I'm I The Only One?
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
I'm I The Only One?
How many riders here over 60 are thinking about giving up riding because of the distracted drivers you encounter daily and the increasing fatality rate of riders?
A guy was killed on the road right behind my house last Sunday by a guess what, a car turning that "didn't see him".
I know I'll get some flack for posting this but I'm sure I'm not the only one with these thoughts.
A guy was killed on the road right behind my house last Sunday by a guess what, a car turning that "didn't see him".
I know I'll get some flack for posting this but I'm sure I'm not the only one with these thoughts.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 342
From: Tyler, TX
It's definitely a problem for bikes, cars, and everyone. I'm not considering it for myself. But I'm trying to talk one of my life long friends from starting to ride. I figure he can be talked out of it then he probably should start riding this late in life. For the rest of us, we can't be talked out of it.
Last edited by ronaldrwl; Jun 24, 2018 at 08:13 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 420
Likes: 64
From: Southern Bear Flag
Im only over 30 and theres a motorcycle fatality almost every day here in SoCal where I live and ride. Mostly crotch rockets weaving in and out of traffic but the amount of disgraced drivers I see has to play a role. When Im on the bike I just assume that no one sees me and ride accordingly.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 239
From: northeast
whether im on my bike or in my truck/car I get cut off regularly so it is what it is the difference is while on the bike I can see better and react a little quicker..
the be honest if you are feeling leery then you need to sell the bike or park it for a while as you may overthink/over react and cause yourself a problem
the be honest if you are feeling leery then you need to sell the bike or park it for a while as you may overthink/over react and cause yourself a problem
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
.Cell phones have changed how I look at other drivers and what Im looking for. I think the depth of distraction is deeper, but Im not so sure the frequency of distraction is higher.
These days, I dont see nearly as many women staring in there mirror, putting on makeup. Nor do I see maps or newspapers on the steering wheels. Something I used to see regularly. I cant think when I last saw a woman pulling off pantyhose or a man struggling out of his jacket and tie while driving.
aggression and anger seem to have gone up. Ramming sand shootings were rare. Today, they arent as rare. Though truthfully, they still are rare.
it has changed my riding habits. As has aging probably. For Im not so convinced of my invulnerability as I once was. I dont ride to work these days because the commute sucks. The pleasure to risk balance has to be more strongly skewed to pleasure than it used to be.
These days, I dont see nearly as many women staring in there mirror, putting on makeup. Nor do I see maps or newspapers on the steering wheels. Something I used to see regularly. I cant think when I last saw a woman pulling off pantyhose or a man struggling out of his jacket and tie while driving.
aggression and anger seem to have gone up. Ramming sand shootings were rare. Today, they arent as rare. Though truthfully, they still are rare.
it has changed my riding habits. As has aging probably. For Im not so convinced of my invulnerability as I once was. I dont ride to work these days because the commute sucks. The pleasure to risk balance has to be more strongly skewed to pleasure than it used to be.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 718
Likes: 152
From: Ozarks
I just turned 60 last week. Of course I'm leery of todays traffic but I cant imagine stopping riding anytime soon. I don't live in a big city so I don't know what that would be like. When I ride through a congested area I just think no way could I live like this. Enjoy doing what you like but just be as careful as you can. Life is quickly getting shorter for us.
Last edited by Gozzie; Jun 24, 2018 at 10:44 AM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 20
From: Salem, Or
That happened to me 42 years ago when I was 17 years old. Motorcycles are just hard to see. I don't see myself quitting anytime soon.
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Banned
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4,576
Likes: 978
From: Viet Vet, crossroads
I am over 60 and identified the problem-a LONG time ago!
People have always had no respect for MC riders, way B4 cell phones, but they do make it a lot worse.
Next-I have taken up some pretty evasive piloting habits as countermeasure , but I a not quitting.
People have always had no respect for MC riders, way B4 cell phones, but they do make it a lot worse.
Next-I have taken up some pretty evasive piloting habits as countermeasure , but I a not quitting.
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
Took the bike out today for the first time in a month. About 75 miles with very light traffic on my scenic ride.....
Only issue was with another motorcycle, ridden by a local outlaw member who passed the truck behind me in a no passing zone, passed me on the right in my lane and then passed the car in front of me in a no passing zone.
I guess Sunday's are the best days to ride in SC near the Charlotte border and it's no surprise but without the tour pak on the bike, it handles a hell of a lot better......
I got to find me some local riders who want to go out on Sunday's I guess.......The HOG Chapter does their rides on Saturdays when the traffic is horrendous.
Only issue was with another motorcycle, ridden by a local outlaw member who passed the truck behind me in a no passing zone, passed me on the right in my lane and then passed the car in front of me in a no passing zone.
I guess Sunday's are the best days to ride in SC near the Charlotte border and it's no surprise but without the tour pak on the bike, it handles a hell of a lot better......
I got to find me some local riders who want to go out on Sunday's I guess.......The HOG Chapter does their rides on Saturdays when the traffic is horrendous.