sudden fear of riding - Page 2

**flitecontrol** · 05-14-2009, 04:03 AM

Other than two fatal motorcycle accidents occurring within a month or two not too far from the house, I don't have a similar experience. Both involved inattentive folks turning left in front of the motorcycle. Yesterday, I rode past the scene of the closest accident. The outlines of where the middle aged biker's body and his ride landed, outlined in yellow paint, passed under my wheels. The thought, "that could have been me" went through my head but I got back to focusing on the traffic around me and it passed. The other rider was a teenager. Lady on a cell phone pulled out in front of him and "didn't see him".

I'm 62 and have only been riding since last August. A practical decision, how to deal with $4/gallon gas, got me started riding. The experience was addictive, but I learned to let my head rule my heart years ago. I did as much research on the internet as I could. Read the Hurt Motorcycle Accident Report (highly recommend) testimony by The Road Rash Queen, and many lists of riding tips. Bought protective gear (full face helmet, armored jacket pants and gloves, leather boots, orange reflective vest) and wear it every time. All the gear, all the time. Doesn't do you a bit of good if it's at home when you go down. Took the basic MSF basic riders course. The Hurt Report and an analysis of it, showed that the steps I was taking were reducing (but will never eliminate) my chances of being in an accident, fatal or otherwise.

Some of the best tips I got off the Internet were: 1. Don't watch the driver at an intersection, watch their wheels. You may think they see you, but wheel movement immediately tells you if they do or not. 2. If a driver is tailgating you, gently "wave" them back with your left hand. When they back off, give them the "thumbs up" sign to let them know you appreciate their action. This works for me about 80% of the time. If they don't back off, find a safe place to pull over and let them by. You don't need an idiot piloting two tons of steel on your fender. Avoid giving them the single digit wave when they pass; they're too far into the Twilight Zone to realize why you're upset, it reduces your focus on riding, and gives all bikers a bad image. There are enough bad examples on two wheels as it is. 3. Ride like you are invisible, because to many cagers, you are. 4. Cover the clutch and front brake at all intersections or in any situation your senses and/or experience tell you there is danger. It reduces the time needed to stop and can prevent a near miss from becoming an accident. 5. Never become complacent. Have an accident avoidance plan in your head. Play the mental game "What if?" that driver pulls out in front of me, what will I do and be ready to do it if need be. Do it with every vehicle that poses a potential hazard.

When I made out my will and living will (years before taking up motorcycles) I came to peace with the understanding that my life here on earth is limited. I realized that God has already given me a full and rewarding life. Anything beyond that is just icing on the cake.

To summarize, I have taken every step I'm aware of (going to take the Experienced Rider Course when it's next available) to reduce the innate risks involved with riding. However, I realize I still could be seriosly injured or killed and have come to accept that. I think having faith in God has made the second part easier. I never want to jeopardize the precious life my Creator has given me, but I plan to enjoy the journey. Riding is part of my journey.

**ASE-Tech** · 05-14-2009, 07:57 AM

Wow, Your up late!.. lol TY for all those tips and taking the time to type them all in. Even waaay back in drivers ed, I learned the watching the wheels not the driver. And me being from New England origionallly, it's almost a reflex to give that ole 1 finger salute, but I haven't lived there in a long time and have mainly regressed to the slowing down a bit when someones tailgating me, and putting up the one arm like, "whats up? you gonna get off my ass or what" gesture. Usually that works, but if not I usuall wait till they pass and just let them go on their merry way, as I take the next turn... lol.

Well, I'm kinda screwed as far as apparel goes then.. My bike is Black, my Joe Rocket pants and Jacket are Black (but very reflective), My perforated Summer Jacket is..... Black. Other than that I have jeans on with my jackets. Other than that my Helmet is Blue and gloves are red on top. Time for new gear I guess..

I just hope I can rely on what I know now to keep me around alot longer. An MSF course around here are always Friday, SAturday, and Sunday, and ofcourse I always work 2 of those 3 days. But thank You for all the tips, and I shall add those to my mental survival arsenal.

**flitecontrol** · 05-14-2009, 10:52 AM

Yeah, couldn't sleep for some reason. Had I realized the importance of high visibility early on, the bikes (black and blue) and gear would be yellow or orange. Not spending the $ to replace them at this point, but probably will as they wear out.

The back off wave, done slowly, is more of a polite request than a demand and people are more inclined to comply with a request. Used it twice yesterday with positive results.

For me, the MSF course would be worth a couple of vacation days (heck, you get to ride the bike!), but that's a personal decision. Friday is usually just an evening session. Think ours started after five P.M.

Good luck in dealing with the issue. Everyone has to come to terms with whether or not to ride. Some do it more than once.

**pluke58** · 05-14-2009, 11:40 AM

We take those risks every time we set out. Healthy fear can be a good thing.
I also went over my handlebars at the safety school. To much front break... I passed the course but, I took it a second time just for a confidence builder. ( ohio only charges $25.00) It worked.. I drive like I am invisible to others so I need to make myself be seen.
I am sorry about your uncle & aunt.
keep on riding be safe

**geoff101** · 05-14-2009, 11:47 AM

The back off wave, done slowly, is more of a polite request than a demand and people are more inclined to comply with a request. Used it twice yesterday with positive results.

eh..for years I rode Vespa's...and talk about getting tailgated...I only rode in the city and backroads, cuz we're talking a max of maybe 55-60mph on those things....but you always get some ******* that feels the need to ride your bumper down every stretch of road....I (disclaimer: do this at your own risk...or enjoyment) keep about a dozen BB's in my jacket pocket. When i get some jerkoff that wont get off my ass, a few of those babies 'accidentally' spill out of my pocket. They arent big enough to break windshields, but they will get people's attention. If those dont work, I always have a spare spark plug in the other pocket....just kidding...dont throw spark plugs...you might need it if you break down.

**flitecontrol** · 05-14-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geoff101

you always get some ******* that feels the need to ride your bumper down every stretch of road....I (disclaimer: do this at your own risk...or enjoyment) keep about a dozen BB's in my jacket pocket. When i get some jerkoff that wont get off my ass, a few of those babies 'accidentally' spill out of my pocket. They arent big enough to break windshields, but they will get people's attention. If those dont work, I always have a spare spark plug in the other pocket....just kidding...dont throw spark plugs...you might need it if you break down.

In some states, if the police find you have missiles in your pockets, regardless of size, it's a fine. I suggest you consider the wisdom of ticking off a driver behind you by tossing anything at them. In any sort of contest, you are going to be the loser. Keep your cool, pull over, and let them pass. You're not going to be grinning when he/she turns you into roadkill for messing with their machine!

**ASE-Tech** · 05-14-2009, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pluke58

We take those risks every time we set out. Healthy fear can be a good thing.
I also went over my handlebars at the safety school. To much front break... I passed the course but, I took it a second time just for a confidence builder. ( ohio only charges $25.00) It worked.. I drive like I am invisible to others so I need to make myself be seen.
I am sorry about your uncle & aunt.
keep on riding be safe

Yea, it's never affected me this much.. Really a cold hard reality slap. But I will keep riding, even more carefully now than ever, hopefully not paranoid though. But Thanks for the condolences and you guys ride safe as well.

**Causeless** · 05-14-2009, 06:27 PM

ASE-Tech, I'm sorry the loss you and your wife have had, and for the grief you must be experiencing. I am sure it must fill you with self doubt about riding. It's a sobering story to read, to be sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by flitecontrol

I suggest you consider the wisdom of ticking off a driver behind you by tossing anything at them. In any sort of contest, you are going to be the loser. Keep your cool, pull over, and let them pass. You're not going to be grinning when he/she turns you into roadkill for messing with their machine!

+1!

**Jakeman** · 05-14-2009, 07:19 PM

The wife of an acquaintance of mine past away this weekend. They went for her first long ride and they think she hit some gravel and ended up going over the guardrail. A lot of people ride here in western colorado and things like this happen all the time here. The way i look at it is, if the Good Lord calls me up, It wont matter if i'm in a cage, on a bike, or sleeping in my bed. But with that said, he will only help those that help themselfs. You still need to do everything you can to be safe out there. Everyone IS going to pull out in front of you, everyone IS going to merge into you, and yes, everyone IS out to get you. If that doesn't go through your head every time you get on your bike, it needs too.

**Guba** · 05-14-2009, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASE-Tech

Hey all... just wanted to touch a little on this subject while it is still fresh on my mind, Unfortunately on the 3rd of May, my wifes Uncle and Aunt were involved in a motorcycle accident in Columbus, Nebraska. They were headed North and there was a vehicle in the other lane heading south. The other vehicle had turned left right in front of them, and Wifes Uncle layed the bike down to avoid the head on collision... But despite his best efforts, he was killed in the accident, His wife is still in the hospital making good progress, but still hasn't fully awakened yet.

The whole week after, while we were there for his services I was thinking.. Why... What do I do.. This IS gonna happen to me... Do I really belong on a bike anymore? I rode to work my first day back this week, and I felt alot better, but the fear is still there ofcourse.

Is there anyone else with any experience like this? What steps did you take, and how and have you overcome it? I wanted to go out for a little cruise today before it rained but the Wife, And I can't blame her for feeling this way, doesn't and won't feel comfortable with me on my bike for a long long time. She knows how much I love to ride, and hasn't asked me to sell the bike. And trust me, I don't wanna give it up, but everyday lately I skate that edge of dusting off the For Sale sign, but I don't. Any advice is welcome.

Didn't wanna scare anyone into selling their bikes, thats not why I'm writing this. Forum moderators can edit or delete this post.. But I had to get this out, Thats the reason I haven't posted or visited the forum lately. Well, Thanks guys for listening... talk to ya's later.

My condolences. Don't force any bike riding, you and your wife have to come to grips with decisions about riding at your own paces. Some poeple come around quicker than others. Some won't. Only time will tell.

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