Uneasy feeling lately...
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
I hesitate to post this as I am very superstitious and typically avoid discussing topics like this but lately I am a bit uneasy or overly cautious on the bike. I know why; a couple weeks ago I drove by the scene of a fatal motorcycle accident moments after it happened. it shook me up a bit and I couldn't wait to get home and off the bike that day. I live in texas and don't always wear a helmet, particularly in the summer. I have worn one every day since I drove by that horrible scene. I have been riding a long time and this is the first time I remember feeling this way. I love to ride and am not considering giving it up but I don't like feeling this way as it takes the fun out of it. I am not completely freaked out nor am I riding in fear. I just have thoughts in the back of my mind when on the freeway. I'm sure it will pass but I wanted to see if anyone has experienced this. Thanks..
Outside of the city I keep an eye on oncoming traffic and especially for passing vehicles because I know many drivers just won't pay proper attention, and also keep a safe following distance from a car ahead in case 'boney' needs to clamp on the binders at the last second.
Not to say something won't happen but get into the habit of taking reasonable precautions to lessen the chance. I guess the main idea is to drive defensively and trust nobody.
Hope this helps somewhat.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: Illinois Corn Desert
Like IronLegend says, in the city watch the idiot who is pulling up behind you and ALL side streets. Out of the city on two lane roads I watch oncoming and every mailbox is a driveway-watch those. On the Super Slab I watch behind be 'cause those ******** are driving and coming up so fast anymore.....words fail me. Sometimes I haul *** to stay ahead but then I feel like I have been pressured to a response I don't want.....mainly a ticket. The first few fire-fights were like that too but you get used to the dangers and as your senses become more acutely tuned you see the danger long before it becomes dangerous and you always, I mean always have a calculated way out. After 30 years you just know.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 505
Likes: 2
I've had this many times, worst was when I went to Le Mans 24 Hour bike race in about '92 or '93 where I was trying to keep up with a French guy 2- up on a ZXR750 (I was 2 up on a CBR1000) but he was way too quick so I dropped back but I was thinking what a slow rider I was (those things mattered to me back then) and upset with myself. He pulled away and a few miles down the road he lost control and killed the pair of them, I arrived when it was fresh. I was freaked for days.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 54
From: The Burgh
I understand what you feel and it's normal.
My philosophy in life is, when it's your turn, it's your turn and it doesn't matter how careful you are.
I lost a very good friend several years ago in a freak accident. He was killed on his Ultra Classic when a drunk driver missed a turn on a downhill road, hit a tree, uprooted the tree, and the tree shot down the hill, hitting my friend who was 2 turns further down the hill in the chest. Killed instantly.
By the way, the drunk driver didn't even get an involuntary manslaughter sentence because the judge ruled that the drunk driver didn't kill my friend, the tree did. The guy got out with a 2 year suspension and a fine.
Another good friend had his life saved when he crashed without a helmet, and ended up with a dislocated shoulder and a concussion. When they did a brain scan for his concussion at the hospital, they found a brain tumor that they removed 2 days later. He had no headaches, no vision problems, no memory problem, nothing.
The surgeon who operated him told him he could have had a stroke anytime.
See where I'm coming from? Not a reason to drive recklessly but you can't control everything, so enjoy the moment and try not to be obsessed by what could happen.
My philosophy in life is, when it's your turn, it's your turn and it doesn't matter how careful you are.
I lost a very good friend several years ago in a freak accident. He was killed on his Ultra Classic when a drunk driver missed a turn on a downhill road, hit a tree, uprooted the tree, and the tree shot down the hill, hitting my friend who was 2 turns further down the hill in the chest. Killed instantly.
By the way, the drunk driver didn't even get an involuntary manslaughter sentence because the judge ruled that the drunk driver didn't kill my friend, the tree did. The guy got out with a 2 year suspension and a fine.
Another good friend had his life saved when he crashed without a helmet, and ended up with a dislocated shoulder and a concussion. When they did a brain scan for his concussion at the hospital, they found a brain tumor that they removed 2 days later. He had no headaches, no vision problems, no memory problem, nothing.
The surgeon who operated him told him he could have had a stroke anytime.
See where I'm coming from? Not a reason to drive recklessly but you can't control everything, so enjoy the moment and try not to be obsessed by what could happen.
Well, for me, it was the experience of going down hard at 55 mph in rush hour traffic, from a blown out back tire. No broken bones, just a lot of road rash. That was in 1971. I don't remember being spooked about the accident, but since then, I have always worn a helmut. I don't agree with the laws that require one, but I choose to wear one. I also check my tires ... every time I go out.
Ride safe.
Mike
Ride safe.
Mike
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Montana
I have always thought that having (not necessarily fear for, but) respect for a motorcycle is kind of a life extender. I have been fortunate to not have had any serious accidents on bikes but I have come upon several that looked pretty bad. The one that really sticks with me was the one in central Idaho (near Stanley) where a pickup with a flatbed trailer pulled to the side of the road, but not clear off. Some guy in a motorcycle apparently did not see it and caught the back of the trailer with his right leg. The bike and all the contents were scattered all across the road, they were cleaning it up by the time we got there but not enough so that I didn't see a couple fragments of shin bone in the middle of the road. I don't know what happened to that guy but it left an impression with me. SO, to make an already long story short, I think it is good to think about that stuff, to have a little fear or respect - to a degree, as long as it does not affect your riding, like making your arms lock up in corners or something of that nature...
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 1
From: Broomfield, Colorado
I had a few bikes, NO Harley's many, many years ago in my 20's. I quit riding and sold the bike when I was following motorcyclist who was behind a empty flatbed Semi. On a short stop light the Semi locked the trailer brakes the motorcyclist who was following to close and did not have time to react hit the back of the flatbed and was decapitated. Having witnessed that accident I had nightmares for years. Would not even consider owning a motorcycle until I had a near death experience in the spring of 2012 on my ATV.
Now in my 50's and thinking back to the ATV incident plus reflecting back to the motorcycle accident, our time can come at any moment whether on a ATV, Car, Truck, Motorcycle etc.
My Son, brother and cousins all have bikes and have tried talking me into it for years of getting a bike and riding again. Then one day my Wife say's maybe I should look into riding again. That got me thinking, it is much harder to get help when your 30 miles into the back country of Colorado Rockies vs. on the city streets and highways.
So I sold my ATV took the MSF course, test rode a few different Harley models and decided on a Ultra Limited so that both my wife and can enjoy. At first I very nervous and fearful of riding in traffic and interstates. I am more comfortable now and really enjoy the relaxation it brings but my awareness and focus is now much more pronounced.
Now in my 50's and thinking back to the ATV incident plus reflecting back to the motorcycle accident, our time can come at any moment whether on a ATV, Car, Truck, Motorcycle etc.
My Son, brother and cousins all have bikes and have tried talking me into it for years of getting a bike and riding again. Then one day my Wife say's maybe I should look into riding again. That got me thinking, it is much harder to get help when your 30 miles into the back country of Colorado Rockies vs. on the city streets and highways.
So I sold my ATV took the MSF course, test rode a few different Harley models and decided on a Ultra Limited so that both my wife and can enjoy. At first I very nervous and fearful of riding in traffic and interstates. I am more comfortable now and really enjoy the relaxation it brings but my awareness and focus is now much more pronounced.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
There are many here who have much more exp. than me, finally got back on last year, after a 25 year absence. Family all grown now and figured time to get back on the road. Back in the day went down, deer crossing roadway, some road rash but ok. Got off in '87, too many crazy cagers. Took MSF course last year, started off slow w/883 to an FLD now waiting for FLHTC to come in. Like was mentioned before there are those days where I just don't feel right about jumping on, otherwise can not wait to get out.., enjoy and be safe, everyday is a learning exp., you can never know enough.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 14
From: Idaho
The best advice I ever got was from a CHIP, Ride like you stole it... Ride like no one see's you. Use your speed and size to your advantage, Commit to what you are doing, that means practice practice practice. As to passing the accident, as many others here have stated I would be more concerned if you were not aware of the risks riding has. Enjoy it because we all have a clock of riding years running out.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 781
Likes: 1
From: central, ohio
I hesitate to post this as I am very superstitious and typically avoid discussing topics like this but lately I am a bit uneasy or overly cautious on the bike. I know why; a couple weeks ago I drove by the scene of a fatal motorcycle accident moments after it happened. it shook me up a bit and I couldn't wait to get home and off the bike that day. I live in texas and don't always wear a helmet, particularly in the summer. I have worn one every day since I drove by that horrible scene. I have been riding a long time and this is the first time I remember feeling this way. I love to ride and am not considering giving it up but I don't like feeling this way as it takes the fun out of it. I am not completely freaked out nor am I riding in fear. I just have thoughts in the back of my mind when on the freeway. I'm sure it will pass but I wanted to see if anyone has experienced this. Thanks..