Close call the other day

George2615 · Aug 23, 2006

Jon,
I try to be more cautious the older I get. I've been reading about the accidents and fatalities in our state too. The majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by the inattentive person in the vehicle with 4 wheels and usually caused when they turn in front of you. I've been riding 35 years and the older I get, the more space I leave between me and the car ahead. Also I look further ahead for trouble areas. Probably a habit from driving truck. You need time to plan an escape route. If you still enjoy riding, just try and be more alert of your surroundings. I think we all start taking driving for granted with more years under our belts.

NewToy · Aug 24, 2006

I quit riding the street bikes 10 years or so ago, keep a dirt bike around to putter about the country a bit. After seeing a few bad cycle wrecks attributed to unattentive drivers pulling dead out in front of the unsuspecting cyclist I decided I didn't want my life in someone elses hands. I'll tell you one thing though, these dirt bikes today are alot faster than the ones from 25 years ago. I try to stay within my skill set (1st gear)

while on the dirt bike so I still have fun. Since moving back to the country I've been kinda looking for a nice clean "R" BMW. (Don't tell the wife)

John

6or7dazeaweek · Aug 24, 2006

dholly said:
Jon - I can understand your feelings, but aren't you being a little hard on yourself? Heck, if you hung up yer boots every time you did something wrong... well, I don't think that's the answer. Perhaps it's just another lesson learned, without (thankfully!) having to learn it the hard way. Everybody deserves a break now and again, so I'd say my thanks and get back up on the horse!

Well I did manage to get back on the horse yesterday and was very aware of being on 2 wheels and trying to see if I did anything wrong. I still found myself wandering but in my own lane this time.

I think there are times in ones life when we know that it's time to move on and this may be one of them. I've only got 2500 miles on the Harley so it's not like I do a lot of veering out of my lane.

We're starting to get a nip in the air and I've always been a fair weather rider. What I think I'll do right now is store it over the winter & then decide in the spring wether to get rid of it. I'm sure there's going to be some very nice days in Sept & Oct for riding...but after that, it's all downhill.

I wish to thank all posters who have given their views on the subject.

Jon