Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: leafman60 on July 17, 2017, 06:35:04 AM
-
I just now learned that a friend of mine and avid motorcyclist in Colorado collided with a car while on his bike. He is alive but suffers from a broken back, both broken legs and both broken arms.
This weighs on my mind along with the recent deaths of 4 motorcyclists whom I knew while they were riding. Another friend riding in a group with me recently had his left leg completely severed when he ran off the road and sideswiped a parked car.
This past Saturday another motorcyclist was killed on I-10 at about the same place and time that I was riding the same stretch back from breakfast.
Some of these accidents were probably rider error and some were others' fault and some were just haphazard occurrences.
It has all made me think long and hard about this recreation choice. People can be injured in just about anything they choose to do and if you over-think the dangers of life, you will not want to ever get out of bed in the morning. However, there is no doubt that riding a motorcycle is high on the list of personal risk taking.
I've been doing it for many years. I've had my share of accidents but I have been lucky in surviving them with few problems.
I go through periods of reflection and reconsideration of continuing to do this.
-
Anything truly thrilling, there's danger. That's the thrill.
If nothing else, you might get the gal pregnant.
Unmitigated risk aversion is the new Puritanism; complete with witch hunts, funny outfits, and humorless preachers thundering doom. The Deity is Safety; Satan is a Lawyer; but the object is the same: to suck the life out of life and tell you how to live it.
-
I had two nephews, one a Harley guy, the other a Goldwinger die on bikes in a 12 month period.
Anyone that says riding isn't dangerous has a serious case of denial going on. For sure, it's the most dangerous thing I've ever done, which includes test flying experimental airplanes.
I don't care. I *like* riding, and do my best to mitigate the danger.
Mike's right, though..
"Fate is the hunter"
-
Just read on line (Herald Tribune) where many family members were killed in AZ due to a flash flood while on a family outing at a popular swimming hole.
"Fate is the hunter"
One of my favorite books from a great author. The number of guys that died flying those old airliners and mail-planes makes motorcycling look positively safe.
I'm off to the Norton rally this morning, riding in the mountains all week, and I think about the risks every time I go out.
Like leafman60, sometimes I ask myself "Is this really worth it?" So far it has been, but I'm not going to let some fear of being called a risk-averse Puritan keep me from doing the smart thing when the time comes .... !
Lannis
-
I think I'd rather say I'm riding for the joy of it than for the thrill.
It's a pity that consequences often are so severe if anything goes wrong, and that being careful yourself is far from sufficient.
-
There's a thread about a new Geoco ? Insurance company ad featuring guzzi bikes.
Made me curious about some of their other stuff. There's an excellent safety video on their website that is well worth watching imho. P
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
My Wife's best friend (51 yrs old and with no known health issues) suffered a massive Heart attack just over a week ago, she died a few days later having never regained consciousness, 30 years ago the same thing happened to my Mother at the age of 50. Neither of them rode bikes or engaged in any 'dangerous' activity.
My point being, you never know when your time's up so do what you enjoy and live everyday as if it's your last, because one day it will be...
-
I think about it often these days as well. I have been riding on the street now for more 50 years.
In all that time, I only had one (1) potentially fatal accident in all that time - - at age 27 - - where I learned I needed glasses...
Motorcycling is a "managed risk" and dangerous for sure, but for me, the rewards far outweigh the risks.
"Everybody dies...but not everyone lives..." :wink: :cool:
-
I think I'd rather say I'm riding for the joy of it than for the thrill.
It's a pity that consequences often are so severe if anything goes wrong, and that being careful yourself is far from sufficient.
+1 My life is too valuable to me and to those that love me to risk it for a thrill. A hug from a loved one or a smile from a friend brings all the thrills I need. When I have the need for speed I take it to the track where I have one potential asshole to deal with.......... and he's riding my bike.
There is no substitute for safe riding and good skills. I'm a former MSF instructor/coach but stopped teaching 14 years ago when I retired to Florida. Every few year I take a safe riding course just to keep my skill fresh. Nut'n better then being coaching by a skilled, trained professional and a lot of practice. For my own safety I only ride with others who share my view on safe riding, not the squid, not the thrill seekers, not the stupid and careless. That's how I manage the risk of riding.
I never want to give 1st aid again to a fellow rider, nope never, nor do I want to be taken out by an asshole on two wheels or 4 for that matter. I've been riding for well over 55 years and in retirement ride do 20-25K miles/year and can't afford to seek thrills on public roads. :popcorn:
Paul
-
Fate is the hunter?? :rolleyes:
Then, motorcyclists are easier prey.
.
-
Motorcycles are safer with better handling, lights, tires, brakes etc. Safety equipment/clothing/helmets are better. Medical services and practices are better. Roads are safer with better lighting, signage, engineering and surfacing. So then why is our choice of past time considered so dangerous. I think we all know the answer to that question. INATTENTIVE CAR DRIVERS.
Up here in Canada our M/C insurance rates continue to rise due to high medicals costs. The companies cite that they incur huge losses on M/C insurance as the death and medical payouts are substantial and with the NO FAULT system we have, these payouts are made by the motorcyclist's own policy, even if the M/C was not at fault. Until the insurance industry starts holding car drivers more accountable for their driving, drivers will continue to drive blissfully along totally unaware of what is going on around them.
Cheers, Tim
-
Motorcycling is a "managed risk" and dangerous for sure,
"Everybody dies...but not everyone lives..." :wink: :cool:
I really like both of those lines, JJ. Motorcycling is a managed risk because the rider has significant control over the risk. I am fully aware of the risk of riding motorcycles, but the reward is worth it to me. I am alert and do my best to "manage the risk". But every time I ride I see other riders in flip flops, sleeveless vests, without helmets, popping wheelies, zipping in and out of traffic without really looking and expecting the "other guy" to see you coming...they are not managing the risk.
I actually know I am less likely to be in an accident when I am riding vs. driving because I am more alert and more focused. But I am also aware that the risk of serious injury is greater on the bike. Manage it to the best of your ability and enjoy!
-
Two days ago a friend was rear-ended on an off-ramp at 60mph while exiting the highway. He was wearing a full face helmet and full riding gear. He suffered a cracked collarbone and some road rash on his hand and wrist (where his glove pealed). He's lucky to have escaped with those injuries.
A couple of weeks ago his buddy was rear ended while turned off a main road in Richmond and it was captured on a traffic cam and made it to the news. The woman who rear-ended him never stopped but someone got her license plate number.
I used to ride to work all the time but with so many more people on the road here and so many of THEM doing stupid things, I mainly ride on weekends now. It's more and more tempting to move out of the city, in large part because of that. I hate that I cut back because I loved riding every day.
Crashed once, rear-ended once and hit from the side once when a car changed lanes into me, but I didn't drop it.
-
I stopped rising about 15 years at age 55.... I thought the thrill was gone and only the risk remained....I started rising again about 5 years ago after realizing the thrill was worth the risk....I'll admit, I ride shorter intense duration's and not interested in riding long distances...
-
Riding is too much a part of my life for me to quit it. It's also the way I deal with stress, what little there is in my life. When I can't ride, I am a grumpy, irritable, unlikable person. There is nothing else that "chills" me the way riding does.
I've only been riding on the street for 38 years and consider myself lucky to have had only one "crash" and that was due to hitting a fox - no other vehicles. Where I ride most of the time, the chances of me getting taken out by wildlife (deer) is much greater than an accident involving other vehicles.
-
I do not mean to quibble about word choice, i.e., "thrill" v. "joy," etc.
At the same time, when I explain to non-riders -- including the sweet and attractive 30-something woman whose photo I took at the overlook near Suches yesterday :bow: -- why I ride, I say "riding is how I pursue happiness. It's my way of making the dream of the Founding Fathers come true." :laugh:
I mean that humorously, but also very much mean it.
As for the risk, it's undeniable. That's why I wear ATGATT plus a Helite vest. :wink:
Bill
-
After 34 years in law enforcement I have come to the conclusion that when your number is up your done, no mater what you are doing or where you are at, period.
I have seen many people meet their demise just minding their own business, not doing anything other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I thank the big guy everyday when I open my eyes and see daylight, sure beats the alternative. Live everyday like it might be your last and enjoy those around you.
-
After 34 years in law enforcement I have come to the conclusion that when your number is up your done, no mater what you are doing or where you are at, period.
I have seen many people meet their demise just minding their own business, not doing anything other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I thank the big guy everyday when I open my eyes and see daylight, sure beats the alternative. Live everyday like it might be your last and enjoy those around you.
I don't believe in fate because it implies I have no control over my destiny....The event or events leading to someones death while minding their own business happened because of another person's actions...Or a mechanical defect....Or standing where lightening strikes...
-
I don't believe in fate because it implies I have no control over my destiny....The event or events leading to someones death while minding their own business happened because of another person's actions...Or a mechanical defect....Or standing where lightening strikes...
If that's not fate, I don't know what is..
-
I don't believe in fate because it implies I have no control over my destiny....T
I don't believe in gravity cause it implies I might fall down and bonk my coconut.
-
Choices, it is all choices. I prefer to live my life being able to choose. When that's done, I'm done.
-
Look where you want to go ; not where you don't want to go . Negative waves etc....
I have known many who died young of natural causes . I know plenty of guys who are sitting at home just waiting .
I get on my bike and feel good ; like a dog just let out of his yard . Price of freedom .
-
Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos; the Fates will decide :evil:
-
I come from a paramilitary background and did a bunch of executive protection work while working for the guh-ment. What helped me to deal with the danger was the quote by the great Japanese swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. He said, " The way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death." Though it sounds macabre, this is a great insight. If fear is put aside, a fighter (or rider) can focus on the really critical tasks at hand and enhance their chance of success. Besides, none of us are leaving this reality alive...
-
"Everybody dies...but not everyone lives..."
This is one of those statements I dislike. It is usually used to state that if you do not do something that risks life and limb then somehow you aren't enjoying life. Totally wrong. Everyone does live.
I can enjoy life immensely without risking my life or someone else's.
And, yes, I did quit riding due to me coming too close to that point of no return too many times. What bothered me more was my fate was in the hands of EVERY cage driver out there. After that I no longer enjoyed the rides.
I have found I enjoy road trips more when in the truck.
-
Unfortunately shit happens and people get hurt doing things they love or just sitting on the sofa. I have friends who have died on bikes and from cancer so for me its just do what you love and don't worry too much about whats going to kill you because something is going to get you in the end. When I was 17 I was shot in the back of the neck with a 38cal at a gas station I worked at after school. The bullet went in one side and came out the other causing no damage, the doctors were amazed. I was damn lucky but don't dwell on it and now at 60 figure I've had all these years that could have been taken from me so whatever has happened and will happen is all just frosting on the cake of life. Ride hard,frequently and fast.
-
It's strange , I've ridden street bikes for almost 50 years now (good grief , where did the time go :shocked:) and only had a couple of really close calls . Not that one won't happen the very next ride, maybe my threshold of fear is unrealistic and there have been more close to OS moments than were recognized , dunno . Have stopped riding briefly a few times for health reasons , or simply to let the anticipation of a good long ride build up , don't really do short rides of under 75 miles much anymore, would rather save up and go somewhere . Point is , no one forces us to ride these contraptions , they are dangerous beasts , just like a horse or a speedboat . Danger lurks around every corner , whether on a motorbike or on foot . Like Kat Williams says , live your $^%@*&% life :laugh:
Dusty
-
Some interesting comments from a couple of different primary perspectives. Sine I've worked in various forms of risk management for a long time, you can guess which camp I'm mostly in.
Yes, I do ride rather than drive because I enjoy it more. I also prefer smaller, lighter and more responsive cars to bigger, heavier and probably safer ones.
Having made that choice, I then go on to make my choice as reasonable and practical as it can be. I make my bike more visible, I choose colors for my bike and my gear that are more noticeable and that tend to match the appearance of at least some police bikes. I tend to choose bikes with equipment like ABS, oversized brake rotors and pads, better handling than average. Good factory lighting if possible, and auxiliaries to make it even better. None of these things will do the whole job, but each makes the overall level of risk that incremental bit more controlled.
But some risks I can't control. If I made my choices based on the frequency of major or fatal motorcycle accidents, I'd have to stop riding or move - southern Nevada is among the worst areas in the country.
A long time ago, I was told by a motorcycle instructor that the best way to ride was to assume that every other vehicle was out to kill you. If they turn out not to have that attention, wonderful! On the other hand, if they do you'll be better prepared. The other advice he gave me was to play those early video games like 'Asteroids' - get used to keeping attention out in all directions, and be ready to move. :wink:
-
Risk assessment/risk acceptance. It is something to think about and bears consideration. There are always things/events that are beyond our control. We can minimize the effects of those by training, planning, mindset and gearing up. At some point some of us will give up riding, and that's ok. Just call it a day and move on to something else and keep enjoying life. It's all good. I don't judge anyone's worth on whether or not they ride a motorcycle. Who am I kidding- yes I do- HaHa- just jerkin' ya.
When I was in aviation those of us who had a few 'incidents' would, while looking a bit shell shocked, try to laugh it off by saying 'I would rather be lucky than good.' We all knew someone who was a good pilot or a good rider and he was dead. (Humble apologies if that appeared cold or offensive. I am not a good communicator.)
I do appreciate the thought provoking and, for me, timely topic as I have parkinsons and will at some point call it a day.
-
We all make our choices and I respect those who decide it's not worth the risk.
Like another member posted, I get irritable and hard to live with when I can't ride and I cannot see me making the choice not to ride.
Even those who make that decision after having ridden have lived much richer life than a video game addicted couch potato who is afraid of leaving the couch.
Yes, I'm posting at work - a place populated by those same couch potatoes.
I told one techie at Bank of America, after another tirade about "I see, riding your murdercycle again because a car isn't good enough for you. I don't see why you have to come clomping in here in your boots every day..."
I ride so your kid has someone to look up to! Shut him right up....
Do what works for you and don't waste your breath trying to explain it. When it's time to stop, stop and don't apologize.
-
I ride so your kid has someone to look up to!
I may have to borrow that line, sometime! :thumb:
-
I've been riding over 55 years and maybe some day I'll give it up. But there's just something about it that keeps me doing it. I don't live in a city so maybe that helps. Don't have that many close calls and when I do crash it's always at a slow speed. There have been times when I figure if I'm going to die riding it's going to happen quick and there might not even be any pain, like the time I was dodging lightning strikes on both sides of the road in Nevada for an hour @ 65 mph until I could get away from the storm. :evil: Or when I put my tent under a tree knowing that's a good way to get killed by lightning, but it doesn't happen. Or the time again in Nevada when my wife Judy got struck by lightning on the back of our Convert. on Hwy. 50 when we were going to the Datil, NM rally. :shocked: She was in pain for weeks and I didn't feel a thing. So yeah, I kind of agree when your time is up, it's up. I'd rather go out that way than live a long time in pain-misery. I had a Dr. who said we are all born terminal. :bow:
-
I some times wonder on days that I didn't get a chance to ride if it may have saved my life.
Then there's been times when I couldn't ride for a week or two and I wanted to jump off a bridge.
If you have doubts about why your still riding it may be time to reconsider.
-
Risk management or consequence management? Hell, everything in life is a trade-off. My mother gave me grief for years about riding. Then she went and broke her femur...at her weekly quilting group. Our very lives depend on the narrowest of margins politically, environmentally; even accidently. Why half-step in this limited appearance of ours? I'd like to think that I was a good steward of my consciousness.
-
I like the "big view." Seeing what you cannot see in a car. I like rolling over the earth. Being in a busy traffic region scares the crap out of me, so I ride out on the edge of town. After I retire, my town riding will be even more rare. I will likely take trailer/ camping trips more often. Haul a little bike out to the hills, take my chances with coyotes and deer. I got a 3 wheeler for those days my balance is a little off. I was "lucky" enough to have had a life changing wreck as a young man. I now feel zero pressure to compete, chase thrills, impress anyone. Fun! Pleasure!
-
FWIW, my father died at 57 (skin cancer). He never rode a motorcycle. He liked fast cars in his youth but lived as a science teacher so could not afford such cars on his salary. His hobby was reading. I consider his life to have been as full as anyone's out there.
OTOH, if you want to ride, then not an issue with me.
Just to make another point. Who is to say that being a couch potato is not just as fulfilling to some? As long as people enjoy themselves don't cast stones because of their choices.
Just be glad you can make a choice. Some in this world cannot.
-
Motorcycling is a "managed risk" and dangerous for sure, but for me, the rewards far outweigh the risks.
Sums it up for me JJ.
One of the most difficult explanations I find is to explain the absolute joys of motorcycling to a person who thinks motorcycles should be banned because it is just too dangerous. Is it their fear of going outside the box a bit, thinking old, scared of the unknown? Don't know. I have been on bikes now for about 52 years and I am not sure still as to WHY I love it, I just know that I do. <shrug>
-
This is a good thread because it provokes thought. I believe every rider should think about the risk versus gain. Keep reevaluating as you get older. There may be a point when you detect you are not top of your game and should either moderate your riding style of maybe say, "I'm done." My riding aggressiveness really changed after age 60, so I'm thankful for the many years of safe sporting rides. But now like others wrote I'm enjoying the ride but not so much looking for a thrill. I'm pushing age 70 now and try to keep watch on my deteriorating skills and suggest all oldsters do the same.
Bill
-
This is a good thread because it provokes thought. I believe every rider should think about the risk versus gain. Keep reevaluating as you get older. There may be a point when you detect you are not top of your game and should either moderate your riding style of maybe say, "I'm done." My riding aggressiveness really changed after age 60, so I'm thankful for the many years of safe sporting rides. But now like others wrote I'm enjoying the ride but not so much looking for a thrill. I'm pushing age 70 now and try to keep watch on my deteriorating skills and suggest all oldsters do the same.
Bill
Well said Bill...My "GO-FAST Days" are long over, and I don't have to prove anything to anyone.
Slower and conservative riding is safer...and especially over age 60. :wink:
I have a good friend in Oregon, who rode for many, many years and one day, (after dropping his bike several times at the gas pump...) decided he really could NOT manage two wheels anymore.
He was ready to quit and throw in the towel. I talked him into 3-wheels, and now he has a Can-Am RT with a trailer, his wife rides with him again, he is "in the wind" again ....and he is happy as a lark! :1: :thumb: :cool:
Certainly a much better alternative than sitting on the couch with the TV remote...and waiting to die.... :cool:
Riding is living...(IMHO) :wink:
-
An interesting thread. My pastime prior to this was freedive spearfishing, which was largely looking like a seal floating on the surface and putting blood in the water when you got lucky.
While we were in the highest risk group for shark encounters, I'll wager that was still safer than motorcycling on the streets.
-
An interesting thread. My pastime prior to this was freedive spearfishing, which was largely looking like a seal floating on the surface and putting blood in the water when you got lucky.
While we were in the highest risk group for shark encounters, I'll wager that was still safer than motorcycling on the streets.
OK...after that little vision....at the end of the day, I will gladly take my chances with MOTORCYCLES anytime over this nightmare...(Thank you very much!!) :rolleyes: :shocked: :huh: :laugh: :grin: :wink:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/j1caPa/Screen_Shot_2017_07_17_at_3_00_14_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/j1caPa)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/czKpja/Screen_Shot_2017_07_17_at_3_00_20_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/czKpja)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/jgKBxv/Screen_Shot_2017_07_17_at_3_00_27_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/jgKBxv)
-
For another perspective....a BIG thumbs up to this rider for turning over 1,000,000 miles on his Gold Wing (from new!!) :thumb: :thumb: :1: :1: :cool: :cool:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/faBiua/Screen_Shot_2017_07_17_at_3_23_55_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/faBiua)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/hUnOua/Screen_Shot_2017_07_17_at_3_24_07_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/hUnOua)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/gi5nLF/Screen_Shot_2017_07_17_at_3_24_39_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/gi5nLF)
-
We had a MC/car fatality here in Springfield, Mo. Saturday night.
http://www.ky3.com/content/news/434744513.html
-
"Not" night riding is one way I manage my risk.....
-
For another perspective....a BIG thumbs up to this rider for turning over 1,000,000 miles on his Gold Wing (from new!!) :thumb: :thumb: :1: :1: :cool: :cool:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/faBiua/Screen_Shot_2017_07_17_at_3_23_55_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/faBiua)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/hUnOua/Screen_Shot_2017_07_17_at_3_24_07_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/hUnOua)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/gi5nLF/Screen_Shot_2017_07_17_at_3_24_39_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/gi5nLF)
I wonder if it is like Granddads old axe, the same axe but with 5 replaced handles and two new heads. :undecided:
-
"Not" night riding is one way I manage my risk.....
That one got me thinking as well. Because a lot of my early long rides happened at night by necessity, I find I still enjoy riding at night. Out here of course our bambis tend to stay on the mountain tops and not try to outrun traffic. Possums and rabbits are survivable.
-
Never confuse a long life, with an interesting one.
Riding bikes, flying fighters, and loving women are all dangerous, but dayum!!!
-
The roads seem more dangerous today than ever before. The advent of the smartphone has done much to contribute to this.
I also ride bicycles.
I used to sprint up to a nearby town about 15 miles away on weekends but that little excursion has taken a dangerous turn in recent years. People are talking and texting on their phones while they drive and, more than once, I've been forced into the weeds to avoid collision with a driver so occupied in an oncoming car.
I've taken to violating the traditional rules of riding with traffic flow and now ride against the grain so I can at least see someone drifting over to hit me and take evasive action.
-
Isn't riding a bicycle more dangerous than riding a motorcycle, at least in the United States?
-
Lots of Great White shark sightings in San Diego County recently. I still surf - but not by the seal rookery. (aka the shark's salad bar). Managed risk. I like seeing dolphins, cuz they don't hang with sharks.
Lots of distracted drivers out there too... so I manage risks when I split lanes and navigate intersections. And I "commuted" 100 miles in the dark this morning to Los Angeles airport. I wore some extra reflective stuff.
Thrill vs. joy... to me that's short-term vs. long-term. I get thrill when I crack the throttle open on a mountain grade (see upcoming San Diego not-a-rally for details). I have joy just from being around motorcycles and riding whenever possible, even if it's just to the store to get eggs.
And the whole fate vs. freewill discussion... well, that's a much more enjoyable conversation in person. San Diego rally campfire topic?
-
Isn't riding a bicycle more dangerous than riding a motorcycle, at least in the United States?
A bicycle CAN be dangerous- especially alone in heavy road traffic. Most of my riding is now with mountain bikes on dirt trails etc.
-
I've known four people to die on motorcycles, a brother-in-law, a family friend, a kid I knew while in college, and the husband of a friend. Three of those four would have been minor accidents had they been wearing helmets. So I think about it and I wear my helmet, ride only in the day, avoid high traffic times like when school or workplaces are letting out and avoid times and areas where deer are active. I live in a rural area and avoid busy roads. And this year, after a close call last fall, I started wearing a high visibility jacket. It looks stupid but people see it. I've been riding for about 60 years and I am hoping I can ride another couple and do it without getting hurt. I still ride fast and still have fun but I'm real careful about doing it.
When I was younger I commuted on a motorcycle but today with all the distracted and uncaring drivers I would not do it.
-
Old lady ran a stop sign and I parked my water buffalo in her Buick Lesabre at 50mph. I was lucky to walk away from that one. Spent three months in ICU with pneumonia, I was lucky to walk away from that one too. It's been proven that if you live long enough something will kill you. I just hope its something I enjoy.
-
Isn't riding a bicycle more dangerous than riding a motorcycle, at least in the United States?
Several university studies here in Australia found that 80% of bicycle accidents were the cars fault. Buying a V7 recently has cut into my cycling time lately but I feel motorcycling is more dangerous than cycling. I say that as someone who has traveled thousands of km/miles on a loaded bicycle in Australia and Asia. In fact I felt safer more often in Thailand than I do in Oz.
A friend from my bike club was killed last month on a cycle tour. Hit by a car from behind. 65 and fit as they come, recently retired and had moved into a new home the week before. You never know what's around the corner so I try not to worry about it but if I become overly concerned about it I probably need to re-evaluate.
-
https://youtu.be/j3kFQPu4kuk
A good video for describing the balance of risk vs enjoyment of riding. My go fast days are long gone but still enjoy it.
-
" Another friend riding in a group with me recently had his left leg completely severed when he ran off the road and sideswiped a parked car."
Yeah, that wasn't a particularly good day, I don't think that I road a bike for about a month after that accident.
-
I wonder if it is like Granddads old axe, the same axe but with 5 replaced handles and two new heads. :undecided:
Might be - but axes don't have VINs or engine numbers!
-
Lots of Great White shark sightings in San Diego County recently. I still surf - but not by the seal rookery. (aka the shark's salad bar). Managed risk. I like seeing dolphins, cuz they don't hang with sharks.
And the whole fate vs. freewill discussion... well, that's a much more enjoyable conversation in person. San Diego rally campfire topic?
Diving up in British Columbia, the only dolphins are black and white, and you don't wanna be near them (especially near seals and seal lions!). Another case of managed risk... :evil:
And you're right, that is a great campfire topic. Might add to the balance in making me want to head down to SD (though I may be diving elsewhere at the time, in a place with no seals, sea lions, orcas or great whites - but it does have tigers, bulls, and a lotta reef!).
-
OK...after that little vision....at the end of the day, I will gladly take my chances with MOTORCYCLES anytime over this nightmare...(Thank you very much!!) :rolleyes: :shocked: :huh: :laugh: :grin: :wink:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/j1caPa/Screen_Shot_2017_07_17_at_3_00_14_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/j1caPa)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/czKpja/Screen_Shot_2017_07_17_at_3_00_20_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/czKpja)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/jgKBxv/Screen_Shot_2017_07_17_at_3_00_27_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/jgKBxv)
Ah, [JJ] .... Actually, that's one of my choices for how I'd like to go.
It will make a much better story than dying in bed. And I spent a couple of years as an auto mechanic - better a great white than under a car.
-
Ah, [JJ] .... Actually, that's one of my choices for how I'd like to go.
It will make a much better story than dying in bed. And I spent a couple of years as an auto mechanic - better a great white than under a car.
normzone - - while I agree about NOT wanting to die in bed...or crushed under a car...being "mouthed and eaten" by a Great White Shark is the stuff of nightmares for me...and have another close look at those photos.....again..."NO THANKS!!" :rolleyes: :shocked: :huh: I'll gladly ride off the cliff somewhere on my bike first :laugh: :grin: :wink:
-
I've known two people who've died on the Tennis Courts much to my tennis junky wife's dismay. :thewife: TENNIS KILLS!!
I've known two people who've been killed riding bicycles by drunks driving cars. Cars kill!
I've known on fella killed from hitting a tree riding a mountain bicycle. Trees kill!
I knew one fella in HS who died swimming in the American River that I swam a lot. Water kills!
A recent English study detailed how riding horses were 300 times as dangerous as riding a motorcycle. although my brother did loose his foot to a car driver in SF when he was 22
I've not known anyone who has been killed on a motorcycle and I know it happens.
I'm satisfied with my chances on a motorcycle although I've given up on horses, swimming rivers and you'll never get me on a tennis court!! :bike-037:
-
Awhile ago, I saw a great bumper sticker on a pick-up:
"EAT HEALTHY - STAY FIT - DIE ANYWAY" :laugh: :grin: :wink:
The morale of the story - - "No One Gets Out Alive..."
We should ALL cherish each and every day, no matter what hobbies / activities we engage in... just enjoy the moment...and stop worrying and hand-wringing about "The End!" :thumb: :1: :cool:
-
My Wife's best friend (51 yrs old and with no known health issues) suffered a massive Heart attack just over a week ago, she died a few days later having never regained consciousness, 30 years ago the same thing happened to my Mother at the age of 50. Neither of them rode bikes or engaged in any 'dangerous' activity.
My point being, you never know when your time's up so do what you enjoy and live everyday as if it's your last, because one day it will be...
Now you are talking philosophy which has nothing to do with actuarial statistics that cannot be denied. Motorcycling it more dangerous than driving a car.
-
(http://laterdudette.com/images/safetythird.jpg)
-
normzone - - while I agree about NOT wanting to die in bed...or crushed under a car...being "mouthed and eaten" by a Great White Shark is the stuff of nightmares for me...and have another close look at those photos.....again..."NO THANKS!!" :rolleyes: :shocked: :huh: I'll gladly ride off the cliff somewhere on my bike first :laugh: :grin: :wink:
Yeah, I understand [JJ]. But you should understand that your thirty seconds of panic and pain means nothing to us.
What is important is the story we'll get to tell over and over, of you poking the shark in the eye with your thumb, while screaming " No Guzzi content ! "
-
I just wanna ride! You may die, you may live! Stop being all Two-Faced about it! Or get your favorite coin and?
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
-
Living forever here is scarier than dying doing something I enjoy.
-
If you think about it all the time, how would you ever ride anywhere. I don't think of that till there is a wreck. BAD VOODOO
-
Risk management or consequence management? Hell, everything in life is a trade-off. My mother gave me grief for years about riding. Then she went and broke her femur...at her weekly quilting group. Our very lives depend on the narrowest of margins politically, environmentally; even accidently. Why half-step in this limited appearance of ours? I'd like to think that I was a good steward of my consciousness.
great assessment Sheep, didn't know you were a Philosopher:)
-
In the end...."I don't want a pickle...I just want to ride my motor-sickle..." :laugh: :grin: :wink:
-
So, we're all agreed that sometime, somehow, we're all gonna die.
Who has prepared for that time by investing in life insurance or a funeral bank account, so your spouse or children don't have to foot the bill? (I wonder how that saying originated?)
My wife had a bank account and I have one, too. Funerals are expensive.
I apologize for the thread hijacking.
Tom
-
I raced sailboats very seriously for a long time. It was something I was involved in 5 out of 7 days a week. Traveled all around doing it. Then a couple years ago I blew out my shoulder in a race. I stayed off the race course the rest of the year, 9 months, rehabbed it and thought all was good and the next Spring did it again I made the decision that now in my 50's and with this permanently broken down and worn out shoulder, I would never be able to pull the strings again on a competitive race boat Quit racing cold turkey and have mostly replaced the sailing with more motorcycling. I still commute on a MC everyday and a MC is my primary means of getting around, but now have much more time to take long trips on two wheels. I don't seem to miss racing on the water as much as I thought I would.
Point is, when you make the decision to hang it up, whatever that may be, just replace it with something else you can enjoy and don't look back. If you think it's time for you to quit riding, don't let anyone pressure you otherwise, but do put the old enthusiasm in a new direction that makes you feel alive and happy.
-
Point is, when you make the decision to hang it up, whatever that may be, just replace it with something else you can enjoy and don't look back. If you think it's time for you to quit riding, don't let anyone pressure you otherwise, but do put the old enthusiasm in a new direction that makes you feel alive and happy.
[/quote]
That's what Carl Allison did a few years ago. He went so far as only riding a sidecar rig but when he couldn't physically even to that any more he gave up MC riding and switched to just playing string instruments. He used to ride a `97 Sporti to work every day among other Guzzis for years. Rode other brand bikes before them. He used to write wiring diagrams here for Guzzis as he was an Electronics Tech. in the U.S. Navy prior. Forget what his ailment was.
-
(http://laterdudette.com/images/safetythird.jpg)
Kathi laughed and laughed about that pic ... tho she was troubled by the "Lawyers are Satan"part in your tagline. :wink:
So, we're all agreed that sometime, somehow, we're all gonna die.
Who has prepared for that time by investing in life insurance or a funeral bank account, so your spouse or children don't have to foot the bill? (I wonder how that saying originated?)
My wife had a bank account and I have one, too. Funerals are expensive.
I apologize for the thread hijacking.
Tom
Funerals are expensive, but cremation isn't, nor is a memorial service held at a time convenient for anyone interested vice a funeral driven by immediacy.
It is a tough cultural thing, and we are all creatures of our upbringing.
I have planned for this a bit and hope everyone gets a bit looped at my wake; folks who drink free booze tend to be more kind. :wink:
Bill
-
if its going to happen , it will.. do not wait for it ....just ride and love what that passion means to you....
-
Took the long indirect route to town today. I'm in Gippsland which is dairy country. Sun was shining, the air was crisp, hardly any traffic, a beautiful day. I thought about this thread briefly and thought yep riding can be dangerous but some days it's simply the best feeling that makes it all worthwhile.
-
I heard today that my mother's younger brother had died. We were fairly close when I was young, but as we grew older we headed very different ways and haven't been close for years, just occasional contact. As far as I know he lived what I (and many others) would call a pretty mundane life, never doing anything exceptional. He did maintain a strong marriage and raise a couple of good kids, but he was a product of the Truman and Eisenhower era and mostly stayed behind his white picket fence. He was happy there.
I can't say that I would be. I've traveled overseas by choice, without being sent there by work or the military. I've ridden in 46 of the lower 48, 8 out of 10 provinces in Canada, two territories, Alaska, and a bit of Mexico. I've sipped cafe au lait in Paris as locals walked their dogs, and flavored with chicory at the Cafe du Monde in New Orleans as the city woke and the French Quarter was rinsed clean of the previous night's celebrations, and munched on a BBQ pork bun as I watched the Chinese green grocers stock their stores while the sun rose over Stockton and Pacific in San Francisco. I met Ron Ayres at the Sealaska Inn in Hyder, where he complimented my riding (high praise!), and I've sat down for a beer (more than once!) with one-percenters at a Texas icehouse declared neutral territory.
I've ridden 1500 miles each way for a Saturday night campfire and BBQ. I've gone from Las Vegas to Augusta, Georgia to meet some fellow riders for brunch. I've met new friends in my neighborhood, and I've talked with people the other side of the world about a machine we both love.
I'm now the oldest surviving person in my family, and I'm thinking that I need to remember, whenever I might be flagging, the motto inscribed on the hero's sword in Robert Heinlein's Glory Road:
"Dum vivimus, vivamus" - "While we live, let us live!"
-
if its going to happen , it will.. do not wait for it ....just ride and love what that passion means to you....
Well said keener....The best advice on this thread so far... :cool: :1: :thumb: :wink:
Schedule a long, overnight weekend ride somewhere today! It will cleanse your soul... :cool:
Again in the end...."Everybody dies...but not everyone lives..."
-
I just read through this interesting thread. I had a thought that seems relevant.
While sailing my boat alone a couple of nights ago, with hardly another boat on the lake, I clipped my VHF radio to my life jacket, just in case. As I did, I reflected that if I happened to die sailing it might be a good deal more pleasant than having my leg ripped off or in some other way starting a new life in unremitting pain and disability from a motorcycle accident. Death by drowning or hypothermia are likely sailing outcomes; maiming is not so likely.
Both give me a thrill, but boating is less dangerous and the danger is a nicer kind -- of death, period, not of death or maiming. (Speaking generally.)
The number of registered cars has tripled in my life time, speed limits have increased, cities gotten bigger and denser, and car drivers have become thoroughly distracted while being wrapped in protective technology that lulls them into indifference. Street motorcycling not the same "sport" I started out in. One of my persistent problems is imagining I'm still basically dealing with the possibility of sliding out in the gravel on the next corner, while forgetting that the game has changed.
The game has changed. What this means for me I can't say.
-
Whenever people raise the topic of my motorcycling hobby being dangerous, I often say that they have it exactly backwards.
Motorcycles have saved my life.
-
When I went to college in Santa Barbara, CA, I would row a rubber raft out to the kelp beds off shore, tie off the raft to the kelp and read a book while getting some sun. The sea lions would often come and investigate. I never thought much about sharks. Then, I read this. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-santa-barbara-shark-attack-20170720-story.html (http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-santa-barbara-shark-attack-20170720-story.html)
-
Oh, that's a great image. Yeah, that's a taster bite - he was disappointed and went elsewhere because he couldn't figure out how to open the package. That will raise your pulse rate.
-
Whenever people raise the topic of my motorcycling hobby being dangerous, I often say that they have it exactly backwards.
Motorcycles have saved my life.
Bingo. :bow:
Bill
-
Motorcycles are safer with better handling, lights, tires, brakes etc. Safety equipment/clothing/helmets are better. Medical services and practices are better. Roads are safer with better lighting, signage, engineering and surfacing. So then why is our choice of past time considered so dangerous. I think we all know the answer to that question. INATTENTIVE CAR DRIVERS.
Up here in Canada our M/C insurance rates continue to rise due to high medicals costs. The companies cite that they incur huge losses on M/C insurance as the death and medical payouts are substantial and with the NO FAULT system we have, these payouts are made by the motorcyclist's own policy, even if the M/C was not at fault. Until the insurance industry starts holding car drivers more accountable for their driving, drivers will continue to drive blissfully along totally unaware of what is going on around them.
Cheers, Tim
I'm pretty much in the same boat. I've actually started getting up very early on my days off (4AM), having some coffee and breakfast, taking a shower and being on the road NLT 6. I have a favorite spot twenty miles away. My short ride, stop, and return trip, can take up to two hours. This seems just enough to keep me happy. There are too many people in my home town and they all seem to be in a hurry. :(
-
I just read through this interesting thread. I had a thought that seems relevant.
The number of registered cars has tripled in my life time, speed limits have increased, cities gotten bigger and denser, and car drivers have become thoroughly distracted while being wrapped in protective technology that lulls them into indifference. Street motorcycling not the same "sport" I started out in. One of my persistent problems is imagining I'm still basically dealing with the possibility of sliding out in the gravel on the next corner, while forgetting that the game has changed.
The game has changed. What this means for me I can't say.
I believe that around here (Scandinavia) riding has become safer over the years, despite the huge increase in traffic.
Not only because of improvements in bikes, safety gear, roads, medicine, emergency services - as mentioned by others here. I believe driving culture has improved.
-
:wink: :cool: :smiley:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/jWvSvQ/Screen_Shot_2017_07_26_at_7_34_10_AM.png) (http://ibb.co/jWvSvQ)
-
around here (Scandinavia) riding has become safer over the years,
I believe driving culture has improved.
Must be nice.
-
"Everybody dies...but not everyone lives..."
Not true. Everyone lives. They may not live like you want to, but, they do.
The sad part is if someone does not live the way they want to.
-
Had bad motorcycle accident in February that totaled my Ducati. It was a 2016 Multistrada with all the newest safety features like cornering ABS and TC, etc. Made no difference. Encountered gravel kickout in apex 2nd half of an s-curve had about 0.35 seconds to decide weather to ride through it leaned or go wide to ride through a clean strip outer perimeter. Whichever choice would have been the right one I'll never know because I apparently made the wrong one and went down, ultimately high siding in the weeds and sticks off the roadway. Was wearing gear except no over pants over my jeans. One of those stories where the helmet prevented death because even with it on (Nolan N104) I still got a brain bleed, they called it sub arachnoid.
So anyhow, after a lot of analysis I know my accident was preventable and was rider error. The error was in being over confident because I ride that road a lot, in not doing a recon run before making a spirited pass through it, and in making a spirited run in the first place plus not having been out on the bike in quite a few weeks. It was one of those rare nice days in Feb, everyone was out on bikes, so I pulled the battery maintainer off got her out of the garage and decided to have a go at it.
But here I am tuning up to get another bike, albeit not another Duc. I can't explain it really.
-
"Everybody dies...but not everyone lives..." Not true. Everyone lives. They may not live like you want to, but, they do. The sad part is if someone does not live the way they want to.
Sorry charile...."No one gets out alive..." and that is a fact... :wink:
"I am the Lizard King...I can do anything...." (Yes, except make it to 30...) :laugh: :grin: :wink: :shocked: :huh: :rolleyes:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/iy6vH5/Screen_Shot_2017_07_26_at_12_19_10_PM.png) (http://ibb.co/iy6vH5)
pic hosting sites (http://imgbb.com/)
-
I was run over 7 years ago by a SUV. Totaled my 2002 California Stone. Mostly head, and back injuties that were severe.
Bought a new Gold Wing six months later, and looking at a Stelvio now. I think about riding and the safety of it daily somewhat now....but thats a GOOD THING. Being safe and being conscious of our environment during the ride isnt going to hurt!
-
One of those stories where the helmet prevented death because even with it on (Nolan N104) I still got a brain bleed, they called it sub arachnoid.
Fortunate for the helmet as a subdural hematoma in the brain is bad new but with a crappy helmet or no helmet you would not be sharing this story.
-
Had bad motorcycle accident in February that totaled my Ducati. It was a 2016 Multistrada with all the newest safety features like cornering ABS and TC, etc. Made no difference. Encountered gravel kickout in apex 2nd half of an s-curve had about 0.35 seconds to decide weather to ride through it leaned or go wide to ride through a clean strip outer perimeter. Whichever choice would have been the right one I'll never know because I apparently made the wrong one and went down, ultimately high siding in the weeds and sticks off the roadway. Was wearing gear except no over pants over my jeans. One of those stories where the helmet prevented death because even with it on (Nolan N104) I still got a brain bleed, they called it sub arachnoid.
So anyhow, after a lot of analysis I know my accident was preventable and was rider error. The error was in being over confident because I ride that road a lot, in not doing a recon run before making a spirited pass through it, and in making a spirited run in the first place plus not having been out on the bike in quite a few weeks. It was one of those rare nice days in Feb, everyone was out on bikes, so I pulled the battery maintainer off got her out of the garage and decided to have a go at it.
But here I am tuning up to get another bike, albeit not another Duc. I can't explain it really.
That's excellent self-analysis and taking responsibility for yourself without blaming the situation or others. In my opinion, that's the kind of attitude that leads to safe riding over a life-time. I bet you are unlikely to make that mistake again.
As for me, I try ride so I can stop within my line of sight. I know that limits my speed (and fun) on many corners, but it also minimizes the risk of situations like you experienced. There are many stopped vehicles, spills, animals, rocks, holes, bumps, etc. lurking around blind corners. Do I still make errors? Of course - but like you, I try to learn from them and figure out what I can do differently to be safer.