph entering and exiting and posted at 15 mph through the round-a-bout.
I'm a new rider (less that 1000 miles at this point, so all of this is quite interesting to me.
As I've said, I've done this many times on the bike during the day, but this time... I found myself staring at the outside curb as I attempted to exit the obstruction. i.e. I failed to make the turn and had to straighten the bike and decelerate (REAL FAST)! I did a one-foot-on-the-ground "Save" and straightened things out and continued on my way. Quite CHAGRINED!!! Wow!!!
Called my friend (former NY Motor Officer, good buddy, and "Trainer"
) and told him of the error. I guess I allowed myself to become mezmerized by the beam of the headlight. I think that rather than looking at WHERE I wanted to go (as I would have during the day) I allowed myself to be distracted and looked at where the headlight was pointing. And of course, headed in THAT direction... the Curb!!!What an aggrevatingly graphic demonstration of the admonishment to LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO!!!
I'm posting this to ask if any others of you have experienced the same error at night and to warn any new folks of the problem I allowed myself to fall (Fortunately not literally, this time) into.Jim aka kiltiemon (with continued appreciation for all that I've learned for the more experienced folks on this forum)
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 17
From: The Frozen Tundra
RE: A "Heads Up" for Newbies!!!
I know exactly what you're talking about. After my accident (oct. '05) I got my new ride and found myself, not thinking because of head trauma, staring at oncoming traffic headlights! Dangerous as hell! I had to retrain myself to look where I wanted to go, like I learned in the MSF course. A curb is minor compared to driving, 45 MPH head on, into a vehicle.
I learned from my therapist that the human eye is attracted to bright lights. That made me want to learn even more not to look into bright lights because I am a welder/fabricator, there's alot of bright lights in that occupation.
Glad you made it and hopefully that distraction never happens to you, or others who read this thread, again.
I learned from my therapist that the human eye is attracted to bright lights. That made me want to learn even more not to look into bright lights because I am a welder/fabricator, there's alot of bright lights in that occupation.
Glad you made it and hopefully that distraction never happens to you, or others who read this thread, again.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 25,962
Likes: 9,763
From: Montana & Arkansas
RE: A "Heads Up" for Newbies!!!
Oh Yeah, who hasn't done it. It is a human response mechanism we have. When dancing the same thing happens... look over left shoulder, the body follows the eyes.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,138
Likes: 1
From:
RE: A "Heads Up" for Newbies!!!
Moths have the same problem!
ORIGINAL: Big Sled
Oh Yeah, who hasn't done it. It is a human response mechanism we have. When dancing the same thing happens... look over left shoulder, the body follows the eyes.
Oh Yeah, who hasn't done it. It is a human response mechanism we have. When dancing the same thing happens... look over left shoulder, the body follows the eyes.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From:
RE: A "Heads Up" for Newbies!!!
Glad you were not hurt; your heads up is appreciated, we all are on a learning curve here.
Even the very experienced riders sometimes need a reminder that simple errors can lead to catastrophic results.
Zyklon
Even the very experienced riders sometimes need a reminder that simple errors can lead to catastrophic results.
Zyklon
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,547
Likes: 1
From: North East, Pennsylvania
RE: A "Heads Up" for Newbies!!!
Good thing the outcome was what it was and you are ok.
As you ride, you may find yourself in a stare down with something, just remember...plenty can happen in 2 seconds..
As you ride, you may find yourself in a stare down with something, just remember...plenty can happen in 2 seconds..
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 13
RE: A "Heads Up" for Newbies!!!
I've done about the same thing coming around a corner in town, I've found myself looking OVER my windsheild instead of through it, makes it a little more confusing. Your right about things happening FAST. I try not to "lock on" to anything in my range of vision. But, to scan all points, head on, side, and mirrors, plus look over my shoulder before changing lanes. And, not get sloppy.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,395
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From: St George, UT
RE: A "Heads Up" for Newbies!!!
After riding for 40 years, I still sometimes become distracted by an object, a passing scene, or other thing, just when the road takes a curve. I know better, but sometimes I get so involved in stuff I sort of quit riding for a brief moment. But that is all it takes is a couple seconds lapse in concentrating on where you want to go. This will always be with you, so the lesson to learn is don't let your guard down for even a moment. It surely will bite you.[8D]
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
RE: A "Heads Up" for Newbies!!!
Coming home after dark this summer on a county road I approached a curve at 55mph. A car was parked ( I later found out) in the ditch on the right hand side just at the entrance to the curve. His headlights were pointed in my direction. For an instant I was confused... I started veering to the right assuming that the car was in his lane and that I needed to be on the right side of him, fortunately I picked up the cues from the road stripes and acertained that he was in the ditch on the right hand side of the road and that he was parked.
When I passed him I discovered it was a county deputy parked in the ditch. He almost led me into the ditch and a cattle guard. Damn that scared me. At night it is easy to loose depth perseption and many of the visual cue that we rely on.
Thanks for the reminder and ride safe.
When I passed him I discovered it was a county deputy parked in the ditch. He almost led me into the ditch and a cattle guard. Damn that scared me. At night it is easy to loose depth perseption and many of the visual cue that we rely on.
Thanks for the reminder and ride safe.