Uneasy feeling lately...
Supporter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,685
Likes: 37
From: Hoboken, NJ
I hear ya brother. As others have mentioned, there have been days that I've gotten a few blocks from my house and have just not... felt it. Like it was a bad day to be on the bike. More often than not, when I have one of those feelings, I'll turn around a park it. I'd much rather live to ride another day than push it and have something bad happen.
I see motorcycling like any other exciting activity- it's a calculated risk. More dangerous than reading a book on a park bench? Sure. But with some elementary precautions, the risk CAN be lessened.
Preparation + Risk = FUN.
Ride safe and listen to your inner voice.
I see motorcycling like any other exciting activity- it's a calculated risk. More dangerous than reading a book on a park bench? Sure. But with some elementary precautions, the risk CAN be lessened.
Preparation + Risk = FUN.
Ride safe and listen to your inner voice.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
From: Chicago burbs
I tend to use that feeling to keep me alert and on my toes if I happen to get that feeling as I'm already riding. If I'm not on the bike and get it, usually I just don't go as others have said. I ride overly cautious as well. If I'm not comfortable doing something that the rest of the group (if in a group) is doing, I ain't doin it. Don't care what they may say. Just my 2 cents. Always ride as safe as you're skills and feelings allow.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: Everett, WA
I watched my best friend and his wife get hit by a car several years ago coming back from Reno. His wife was airlifted back to Reno and is in a wheel chair to this day. There were 3 other couples plus me and they all stayed with them but I had to get back home for work. I ended up riding home from Northern California alone and had a LOT of time to think about the whole incident. I must say that I do still think about it from time to time while on the road, but I also truly believe that when its your time...it's your time. Nothing is going to change that. I also feel that if I do go doing something that I truly LOVE to do...thats the way I want it to be.
That being said, I DO believe that you should treat every other vehicle on the road as if they are trying to kill you and try to be as aware at ALL times as you can be. There are times when I do feel more nervous than others but it passes. Keep doing what you love and ride safe!!
That being said, I DO believe that you should treat every other vehicle on the road as if they are trying to kill you and try to be as aware at ALL times as you can be. There are times when I do feel more nervous than others but it passes. Keep doing what you love and ride safe!!
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 144
Likes: 15
From: San Diego
Sure have - got many miles on motorcycles - seen people being covered up with sheets on the side of the road several times - never fails to make me reflect on how I'm riding. Almost always wear a full face helmet - just better odds that way but I don't judge. Riding with a helmet is like sex with a condom - better without but damn - it's still sex. I think these feelings will pass in time or at least lessen. Hope it doesn't ruin your riding pleasure.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
Fear and worry can take all the fun out of living to the point that life isn't worth living. Living in fear is not living at all. I have passed many car accidents in my life and seen many people killed and one accident with some trapped and burning inside but it hasn't stopped me from driving.
i have some PTSD from my years in the FD and military. FD was much worse and to this day i cant wash my mind of the scenes.
I still get flashbacks of my wreck too...i survived and it made me a better rider. i watched my dad go down in my mirror and that sucked, knowing i couldnt do anything to stop the situation.
we're all gonna die sometime, so twist the throttle and enjoy
I still get flashbacks of my wreck too...i survived and it made me a better rider. i watched my dad go down in my mirror and that sucked, knowing i couldnt do anything to stop the situation.
we're all gonna die sometime, so twist the throttle and enjoy
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I think WHAT IF every time I get on the bike. If you don't have any fears, you probably shouldn't be riding but that's just me.......Ride like your invisible because we are to the texting, lip stick putting on, cell phone user, intoxicated, drug impaired cage drivers.....
I agree 100%!!! always be mindful when riding. Enjoy it but remember, there alot of douchebags out there. Your worry I do not think is ucommon.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 490
Likes: 1
From: Omaha, NE
This is not the holy grail to remain injury free and cheat death. I think of it as a assumed risk. To ride, I must understand the dangers, how to avoid them and what to do if something happens. I stay within the speed limit most of the time, 360 degree situational awareness, avoid riding in congestion, and trust no one else on the highway is looking out for me.