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Scared to ride.....

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Old Apr 18, 2013 | 10:15 PM
  #1  
trakfloater07's Avatar
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Default Scared to ride.....

So I've been riding for 2 years, had my sportster for a year, and layer my bike down 2 days ago. A huge truck stopped in front of me and as hard as I tried to stop, I knew I wasn't going to make it. Luckily I was down to about 20mph at that point, I locked the back tired and layer the bike down to slide. Thank the good Lord nothing is broken or any damage to me, bikes a bit scraped up, but I'm just scared as crap to ride now. When I go get on the bike and ride I'm ok it's just when I'm off the bike I constantly think about leaving my wife and baby. Anyone got any ideas on how to help with this??? I love riding more than anything I've ever done and really don't want to give it up
 
Old Apr 18, 2013 | 10:19 PM
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Have you taken the motorcycle safety course? If not, I'd suggest taking it to break any bad habits you've developed.
 
Old Apr 18, 2013 | 10:22 PM
  #3  
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I didn't have anything like this happen to me but I kept thinking about crashing my '75, after 6 years of riding and the fun was gone, so I sold it. 30 years later, I got another one.

You might want to take a break from riding. And when you feel like riding again, you will. If you don't and are still scared, you might consider selling it. I don't know what else to tell you. Riding scared will/might lead to worse things happening to you and your family needs you.

It's your choice and I hope you make the right one. Good Luck to you.
 
Old Apr 18, 2013 | 10:38 PM
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X2 the safety course idea. It may help your confidence.
 
Old Apr 18, 2013 | 10:40 PM
  #5  
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start in the parking lot.


oh and retake the MSF course
 
Old Apr 18, 2013 | 10:58 PM
  #6  
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Thanks for the input. Ya I took it out on a 30 minute ride today, and when I was on the interstate I was fine but being in traffic just made me scared as crap. It sucks too because I commute on my bike.
 
Old Apr 18, 2013 | 11:03 PM
  #7  
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Laying a bike is down is the worst of an old wives tale. A bike will slide far longer than a bike using it's RUBBER to stop!!
Two things are obvious, you almost hit (or did) a truck that stopped in front of you. You need far better DEFENSIVE driving skills. You need to learn to have an escape path AT all times. Learn to brake, as a TRUCK should never outbrake a BIKE. You can't ride a bike like some folks DRIVE cars. Distance between vehicles and tailgating will never end well for a biker!
Aggressive riding with cars and trucks will also not end well for a BIKER!
Learn defensive driving or quit! You also need to THINK of when a bad situation can and might develop. Intersections and four lane traffic means pay attention to everyone around you.
 
Old Apr 18, 2013 | 11:06 PM
  #8  
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i had a bit of "PTSD" after my bad wreck. shook me up but nothing will keep me off 2. few things in life ill never forget: the sound of incoming RPGs and rockets, the lives lost while i was a firefighter, and the feeling of hitting a culvert and going unconscious

get back on that horse
 
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Old Apr 18, 2013 | 11:19 PM
  #9  
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take it slow and get your thoughts clear , take a course an ride when u feel u want . dont rush into it ---
my accident 11 months ago , i was hit n runned - was thrown from the bike,
bike was wrecked, i was knocked unconcious , almost dead ,doctors said i was lucky,
im just thankful i can still enjoy the ride an family , i cant say anything about how it went down, as i dont know, i cant remember 12 hours of my life from that day at all , i think sometimes its better i dont, for fear of the same thouts ur haven !!!
glad your ok and also can enjoy the family an ride !!!!

take a course - and ride easy , always always ride like your a giant target!!
i find myself more alert and always on the defensive even more now
 
Old Apr 18, 2013 | 11:34 PM
  #10  
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Take a safety course and get a bike with ABS
 



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