Dammit.....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
The only time I wonder why I ride a motorcycle, is in the dark, in the rain, like tonight. Then I think, Ron, you are dumber than you look.
Here is a good perspective on rider safety:
http://www.msgroup.org/tip.aspx?num=170
Here is a good perspective on rider safety:
http://www.msgroup.org/tip.aspx?num=170
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 641
Likes: 0
From: Down the road a bit in Texas
When it's my time to go I guess I'm gone but so far I've done a lot of the things I have always wanted to do. Including riding my bike every chance I get,even with the dangers that might or might not ever happen.
Take a short break from riding if that's what you feel you need but once your head is cleared up get back on and ride!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 6
From: North London, UK
Earlier in the year, Britain was experiencing some severe storms. The weather had calmed down and people were going about their business just like always. Some guy in a van made the headlines because he was just driving somewhere and a tree came down out of nowhere, landed right on the windshield and killed him instantly.
Just like that.
I've seen a few crashes, or at least, bits of bike in the road and flashing blue lights. Makes me more cautious, but your number can be up anywhere at any time. All I hope is that I don't take anyone with me.
Just like that.
I've seen a few crashes, or at least, bits of bike in the road and flashing blue lights. Makes me more cautious, but your number can be up anywhere at any time. All I hope is that I don't take anyone with me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 15,400
Likes: 19,455
From: Upstate N.Y.-Rochester Area
When it's your time....
Not a bike story, but pertinent as an example of never knowing what life has in store for you.
We had an officer involved in a crash while on duty that caused Brain damage and his retirement in 2002.
Earlier this year Officer Chung was out walking (On a wide sidewalk) near a 4+ lane road. This area is a suburban/mall area, probably 40 mph.
A car jumped the curb and hit Officer Chung killing him. I seem to remember reading one of the articles which stated the SUV drivers age, and he was young so you immediately think, phone/texting/stoned/screwing around.
Nope.
The police were careful, it was one of their own, and their findings? The young man had a medical event which caused him to lose control, no charges. Officer Chung was 47 years old when he died from the 2nd incident, only 37 when he was injured previously. Car's both times, and he was merely walking in an area that perhaps 100's of people walk everyday.
A link to one of the news pieces.
http://www.13wham.com/news/local/sto...0-f1Hxfjw.cspx
You can do dumb and speed up the process, but when your time is up, off you go. Be alert, but do what you love.
We had an officer involved in a crash while on duty that caused Brain damage and his retirement in 2002.
Earlier this year Officer Chung was out walking (On a wide sidewalk) near a 4+ lane road. This area is a suburban/mall area, probably 40 mph.
A car jumped the curb and hit Officer Chung killing him. I seem to remember reading one of the articles which stated the SUV drivers age, and he was young so you immediately think, phone/texting/stoned/screwing around.
Nope.
The police were careful, it was one of their own, and their findings? The young man had a medical event which caused him to lose control, no charges. Officer Chung was 47 years old when he died from the 2nd incident, only 37 when he was injured previously. Car's both times, and he was merely walking in an area that perhaps 100's of people walk everyday.
A link to one of the news pieces.
http://www.13wham.com/news/local/sto...0-f1Hxfjw.cspx
You can do dumb and speed up the process, but when your time is up, off you go. Be alert, but do what you love.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 33,718
Likes: 3,723
From: Connecticut.
I was on a march of dimes run......it was a good ride,all day, not a problem......then the news that a husband and wife...each on their own ride as they were heading home.........was taken down by the unthinkable.......dui cager going the other way, crossed the meaningless yellow lines......2 lives snuffed out doing a worthy cause........the tragedy haunts me everytime I sling a leg over..sucks just plain sucks.
ride on be safe and watch everything.......thats all you can do..........
ride on be safe and watch everything.......thats all you can do..........
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 69,901
Likes: 18,590
From: South Florida
Just like what Jo Mama said..............PRACTICE AND TAKE ADVANCE COURSES!!!
This is 1 subject matter that pisses me off FASTER than ANYTHING ELSE!!!
When was the last time YOU practiced BRAKE and EVADE?
When was the last time YOU practiced EMERGENCY BRAKING?!?!?!?!?!
Did you get the Jerry Palladino tape called RIDE LIKE A PRO V DVD? (I do not make $ from his sales.) He lowered the price of his DVD a LOT and it is the BEST thing u can do to learn how to ride in 3-4 hours (THAT IS ALL 3-4 HOURS) like the motormen.
You will be MUCH BETTER riding, safer, waaay more confident (don't get cocky), be able to ride in a parking lot way btr than ever.
Do u ride thinking constantly playing that What If game "What if _____?" Do u look 12-14 seconds ahead of you? DO YOU ALWAYS LEAVE AN ESCAPE ROUTE!
REALLY............think about it?!?!
We all know there are many inexperienced riders. That does NOT mean YOU have to be a dumbass and not PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Take riding seriously since the consequences ARE.
I am starting to get really PISSED so I will STFU up now.
How many accidents COULD HAVE been avoided? My guess is SH&* LOADS! <-- Not based on anything other than from what I have seen out there and I ride daily, too many riders should LEARN TO RIDE AND PRACTICE or sell your freaking bike since you are a danger to others and ME!
Ok, ok, I will STFU now.
BuzzCap7 <Grumble, grumble, grumble.>
This is 1 subject matter that pisses me off FASTER than ANYTHING ELSE!!!
When was the last time YOU practiced BRAKE and EVADE?
When was the last time YOU practiced EMERGENCY BRAKING?!?!?!?!?!
Did you get the Jerry Palladino tape called RIDE LIKE A PRO V DVD? (I do not make $ from his sales.) He lowered the price of his DVD a LOT and it is the BEST thing u can do to learn how to ride in 3-4 hours (THAT IS ALL 3-4 HOURS) like the motormen.
You will be MUCH BETTER riding, safer, waaay more confident (don't get cocky), be able to ride in a parking lot way btr than ever.
Do u ride thinking constantly playing that What If game "What if _____?" Do u look 12-14 seconds ahead of you? DO YOU ALWAYS LEAVE AN ESCAPE ROUTE!
REALLY............think about it?!?!
We all know there are many inexperienced riders. That does NOT mean YOU have to be a dumbass and not PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Take riding seriously since the consequences ARE.
I am starting to get really PISSED so I will STFU up now.How many accidents COULD HAVE been avoided? My guess is SH&* LOADS! <-- Not based on anything other than from what I have seen out there and I ride daily, too many riders should LEARN TO RIDE AND PRACTICE or sell your freaking bike since you are a danger to others and ME!
Ok, ok, I will STFU now.
BuzzCap7 <Grumble, grumble, grumble.>
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,618
Likes: 5,215
From: Green Country
Thanks for all the comments. Work has kept me on the road since the first of the month, so no time to ride but lots of time to think. The little princess still wishes I'd "sell the damn thing". I've said that's not an option; the only way it'll leave is with me on it.
And relax "Buzz", I take my riding very serious and practice when I can. It was just a sobering moment, that I didn't expect it to affect me like it did.
And relax "Buzz", I take my riding very serious and practice when I can. It was just a sobering moment, that I didn't expect it to affect me like it did.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 33,718
Likes: 3,723
From: Connecticut.
As ''buzz'' pointed out.........practice avoidance brakeing. btw, if anything, use that front brake! If anyone is hell bent on their brakes saving themselves [and not avoiding].At least the front brake will stop you quicker then just slamming on the rear.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 69,901
Likes: 18,590
From: South Florida
hdgzr,
Got ur msg. GOOD! I do feel btr. And I agree with rocket23. Especially both your and rocket23's avatar.
If I may add, the front brake is 70% of ur braking power. Practicing makes u comfortable with it. But keep in mind, when braking quickly, as I am sure u know, u can slow down faster than the cage behind you. So I typcially look in the side view for the auto that may or may not be slowing down with me.
In the rain and soft top conditions we should all be going slower anyways and more gentle on the brakes.
Talking about brakes from moment...........I have ABS and SWEAR I will never have a bike again without ABS. With dry conditions you can slam them on as hard as you want even as QUICKLY as you want I understand and have done in practice without sliding or having issues transferring the weight of the front tire.
I apologize if it came off as lecture but these are things I would liked someone told me when I started riding. I will STFU now wish you will both and everyone reading this a fantastic day and a better week!
BuzzCap7
Got ur msg. GOOD! I do feel btr. And I agree with rocket23. Especially both your and rocket23's avatar.
If I may add, the front brake is 70% of ur braking power. Practicing makes u comfortable with it. But keep in mind, when braking quickly, as I am sure u know, u can slow down faster than the cage behind you. So I typcially look in the side view for the auto that may or may not be slowing down with me.
In the rain and soft top conditions we should all be going slower anyways and more gentle on the brakes.
Talking about brakes from moment...........I have ABS and SWEAR I will never have a bike again without ABS. With dry conditions you can slam them on as hard as you want even as QUICKLY as you want I understand and have done in practice without sliding or having issues transferring the weight of the front tire.
I apologize if it came off as lecture but these are things I would liked someone told me when I started riding. I will STFU now wish you will both and everyone reading this a fantastic day and a better week!
BuzzCap7