Rider safety, what has shaped your thinking?

[10éréRider]

!Re: Rider safety, what has shaped your thinking?

I started out dirt riding as a teen and agree that that is the best place to learn how to handle a bike. You will get yourself into some precarious situations and learn the best way to either save it or minimize the damage. I remember watching a friend that had more experience than me ride and it was like he could fall of his bike and never touch the ground pulling off some amazing saves. He would say it was because he was cheap and didn't want to replace any parts. He showed me some very good skills.

I have developed a thing I call "Line Disease". It has developed from years of dirt biking, snowmobiling and mountain biking. Following someone whos kicking up dust or snow and given only quick glimpses of a trail or a situation, you will automatically pick your best line through it in a split second. So when the moron cuts you off, the best line through it is instinct. Even when hiking, I'm always picturing what line would be best to ride through whatever I'm seeing.

When road riding I always assume that I'm invisible to every one and they are going to try to take my space. You develop that sixth sense referred to in another post to the point that you know what others will do before they know they're going to do it.

We all know the risks but wouldn't give up the feeling of the ride (whatever you choose) to sit on a couch be safe. There's too much to see and do out there and lots of fun ways to get there!!

10éréRider

 

[klunsford]

Mine has come from about 40 years on bikes and many years as a police Motorcycle officer and Police instructor. I have worked many accidents and have seen the results of riding outside of your abilities and especially without any protection at all. Mix alcohol with that and you might as well put a gun to your head. Yes, I may have lost a half step (that is why I don't race anymore), but it doesn't mean that I can't enjoy myself and do it safely. Old riders should be able to tell the difference in a bad situation and be able to ride out of it before it comes to an abrupt end. Just my thoughts from someone who enjoys his motorcycles and likes to go fast in a safe way....

 

[Big Blu]

I hear ya.

I to have witnessed a few accidents and have lost two friends, one because he was being stupid, the other when an on coming car crossed over the center line. When I started riding no training was required, and like many others I thought I knew mc safety. I was wrong and only discovered that when I joined a friend in taking an ERC(Experienced Rider Course). I took the course 3 years later and decided to become an instructor and "give back" to the community.

I find many old riders have misconceptions about how to best avoid those dangerous situations. Maybe they were never trained or have forgotten.

Paul

 

[yz454]

Always ride like they never see me it makes it easier and saver ride . Every second I,am setting up at least three escape routes . Unlike other guys I don,t have no problem jumping off the road even at speed . I try to train everyday jumping sidewalks ditches ,curbs . The s10 is allot of fun when set up right to do it.

 

[rem]

I want to get home with no damage to the bike, and be able to walk to the house under my own steam and pet my wife and my dog. R ::008::

 

[TwoLukes]

Great thread . . . I'll just add that I am teaching a first time friend how to ride. Like flying jets, you ALWAYS have a back-up plan to switch to in a micro-second. . . I have taught him to never ride without an escape plan!!! I hate the middle lane. . . like a sandwich, there is no escape route, so I live in the left or right lane, which ever one has more room to steer to. I totally agree with the prior comments and have put them in my bag of SA (Situation Awareness).