JunkyardDog

Ok, I admit I did not read this whole thread, so if my post doesn't make sense, sorry. I am 50 years old, and started out riding a Briggs&Stratton powered minibike at around age 5. We lived out in the country on a farm, actually several farms, and I would ride 10-12 miles from home on that thing, on dirt farm roads. I learned how to ride, and how to work on it. At age 8, I think, I was given a piece of junk that had been a Bultaco Lobito 100. During the off season, the farm mechanic helped me work on it, and I worked on the farm to buy parts. Over the winter, we rebuilt it, and I learned all about how engines work. Well, 2 stroke engines anyway. I still remember the day I first kicked that thing to life, put it in gear, let the clutch out, promptly stalled it, and fell over. It all happened so quick. But I got back on, and eventually got it going. I learned how to ride it, and also that it had a lot more capabilities than the mini bike. Soon I was doing jumps and wheelies, and working on it, as it too tended to break down often. That lead to a long line of motorcycles, more than I can remember.


As a teenager, I also got into cars, and at about 12 was working on and driving around the countryside in my dad's '61 Rambler station wagon. I have been into cars and motorcycles ever since. I got my drivers license and my motorcycle endorsement on my 16th birthday, both before noon. I had already acquired and fixed up a streetbike, a Suzuki GT380 2 stroke twin. I rode it all afternoon on the street, with my temporary license stuffed in my pocket.


I have been riding ever since, on every size and type of motorcycle imaginable, from 50cc to 1500cc, and even a (borrowed) 502 c.i. Boss Hoss. I have at least 400,000 street miles, probably more. I have ridden during the day, at night, hot, cold, rain, snow, ice, you name it, and I have ridden in it. I raced MX for a couple of years back in my early 20s, but was always getting hurt, and one day the boss reminded me that I was not being paid to show up on crutches, so that ended that. I still ride dirt bikes though.


I have never gone down on the street, but I have had a huge number of near misses, some so close I was sure it was all over. I actually hit one car that turned in front of me with my front tire, but didn't drop the bike. I was riding in the mountains once, and met a motorhome coming from the other direction, IN MY LANE. There I was, face to face with this thing, I remember seeing the driver clearly, but did not make eye contact, he obviously didn't see me. I countersteered away from it, crossed the outside lane (good thing it was unoccupied), and skidded in the gravel, coming within inches of a 300 foot cliff.


I just sat there shaking for several minutes, probably white as a ghost. Then the fear turned to anger, and I turned around and headed after the bastard that had almost killed me. I quickly caught up to him, and followed him for several miles, blowing the horn. He never slowed down. As we came down out of the mountains, and the road straightened out, I flew passed him, got a few miles ahead, pulled over, got off the bike, and flipped him off as he went by. Again, he never looked at me. I started to just follow him till he stopped, but decided it wasn't worth it, and headed home. The next day I woke up, my feelings had returned to normal, and I went out for another ride.


I cannot imagine a life without being able to ride, and I am fully aware that it may get me killed someday, but I am just as determined not to let it. As one motorcycle magazine editor put it, I will not give up the thrill of living for the safety of existing. That is why I ride, and why I race (a car, at the local dragstrip).


I wouldn't say I ride in fear all the time, that would be no fun. But I am what most people would call paranoid most of the time I ride. I expect everybody out there to try and take me out, and quite a few have tried. I think this attitude, along with my skill and experience, is probably why they haven't. Not yet anyway. Yeah, I just had to stick that in there, to remind myself that I am not invincible, nor am I immortal.



I don't know what kind of advice to give someone who is truly afraid of riding. Riding in that mental state can very well cause you to have an accident. I guess that if you cannot conquer your fear on your own, and desire to continue riding, my advice would be to seek professional help. I have, on a number of occasions. Like when I first became a father, and had no idea how to deal with it. And after my divorce, which I didn't know how to deal with either. But in a way, riding has always been a kind of therapy to me. Like the late Waylon Jennings said, "I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane". Jerry.

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rebelhaole03

nice write up junkyard. I had a point In my life I realized I had let fear run my life, that's when I made some drastic life changes.............anyway good write up.

"I will not give up the thrill of living for the safety of existing" .........could not agree more

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rebelCAFE

i have had several people pull out in front of me and almost made me spokesman for the hershey company. but over the years i have learned that no matter what you ride, drive, fly or commute in, this will happen. if that ever happens to you again, pull over and try to relax for 15 minutes. but please, dont let a little fear every once in a while dter you from riding, it gets better over the years. and we would hate to lose another motorcycle riding community member because of this. believe me, it does get better. just my 2 cents, and whatever you do, keep on riding.

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EUS

do what you feel best doing. You are the only one who knows you best, sometimes to much advice is overwelming. Just know that we are all pulling for you.

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Keep the Shiny Side up
Be Safe Be Seen

JunkyardDog

It actually doesn't get any easier, but you get better at dealing with it. Riding a motorcycle in traffic is a dangerous thing to do, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. But I like to think that I am smarter and more skilled than most of those dumb car drivers. I do not have a death wish, quite the opposite. I am bound and determined to survive, no matter what those cage herders throw at me. Jerry.

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igjosh

I admit I am afraid to ride on the interstate I always stay on the back roads.

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my rebel 85
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Fridgitator

Don't rush yourself. Ride in your comfort zone, and get familiar with the bike. I started out around the neighborhood, and worked my way up to faster and busier roads. When I first hit the highway, I went up one entrance ramp, and down the next exit until I was comfortable with the gears and the speeds. Then I took the MSF course. Honestly, the MSF course is the first thing anyone should do, but I did it backwards.

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JunkyardDog

I always ride in a state of paranoia, it's what keeps me alive out there. But if you are genuinely afraid, I do not recommend riding in fear. In is not only not fun, but it actually increases your chances of being involved in an accident. If you are a new rider, definitely stay within your comfort zone, it will expand as you get more experience and develop your skills. If it doesn't, maybe riding is just not for you. Riding definitely requires a lot of commitment and dedication, and if you are not totally into it, I would recommend not doing it at all. IMO, there is no such thing as "casual riding" It's either all or nothing. Jerry.

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brett7777

I have struggled with it for years. I love motorcycling & riding so I just keep riding. It's that feeling of 'here I am flying at 60mph on a frame holding a bar!'.
I used to ride when I was in my late teens and early 20's, I don't remember having it then. When I came back to bikes in my 30's (I'm now 46) I remember it happening from then. And it still does sometimes. Only on motorways(not 'slow' roads).
I think it's like that thing that used to happen to the stunt persons who stood out on the old bi-plane wings, where they just froze.
If you can accept it, from a Bible point of view, it's a spirit(2Tim.1:7). The Bible says we can rebuke it in the Name of Jesus. And that we can cry out to God to deliver us from our fears. So that's what I do.
Btw I'm not deliberately trying to preach, or introduce religion into the thread, just giving my personal experience and understanding of the subject.

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rebel250NJ

Getting some work done on my bike now for the same reason! I just had a headlight modulator installed...saw one on a co-worker's bike. When he's coming @ you it's REALLY annoying, but you damn-well know he's there! Trying to do something to prevent cars turning in front of the bike. Got loud pipes & my mirrors have turn-signals built into them. Next a light-bar & side-markers...you will see & hear this bike from the space-shuttle! Being seen is 1/2 the battle I think. Beyond that, the confidence from beginner & advanced rider classes are indispensable. You do all that & now you are doing something about your fear. To echo everyone's sentiments, a healthy dose of paranoia is a good thing. Remember: you NEVER, EVER have the right of way! Be prepared to drive for the other guy too! I scan the shoulders & road 30 yards ahead like a robot when I ride. Eventually this paranoia becomes 2nd-nature & you learn how to have fun around it. I try to be ready to swerve/stop @ intersections. Never change lanes if not safe...pass your turn & come-back around. Relax...you'll get there : - )

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