Uneasy feeling lately...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
I think that "uneasy feeling" is your reality check. It's good you listened to it as many that have riden as long as you won't. For myself, I knew I couldn't own a bike when I was younger as I never would have thought about what could happen. I actually tell myself every time I get on my dyna "don't get cocky" Don't get me wrong, I still like pushing the bike and going fast, but you have to listen to your inner voice.
My guess is your older then younger. What you saw wouldn't have affected me more then 5 minutes when I was young but I do think about what could happen when I get to 100mph now that I am older.
Your uneasy feeling will pass quickly but don't forget about it, consider it a warning.
I don't believe in living in fear but we all have to realize there are consequences in life.
Also, I believe the majority of motorcycle accidents in Texas are related to drinking. I am amazed how many bikers I see and how much beer they put away.
My guess is your older then younger. What you saw wouldn't have affected me more then 5 minutes when I was young but I do think about what could happen when I get to 100mph now that I am older.
Your uneasy feeling will pass quickly but don't forget about it, consider it a warning.
I don't believe in living in fear but we all have to realize there are consequences in life.
Also, I believe the majority of motorcycle accidents in Texas are related to drinking. I am amazed how many bikers I see and how much beer they put away.
Last edited by rooti; Jan 27, 2013 at 04:53 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
From: Louisiana
Uneasy feeling lately...
This is a normal human response to this type of situation and it has served you well because it makes you think about your behavior and that of others when you get on the bike. I am in law enforcement and I have seen the aftermath of more devastating fatal crashes than I care to recall. A little fear goes a long way toward keeping you safe while riding. Not the kind of paralyzing fear that will cause you to freeze up or stay at the house, but the kind that makes you aware of your surroundings and focused while riding (as you should be). However, don't dwell on what you saw. Give it some time and it will gradually fade into your subconscious. A training officer told me one time when I was on training not to let it "get in your head". He told me to get in, see what I needed to, and get out without staring at the scene or victims. This has served me well for 17 years and I live by it to this day. I'm not an expert here, but just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in this area, as evidenced by all the other posters as well. As long as you don't get "fearless" and ride within your capabilities, then all you have to worry about is everyone else, which is half the battle. Kinda long-winded, but that's my .02 cents.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
The only thing you can do is stay alert. Driving a POS company vehicle with a bad transmission the inability to get into 2nd gear kept me from a tie with a train at an unmarked crossing. Trains still scare me, but I live with it...
Got knocked unconscious at 6000 ft. on a skydive. Came too just in time to open at 800 ft. Missed being crushed in several motor vehicle accidents by inches over the years. Had an appendix explode on me on the way to an operating room. The list of opportunities to leave this world go on & on. Anytime I feel scared, I think back & ask "how many were my fault, & what could I do about it"? The answer's always the same, "doesn't make any difference how many were your fault, & the solution in any case is stay alert".
You'll get over it, or you won't. My best wishes for gettin' over it!
Got knocked unconscious at 6000 ft. on a skydive. Came too just in time to open at 800 ft. Missed being crushed in several motor vehicle accidents by inches over the years. Had an appendix explode on me on the way to an operating room. The list of opportunities to leave this world go on & on. Anytime I feel scared, I think back & ask "how many were my fault, & what could I do about it"? The answer's always the same, "doesn't make any difference how many were your fault, & the solution in any case is stay alert".You'll get over it, or you won't. My best wishes for gettin' over it!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
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..
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: louisiana
If it's fresh in your mind it can be very vivid but time helps,I've had same experience but saw friend die on his bike at 17 years old and that can stick with you for a long time but I still managed to ride and made me a better rider I'm 50 now and been riding since age 7 and I'm still alive and well.I ride dirt bikes came over a jump a guy was down and said he couldn't feel his legs helicopter came to get him I loaded my bike and had to leave freaked me out.Took me a couple weeks to get back to track but I rode again and still do ride dirt bikes.I felt the same as you hang in there it gets better and let this make you a safer rider don't let it take away what you enjoy.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 17
From: Mid West
I have had friends die whlie riding, had others die in cars and in war zones, saw a man lose his life to a split rim wheel that failed but I still mechaniced, I still rode and ride, and I still take the same chances as does most everyone else on the road or at work but I take these instances as lessons not as omens, cannot allow fear to drive your life but a respect for what you are doing at the moment.
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 792
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I think and as you can see from all the other responses that you are in the majority. Had a similar experience back in December and it was a friend of mine. We were about 2 hours from home and he got hit by a van. I didn't see it or hear it for that matter as me and another buddy were a head of everybody else. Guy pulled up to us at a light and told us someone on a bike got hit. Made a u-turn and pulled up and my buddy was on the ground. He was awake so that helped. Had to call his wife and let me tell you that was the hardest phone call I have ever had to make. Fortunately he got away with only a few broken bones, a lot of bruising and a little road rash. I can still see him laying there as I pulled up. Stayed at the hospital with him until his wife got there and he was released. What a crappy ride home it was and I had a lot of things weighing on my mind.
I know for you, as it did with me, that it will pass. But you should never forget. Learn from it. Keep your head on a swivel and ride defensively.
I know for you, as it did with me, that it will pass. But you should never forget. Learn from it. Keep your head on a swivel and ride defensively.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 103
Likes: 52
From: Bartlett, IL
I've been riding for almost 50 years, since I got hooked at 14, and I've got 3 simple rules:
1. I never drink and ride- not even one beer, and I don't usually ride with guys who have been drinking. Off the bike, I like beer as much as the next guy, but for me it doesn't mix- personal choice.
2. I always wear a helmet- I don't agree with helmet laws as I feel it is a personal choice, but mine is to wear one.
3. Every time I get on the bike I believe in my heart that every car, truck, and bus is doing their best to find and kill me. I ride as defensively as possible, and have been called "overly cautious", which I think is impossible. I must be doing something right as I've been doing it for a long, long, time.
I've had friends who have had the same feeling as you're having, and some have quit riding. Some quit because they had children and worried about what would happen to their families if they got disabled due to a crash, some just had that feeling and lost some confidence.
Whatever the reason, you'll know when it is time to quit riding- listen to your gut.
I'm 63 and hope to have another 10-15 years of doing this, but time will tell.
Ride careful, Brother
1. I never drink and ride- not even one beer, and I don't usually ride with guys who have been drinking. Off the bike, I like beer as much as the next guy, but for me it doesn't mix- personal choice.
2. I always wear a helmet- I don't agree with helmet laws as I feel it is a personal choice, but mine is to wear one.
3. Every time I get on the bike I believe in my heart that every car, truck, and bus is doing their best to find and kill me. I ride as defensively as possible, and have been called "overly cautious", which I think is impossible. I must be doing something right as I've been doing it for a long, long, time.
I've had friends who have had the same feeling as you're having, and some have quit riding. Some quit because they had children and worried about what would happen to their families if they got disabled due to a crash, some just had that feeling and lost some confidence.
Whatever the reason, you'll know when it is time to quit riding- listen to your gut.
I'm 63 and hope to have another 10-15 years of doing this, but time will tell.
Ride careful, Brother
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 687
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Thanks for all the great responses. I had a great ride this afternoon and felt great when I got off the bike. Just very, very alert. I'm glad I posted this as the feeling has been in the back of my mind for a couple weeks. I definately have had times over the years when I just didn't feel right and turned around and went home but for the most part, I always feel that I was meant to be on top of my bike and enjoy the sh^t out of it. Your responses have helped me process the way I have been feeling because there is no freekin way I would discuss this with my wife as it would freak her out.