Layed down today
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 811
Likes: 53
From: Emmett, Idaho
There are many good things mentioned in the motorcycle courses offered, but I feel these kinds of issues are sorely ignored. For instance, when I took the course there was big emphasis on using the front brake alot--and that is fine as far is it goes. But there was never any mention to LAY OFF THE DAMN THING if you were driving on gravel.
Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we do not enjoy the safety of a nice smooth asphalt or concrete road. MSF courses need to add these kinds of issues to the program.
Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we do not enjoy the safety of a nice smooth asphalt or concrete road. MSF courses need to add these kinds of issues to the program.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 665
Likes: 1
Sorry to hear but glad you are ok. last year after a few days of heavy rain while rounding a corner there was a shitload of sand across the road and a pint of fresh chili in my pants after I realised I made it through without crashing <-- luck not skill.
This is one of the best threads I've read in a long time. I've been pissing my pants laughing while reading these stories. albeit scary etc ... but non the less absolutely hilarious. thanks
This is one of the best threads I've read in a long time. I've been pissing my pants laughing while reading these stories. albeit scary etc ... but non the less absolutely hilarious. thanks
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 497
Likes: 1
From: Wa. state
One of my most harrowing close calls was when riding far left lane on the freeway and up ahead there was a big black trash bag(looked like) or some kind of large plastic. Heavy traffic, and as a vehicle passed it it would float up and hover around about the hight of my windshield and head.
My plan was to time the thing and jog either left or right to miss it.
Well it raised up then down ,I jogged right and then left and hit it as it was about a foot off the ground. It was a close call .
I never did get all the melted plastic off of the exhaust.
My plan was to time the thing and jog either left or right to miss it.
Well it raised up then down ,I jogged right and then left and hit it as it was about a foot off the ground. It was a close call .
I never did get all the melted plastic off of the exhaust.
I think I have encountered most of the hazards spoken of here
One of the worst ones was a wet tar snake. Wife and I had ridden from southern Cal to Effingham Il, never will forget mile marker 162 up there. Early sunday morning, light mist 88 Goldwing pulling a small trailer. Drifted out from right lane to left lane to pass an 18 wheeler, wasn't thinking, noticed the tar snake last second, thought that could be slippery, next instant we were down, no shaking no nothing just boom down, sliding along the road at 65 miles per hour. Know it was 65 cause I had the cruise set, I know, I know.
Destroyed the bike and trailer, we were headed for Kankakee and were almost home. I broke middle finger of right hand wife got bruised on both hips, my 357 ended up in the middle of the road, wife had sense enough to get it and stuff it into her purse prior to the patrol arriving.
Bike and trailer total loss, State Farm stepped forward and wrote both off and flew us back to Calif. Been with them ever since.
I have other stories about Buffalo's, and Mountain Lions, some other time
Ride Safe Road hazards are every where, double tough when wet
One of the worst ones was a wet tar snake. Wife and I had ridden from southern Cal to Effingham Il, never will forget mile marker 162 up there. Early sunday morning, light mist 88 Goldwing pulling a small trailer. Drifted out from right lane to left lane to pass an 18 wheeler, wasn't thinking, noticed the tar snake last second, thought that could be slippery, next instant we were down, no shaking no nothing just boom down, sliding along the road at 65 miles per hour. Know it was 65 cause I had the cruise set, I know, I know.Destroyed the bike and trailer, we were headed for Kankakee and were almost home. I broke middle finger of right hand
wife got bruised on both hips, my 357 ended up in the middle of the road, wife had sense enough to get it and stuff it into her purse prior to the patrol arriving.Bike and trailer total loss, State Farm stepped forward and wrote both off and flew us back to Calif. Been with them ever since.
I have other stories about Buffalo's, and Mountain Lions, some other time
Ride Safe Road hazards are every where, double tough when wet
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Pflugerville, Texas
Glad your OK! As you can see by all the posts, your ego has no reason to be bruised any longer. I was riding through a parking lot going around a corner when an ankle biter ran out in front of me, I started to hit the brakes and felt the back tire start to slip out and let off the brake, I goosed the throttle and luckily did not go down. We all live and learn, I know I have just from this thread...now I know what a "sail kitty" is. lol Drink another for me!
Last edited by orionife; Jan 20, 2011 at 12:13 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage, AK
That's what the bar is for! You know the old saying...There are two types of bikers; theose that have laid their bikes down and those that will. Hope this is your one and only. Ride safe!
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