A little spooked
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
Years ago I was headed north on my motorcycle in the left lane on I-75 somewhere near the KY/TN border when I heard an awfully loud noise.
Immediately scanned the traffic to see what was happening so I could make the right evasive moves to avoid an accident.
It took a second or so, but then I realized that the noise I heard was from the tires of a southbound tractor (semi), running "bobtail" sliding sideways on the pavment was headed towards the median in my direction.
Instinctively reacted by downshifting and fully accelerating my bike to get into the right lane and to clear the tractor if it did manage to come through the median.
As soon as I was sure that I was clear I looked in my mirror and I then realized that the tractor driver had braked and swerved to avoid a group of bikers that were in the process of falling (over/down) in front of him!
I didn't have a cell phone, so my first thought was to get to the nearest phone, or perhaps the closest cop to get help.
I stayed on the throttle and within a mile I saw an ambulance heading south (no lights/siren) so I knew help was only seconds away.
To this day, I'm not sure of why or how the bikers got involved in this accident, other than there was a tractor-trailer rig in front of them that may have cut back into the right lane too soon but that has stuck with me all of this time.
Immediately scanned the traffic to see what was happening so I could make the right evasive moves to avoid an accident.
It took a second or so, but then I realized that the noise I heard was from the tires of a southbound tractor (semi), running "bobtail" sliding sideways on the pavment was headed towards the median in my direction.
Instinctively reacted by downshifting and fully accelerating my bike to get into the right lane and to clear the tractor if it did manage to come through the median.
As soon as I was sure that I was clear I looked in my mirror and I then realized that the tractor driver had braked and swerved to avoid a group of bikers that were in the process of falling (over/down) in front of him!
I didn't have a cell phone, so my first thought was to get to the nearest phone, or perhaps the closest cop to get help.
I stayed on the throttle and within a mile I saw an ambulance heading south (no lights/siren) so I knew help was only seconds away.
To this day, I'm not sure of why or how the bikers got involved in this accident, other than there was a tractor-trailer rig in front of them that may have cut back into the right lane too soon but that has stuck with me all of this time.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 934
Likes: 0
From: PNW, USA
I hear you on seeing the result of an accident, but it happens especially in that (bay area) population density. Its even worse if you are the guy who goes down... happened 3 times to me down in San Jose. Luckily, if wasn't a high speed.
That first ride after you go down is well a struggle especially if you were hurt. One must decide they have the skills to do this and keep their confidence. Lack of confidence means you flinch under stress. Not a good thing in any high risk medium. It gets easier - at least for me.
Just keep in mind "Everyone dies, not everyone really lives..."
That first ride after you go down is well a struggle especially if you were hurt. One must decide they have the skills to do this and keep their confidence. Lack of confidence means you flinch under stress. Not a good thing in any high risk medium. It gets easier - at least for me.
Just keep in mind "Everyone dies, not everyone really lives..."
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 156
From: boston
Many years ago I was on a solo ride. I had been riding for only a couple of months. I was 20 miles from home and heading further out. Sitting at a red light, a guy on a yamaha comes up to me and says lets go. I shook my head no because I knew what he wanted to do. Next thing I see is Mr. yamaha go in the wrong lane to escape traffic. He comes up to an intersection and never saw the pick up truck pull out. T-boned it perfectly. Saw Mr. yamaha flying through the air doing sumersaults, still in the riding position. I had to pull into a strip mall and smoke a half a pack of cigerettes befor I could calm down enough to get back on and ride home. Like I said I was 20 miles out. I took all back roads, took my time and evaluated everything I saw. By the time I reached my front door I realized that it was his fault and it was avoidable if he just followed the rules of the road. To this day I think of that accident if I find myself getting a bit to reckless.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 762
Likes: 14
From: Bellevue, NE
Sounds like a short break might be in order, but what I would also say is don't dwell too long on what you saw. Situational awareness is your ONLY friend out there, so practice it every day. In your car, on your bike, whatever. It is a skill you develop. Trust your instincts. If you have a 'bad feeling' about something, then listen to that little voice. Apprehension and fear are not instincts in this case, they're a reaction. WEAR YOUR GEAR. It may not save you if you go down, but most times it'll damn sure help. Head on a swivel, buddy. It's saved me many times. Good luck.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
Due to my job and the excellent area I live in for motorcycle riding, I work a lot of motorcycle accidents. And too many fatalities. Coincidentally, I got back in to riding shortly after working a particularly bad motorcycle accident involving fire and death. Many asked me how I could get on a motorcycle after all the accidents I've seen, especially that one. I don't have an answer. The night before I ride I always have bad thoughts about what could happen and memories of all the motorcycle accidents I've worked, and think maybe I should sell the thing. But the minute I let the clutch out the next morning, those thoughts are all forgotten. I have no answer to your dilemma. Just letting you know that you are not the only one who has second thoughts about dangerous activities. The reality is you are not promised one second more in this life than you have right now. And, a lot of people get hurt and die prematurely, sometimes from no fault of their own, without ever participating in any kind of so called dangerous activity/sport. There ain't no guarantees in this life my friend. Take a break for awhile, shake it off, sell it and quit riding, just do what is right for you. Only you can make the right call for you.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 120
From: pontotoc ms
Take a riders course, you will learn some things, the more you learn the better you ride.better your chances will be if you get in an accident.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Well I know how you feel, last week I was riding my road bicycle around the local lake with a buddy on the bicycle path when we rode up on a bicycle crash where one bicycler was getting CPR while two others lay quietly because they couldn’t feel their legs. The bicycler getting CPR was coughing up blood with every push of CPR. He died that night, but I was surprised to hear he was alive that long. All the riders had a local reputation for being good experienced bicyclers. The 67 year old rider who died apparently crashed head on into the other group, but he was never conscious long enough to find out why.
Right now I am strangely more comfortable jumping on my Harley than my bicycle. I guess it’s true what they say, when it’s your turn, it’s your turn.
Beary
Right now I am strangely more comfortable jumping on my Harley than my bicycle. I guess it’s true what they say, when it’s your turn, it’s your turn.
Beary
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Yes Livin I have.
Like you I saw my buds bike with the forks crueled underneath his bikes primary, I had to report it to his 18yr old dughter and her boyfriend while driving them to the E.R.
Saw him in the Trama Centers E.R., his eyes blackened to the size of golf ***** because his brain was bleeding.
At that point the thing I remembered was the line that used to be in the DMV's study manual.
"You accept the risk inherant to operating a motorcycle and the responsiblities of operating it safely at all times."
We tested for it, signed for it, so we knew and know what can happen.
Re-Read your saftey course, and take a break from the bike.
It took me about a month to get over what I saw.
Like you I saw my buds bike with the forks crueled underneath his bikes primary, I had to report it to his 18yr old dughter and her boyfriend while driving them to the E.R.
Saw him in the Trama Centers E.R., his eyes blackened to the size of golf ***** because his brain was bleeding.
At that point the thing I remembered was the line that used to be in the DMV's study manual.
"You accept the risk inherant to operating a motorcycle and the responsiblities of operating it safely at all times."
We tested for it, signed for it, so we knew and know what can happen.
Re-Read your saftey course, and take a break from the bike.
It took me about a month to get over what I saw.