Close call
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 102
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Close call
A message to new riders, Harley or no Harley. Riding is clearly a talent that comes to you over many years and many experinces.A great rider course , even one that gets you a lisence, is just the beginning and teh real learnig happens during every ride. I am new to riding ( 6 months) and bought a 2008 Fatboy about 6 weeks ago. I feel very comfortable on ot and respect its size and power ( compared to the 750 Aero I initially had) . I'm in no rush when I ride and I use every minute to test abilities and simply learn. It's still a blast, even with all that.
Sunday I went for a ride on a very familiar rode near home. Twisty curves and nice foliage. Upon entering a sweeping right turn, I began to drift into the oncoming lane. In retro spect, I was probably going a bit too fast ( but not noticeably so). An oncoming car began to get all my attention, forcing me toabandon my senses ( looking thru the turn to help me negotiate it well and slowing down of course). I began to "freeze" and couldn't get the bike turned drifting further into the oncoming lane. In the end, I forced the car into the breakdown lane and passed him so close I nearly hit his side mirror. Needless to say, I was pretty shaken up. I realized that some percentage of new riders would ride home and buy a "for Sale" sign that day. I kept riding, paying really close attention to speed and corners and technique, thanking God to be able to do that. I'll bet it is common for new riders to get too comfortable, too soon. I was lucky, I got an extra life to do it right. If you're like me, enjoy your new Harley but do it with respect and diligence. It's not always the other guy you have to worry about, its you the new rider as well. Hope someone else reads this and avoids the same close one. Steve
Sunday I went for a ride on a very familiar rode near home. Twisty curves and nice foliage. Upon entering a sweeping right turn, I began to drift into the oncoming lane. In retro spect, I was probably going a bit too fast ( but not noticeably so). An oncoming car began to get all my attention, forcing me toabandon my senses ( looking thru the turn to help me negotiate it well and slowing down of course). I began to "freeze" and couldn't get the bike turned drifting further into the oncoming lane. In the end, I forced the car into the breakdown lane and passed him so close I nearly hit his side mirror. Needless to say, I was pretty shaken up. I realized that some percentage of new riders would ride home and buy a "for Sale" sign that day. I kept riding, paying really close attention to speed and corners and technique, thanking God to be able to do that. I'll bet it is common for new riders to get too comfortable, too soon. I was lucky, I got an extra life to do it right. If you're like me, enjoy your new Harley but do it with respect and diligence. It's not always the other guy you have to worry about, its you the new rider as well. Hope someone else reads this and avoids the same close one. Steve
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,663
Likes: 7
From: Northeast Ohio
RE: Close call
Glad you missed the car...take it slow and gain the skills needed to ride safe and aware everytime you go out.
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[/align][align=center]From Northeast Ohio[/align][align=center]Enjoy the Ride ![/align][align=center][/align]
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[/align][align=center][/align][align=center]From Northeast Ohio[/align][align=center]Enjoy the Ride ![/align][align=center][/align]
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,514
Likes: 0
From: Richmond,VA
RE: Close call
Welcome from Richmond,VA
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 44,848
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From: South of Utica New York
RE: Close call
Welcoek and glad you survived
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
RE: Close call
Thanks to all. You can bet I'll have a new perspective for a good long time. Interesting thing is, I did take an MSF course and passed with the highest grade in the class ( getting my lisence). It was very helpful and taught me alot. Now I just need to learn from this, understand my mistake and try like hell not to duplicate it. Besides, the bike is way too nice to mess up this early in the game. I appreciate the welcomes and kind words. Be safe, Steve
