| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| The Spring Ride
|
Mikeydude
03/11/2010 10:05 PM |
This sounds like such a neat ride. I so wish I could make it down to you guys. Any chance you'll make it up around the Fort Worth area? I'd love to meet you guys in person. |
| Navy motorcycle safety push
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gymnast
03/11/2010 9:40 PM |
People pay a lot of money for the excellent advice that is freely given above. It is indeed a privilege to be among such people.
A line that I heard at one of the presentations at the first "National Conference on Motorcycle Safety" back in 1969 and have remembered ever since went something like this.
"A motorcycle is the safest vehicle on the road (pause) right up to the point of impact."
Today, if I were to use that line, I would modify it as follows.
Some people think that a motorcycle can be as safe as any other vehicle on the road (pause) and it is,(pause) right up to the point of impact.
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| Navy motorcycle safety push
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rayg50
03/11/2010 8:22 PM |
LOL, seems to me your biggest problem is going to be choosing from some universally great advice already given. I will add some generic thoughts and please forgive my stating what you may already know.
In advance find out the size of your audience. Find out the composition of your audience. Find out how much time you have for your presentation. If the presentation is long enough, schedule some time for a break(s). If you say you will resume in 10 minutes then resume in 10 minutes. Size of the audience, and location and quantity of facilities should factor in how much time you give them. Make sure you leave enough time so you can use the restroom too.  Decide when you will take questions. I like being interrupted with questions but am not afraid to say "hold that thought we are going to get to it" or "this is not the place for that discussion but please talk to me after we finish". Others prefer questions at the end.
Find out from your audience what you feel you need to know to tailor your presentation. In a small group you can go down the line and have each very briefly outline what you need to know. "Please introduce yourself and let me know what you ride and how long you have been riding". In a large audience setting you can do the "How many of you ride cruisers raise your hand, how many ride .... How many of you have been riding less than 6 months .... How many of you have ridden more than ... miles". Chit chat with the early arrivals. It will relax you and them. Enjoy the interaction and show it (smile).
IMO, you should just be yourself. You are the expert. I tend to be the 800lb gorilla with a sense of humor. IMO teaching is entertainment with a purpose. Don't talk down to them. You must expect them to rise to your level. You won't have to tell them they will know. Colorful language IMO is counter productive.
Practice your presentation so that you can get a sense of the timing and the time it will require. Have additional material on standby in case you shoot through the presentation. Sharp groups will turn a 3 hour presentation into an hour and a half in the blink of an eye. Control the pace because you don't want to find yourself with 5 minutes of time left and a half hour of material to present. I nominate an audience member to give me hand signal countdowns to breaks etc. Looking at my watch sends the wrong message. If you have the equipment available use a mix of visual aids, it gives you and them a change of pace.
I start presentations by explaining what they should get out of it and I end with a bullet point review of what I expect them to have gotten out of it. I could not do a presentation like the one that you can do but an example of the bullet point review might be ATTGATT, both levers, no drinking, dehydration, ride your own ride, if your inner voice says don't ride then listen, etc.). It also can be a great time stretcher if the group is sharp. The only thing better than saying something important is getting to say it twice.
If you have a good time with it, so will they. Enjoy and let it show.
Edited for grammar.
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| How often should we ride.
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James R. Davis
03/11/2010 7:52 PM |
There is absolutely no question about it, newbies are at the greatest risk.
No, I do not think that the longer/more you ride, that risk diminishes without limit. I believe that once you have learned to control the bike and yourself in almost any normal 'threat' situation you have passed beyond 'newbie' risk levels and then face a different set of risks that I have characterized as those resulting from over-confidence (thinking you can do something well enough, but NOT KNOWING that you can). Once you have mellowed out and absolutely gotten control of yourself to the point that you actively avoid dangerous situations and behaviors (riding with a safety mindset - ultra defensively), then you have reached a time where your competence does NOT meaningfully increase with more experience - it plateaus and you MAINTAIN competence. Then you are faced with the best odds - where exposure tends to map risk level with some fidelity.
We have elsewhere talked about 'luck'. I submit that when you are in that last phase (competence), luck plays (and should) a major part in outcome. Instead of being an indication of how likely you are to be able to avoid a bad situation (good luck), it determines how likely you are to encounter a bad situation (bad luck). Said differently, in that phase it will be skill and competence and experience and risk management that determine the odds of avoiding a bad situation while bad luck will account for the rest. |
| How often should we ride.
|
gymnast
03/11/2010 7:48 PM |
I agree with you that new riders are at greater risks for the types of crashes that new riders are most likely to have, the same goes for new skiers, roller skaters, skate boarders, or drivers. After that I have to part company with your thesis and suggest that if one seeks an answer or insight to what is unknown, one must ask appropriate questions that utilize knowledge as well as expertise of what is known relating to the subject matter. For instance, do you consider it to be a possibility that the characteristics of crashes of experienced riders may differ in substantial ways from those of new riders? |
| How often should we ride.
|
acidragon12
03/11/2010 7:33 PM |
Well James it says greater than 500k miles no accidents... we have to figure those arent odds anymore. Something you are doing is keeping you safe. Do you agree that when someone starts out riding they put themselves at the greatest risk and as time goes on the seasaw goes the other way till minimum risk? And for those who dont "teeter" will usually become a statistic? But how do we judge ourselves to see if we are reducing our risk? Perhaps, that is a better question? |
| Navy motorcycle safety push
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CaptCrash
03/11/2010 6:04 PM |
Teacher axiom:
"Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care."
Don't be afraid to be passionate about bikes, safety and riding. However, make sure that they know you're not there to lecture them, you're there to help keep them alive. |
| Navy motorcycle safety push
|
Donald1684
03/11/2010 5:41 PM |
First let me say that I applaud you for taking the time to instruct our service men and women.
Some thoughts:
1. You are an expert in the field of mototrcycling and that is the persona you should present. You are not their peer, their friend, their commander, their father or grandfather.
2. You put biographical information about yourself in one of the posts. I would have the person who is going to introduce you give your background. I suggest sending it to the person a week before your presentation so it appears the person is telling about you and not reading about you.
3. There are various ways of learning so I would have handouts to give them before a break or at the end of a session. For example, you intructed on countersteering. So you hand out informatiopn on counterstering from your Safety Tips.
4. Hand out a bibliography at the end of the last session. Recommend books, videos, articles, and websites that you consider to be professionally presented.
5. I would find out the dress code for the men and women. Full uniform? I would wear a suit and tie. Informal dress? I would wear slacks and a collared shirt.
6. If you are going to entertain question from the floor, repeat the question before answering it since others in the audience may not have heard the question.
7. Create an evaluation form (signature optional) for the last session. It will give you feedback for future presentations.
8. No common or vulgar language. It would not become you. Plus it would embarrass your wife.
Good luck. Hope to see the video on your site.
Jim from NJ |
| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
|
Axiom2000
03/11/2010 5:41 PM |
Thanks to all for the kind words, I am much better today than yesterday both mentally and physically. Being in the middle of an argument between two insurance companies is actually humorous; we shall see how it goes.
quote:
Jerry, glad to hear that you are OK and that you listened to that inner voice to leave the bike at home. A lesson we can all heed for sure. I'm surprised the woman that hit you doesn't carry adequate insurance. Is there no legislation in your State setting adequate minimum limits on Automobile Liability Insurance? If there are no adequate minimum limits, when you process a Collision claim in an obvious "no fault" accident, can you expect a rate increase in your premium? Sounds to me like the system that is in place offers very little protection for innocent victims of an accident.
Rod, the state minimum is $10,000 for limit of liability on property damage. So it pays to make sure your own policy covers any losses, at fault or not. I understand from my insurance company I will not suffer an increase in rates due to their having to pay when I was not a fault. Again, we shall see. |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| BRC
|
dhalen32
03/11/2010 5:05 PM |
quote:
Originally posted by James R. Davis
Congratulations!
I'm sure you have thought of this but just in case ...
While riding your bike down your driveway you will eventually come to a point where that driveway flattens out as you meet the normal roadway. That is, where there is a 'dip' in the road.
It will be very tempting for you to walk the bike during that transition - over that 'dip'. VERY bad practice!! It is during the dip that you can easily 'short leg' (meaning, find that your fully extended leg is not long enough to touch the ground while you are on your saddle). If you are stopped, the bike will fall over.
RIDE over the dip.
Jim:
That is so true! I did that backing out of my friend's garage on my Ulysses last Spring. One minute my toes were touching the ground and the next minute my legs we're paddling air. As I fell to the left my left foot finally touched terra firma and I was able to lay the bike down on its side relatively gently rather than fall hard. It kept the damage to a minimum anyway!  |
| How do you decide that your riding is a thing of the past?
|
SteveS
03/11/2010 3:45 PM |
quote:
Originally posted by Odog
One other thing that I forgot in my previous post is a question to SteveS - where do you take the Experienced Rider Course? I've checked the local community college websites and I've only seen them offering the initial training course and the M2 exit course.
Humber College offeres them beginning in April. They are called "pro rider course".
try this http://www.humber.ca/motorcycle/prorider.htm
Maybe I'll see you out there. or you can email or pm me.
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| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
|
SteveS
03/11/2010 3:34 PM |
Jerry
Wow! Surprised to see this report and glad you are around to tell us about it.
Yes, the movie of the incident will need to replay many, many times. Soon you may be able to slow it down and make use of it. Don't fight it. There are lessons to learn, although it is not clear what they are. You did well to not panic until after the crash!
All the best, and remember, as others have said, take it easy for a few days. There are likely "after shocks".
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| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
|
Night Train
03/11/2010 3:00 PM |
Jerry, glad to hear that you are OK and that you listened to that inner voice to leave the bike at home. A lesson we can all heed for sure. I'm surprised the woman that hit you doesn't carry adequate insurance. Is there no legislation in your State setting adequate minimum limits on Automobile Liability Insurance? If there are no adequate minimum limits, when you process a Collision claim in an obvious "no fault" accident, can you expect a rate increase in your premium? Sounds to me like the system that is in place offers very little protection for innocent victims of an accident. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Safety Gear |
| Visor fogging and breathing.
|
Peter Darby
03/11/2010 2:57 PM |
I am like john. My shield only fogs if I am not moving and it is closed. Even then if I don't really breath hard it may not fog. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| Close call
|
D R
03/11/2010 2:46 PM |
quote:
Originally posted by jack87
Hello and thanks for your replies.
I never drove on the buzz strips, they seem harsh. Here, they are around 8 inches wide. They are made by a machine that "punch" the asphalt to leave a cylindrical mark, around 1 inch deep, 2 inch long, spaced each 6 inches. I'll try to take a picture one day, as they have the same things around the bike path in my residential area. (No pictures on the highway... too dangerous!)
The truck was seen, the cars were seen, but it never crossed my mind that someone would try to make it.
Now, if I see the same truck / car situation, I will make sure to be seen and to prepare for something like this!
I wouldn't be overlly concerned about the buzz strips. If the choice is between riding on them or being hit by a car, I would use the buzz strip. The only caution I would give you is to relax, ease off the throttle and stay off the brakes while on the buzz strips. If you can move all the way across then do so. Once off the buzz strips then apply brakes as needed.
I've had to cross buzz strips in the past. Normally I prefer to reduce speed, cross the strip to the shoulder and then brake. However, there was one situation where I made the deliberate choice to cross at near highway speed to evade a potential threat.
I had just positioned in the left lane to execute a pass on a semi-truck when one of the trailer's tires started shedding pieces of rubber -- one three inch sized piece bounced off the knuckles of my right hand. My assessment was the tire was about to blow and I wanted to get away from it quickly.
Even though the traffic behind me was a safe distance back, I didn't want to trust them to be paying attention and notice the hard braking I was about to execute. I backed off the throttle, crossed the buzz strip (speed was probably around 60-65 mph) and once on the shoulder, applied the brakes to get away from the disintegrating tire.
In the situation you described, it sounds like you didn't have a shoulder beyond the buzz strip. So should you find yourself in a similiar situation, just remember -- back off the throttle and avoid applying the brakes (let the engine do the braking for you) until such time as you can move back off the buzz strip. |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
|
D R
03/11/2010 2:25 PM |
I'm glad you are okay. It could have been a tragic outcome. |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| How do you decide that your riding is a thing of the past?
|
Odog
03/11/2010 11:13 AM |
One other thing that I forgot in my previous post is a question to SteveS - where do you take the Experienced Rider Course? I've checked the local community college websites and I've only seen them offering the initial training course and the M2 exit course. |
| How do you decide that your riding is a thing of the past?
|
Odog
03/11/2010 11:11 AM |
Last spring I dumped my bike on the highway going into work, breaking my ankle and rib. Just as bad as the injuries, I was beating myself up because we had to cancel a trip to Europe that 5 of us had been planning for months. At the time I didn't realize what I had done wrong; whether I would react any differently in the future and decided that I'm selling that damn %^&*@ thing. My wife who likes riding on the back of it (we had successfully done a trip through the Rockies the previous year on a borrowed Kawasaki 1600cc Vulcan)upbraided me for making hasty decisions.
Over the summer I read posts on this site, talked to other bikers, figured out what I did wrong and slowly, slowly changed my opinion 180 degrees. In the fall I took the bike out 3 times to a nearby commuter train lot and practiced a number of manouvers I saw written up here.
So, I don't have an answer that is much different than others posted on this thread, except maybe it would come down to if I crashed and figured out that I would probably react the same way in the future, then I would pack it in.
BTW, a few days ago I rec'd the Maximum Control book offered elsewhere on this site and have started reading it. All I can say is WOW! and thanks to James for offering it to his webmates.
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| Navy motorcycle safety push
|
Woof
03/11/2010 11:04 AM |
I would keep in mind that all Navy/Marine Corps riders are required to take the battery of MSF courses (BRC, MSRC, ERC) at specific milestones in their careers (dependent on their choice of motorcycle) and may consider the MSF curricula to be the be-all/end-all in motorcycle safety training. I'll make an assumption that any major deviations from MSF training points could raise the eyebrows of the military RiderCoaches in attendance.
Edited to add: I would encourage the audience to seek out useful motorcycle safety-oriented information from every available source.
Bandwidth willing, you might offer a link to this site. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
|
aidanspa
03/11/2010 9:13 AM |
Wow Jerry. I'm glad you are OK and still have your sense of humor. I might have been tempted to rush over and administer hands-to-throat resuscitation on the poor woman.
I agree with gymnast's point about the CLS. Well-built and beautiful, even in pieces on the side of the road. Good luck with the insurance.
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| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Navy motorcycle safety push
|
Daddio
03/11/2010 7:35 AM |
quote:
from dhalen32:
Have you considered riding there instead of flying or driving? That in itself might have some impact on the audience and bring you some instant credibility. Certainly look the part when you are up in front of the crowd. I don't think they will be particularly impressed with a business suit and a briefcase.
I like this idea. However, you may find that impractical. Houston to Whidbey Island clocks in at 2450 miles as Streets and Trips flies. Renting a bike instead of a car once you get there may be an alternative. You may be able to find a Goldwing. The guys would be impressed by seeing their trainer arrive and leave on a bike. One of the reasons military training works so well is that the "trainee" is rarely in doubt that the "trainer" has mastered the concepts being taught.
Keep an eye on the weather and plan accordingly. A soggy 67 year old trainer that looks it may not be very impressive. |
| BRC
|
James R. Davis
03/11/2010 7:05 AM |
Congratulations!
I'm sure you have thought of this but just in case ...
While riding your bike down your driveway you will eventually come to a point where that driveway flattens out as you meet the normal roadway. That is, where there is a 'dip' in the road.
It will be very tempting for you to walk the bike during that transition - over that 'dip'. VERY bad practice!! It is during the dip that you can easily 'short leg' (meaning, find that your fully extended leg is not long enough to touch the ground while you are on your saddle). If you are stopped, the bike will fall over.
RIDE over the dip. |
| BRC
|
bobby0824
03/11/2010 7:04 AM |
Cangratulations, Carol! Enjoy the ride! |
| BRC
|
dhalen32
03/11/2010 6:40 AM |
Carolfay:
Way to go!
I would definitely go down the driveway forwards. Whether you are under power or just coasting can be up to you. Try it both ways and then do what is most comfortable for you right now. As you gain experience and confidence you may change the method but don't rush into it.
Remember to practice in an open, unobstructed parkinmg lot before venturing out onto busy streets and highways. Now is the the time to "walk before you run" and statistically this is when you are most likely to have a problem and crash. So take it easy, be comfortable with when and where you are riding and don't be rushed by an impatient friend or partner to do something that you are not comfortable with doing. Good luck and have fun learning how to master your machine.
Dave
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| Navy motorcycle safety push
|
dhalen32
03/11/2010 6:28 AM |
Jim:
Good for you! The "generation gap" will be challenging. We face that when conducting MSRC classes. Perhaps the grandfather angle will work. Staying away from swearing makes sense too.
I think that talking about getting involved with other riders and talking about mentoring or finding someone to mentor them makes good sense. Encourage that they take all of the training they can, including performance riding classes and track schools that may help you get through to the sport bike focused folks. You may find that Ray Ochs, Lee Parks, Keith Code, Eric Trow and others in the business will provide you with materials that speak to the further training opportunities open to young sailors.
Do you have any contacts with the Washington Motorcycle Safety Program? They might be able to help you with local activities and training opportunities near the military installations where you will be speaking. I have a few contacts from my own ARC-ST training session there this time last year. I would be happy to put you in touch with them.
Have you considered riding there instead of flying or driving? That in itself might have some impact on the audience and bring you some instant credibility. Certainly look the part when you are up in front of the crowd. I don't think they will be particularly impressed with a business suit and a briefcase.
Let me know if I can help provide you with any materials or contacts as you put together your thoughts for the presentations.
Dave
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| BRC
|
SkootchNC
03/11/2010 5:32 AM |
quote:
Originally posted by Carolfay
I do have a question. My driveway is steep and I'm not sure if I should back down it or slowly drive forward down it??
I have tried it both ways, and neither felt good. Will need a lot of practice taking off on a hill. I had to park it, open my garage and then try taking off on an incline. Boy do I need a lot of practice.
Thank goodness the weather is getting better everyday. Carolfay
Carol,
Congrats! on taking, and passing the class.
A quick question, regarding your driveway. Do you have a flat (ish) walk, leading from the garage to your front door?
I had a steep, downhill, drive in my previous home. I learned to ride forward, and turn onto the path to my front door, then park the bike, open the shed door, and then back my bike, the final 15 relatively flat feet, into the shed.
My current home, has a garage opener. I bought a spare remote, and keep it with my bike.
As noted above.... I would attempt to go forward, as you'll have better control, be more stable, and will have a better view.
Going slowly down hill forward, might not "feel good"... but it has to feel better than going backwards.
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| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
|
greywolf
03/10/2010 8:35 PM |
I'm glad you're okay. I once got rear ended in a car after deciding which vehicle to take. I figure if I had chosen the bike, I would have been at the location later because of suit up time. Like it has been mentioned here, the most safety conscious people around still have some luck involved in whether they crash or not. There are more kamikazes out there than I care to think about. |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| BRC
|
rayg50
03/10/2010 8:28 PM |
Congratulations!!!
Here is a video about starting on an incline that I wish I had found sooner. My driveway slants down to the garage so I know how you feel. Because my driveway is relatively short I back the bike in but even in that short distance an errant turn of the head or leaf on the ground can add unnecessary excitement. I have found that letting the weight of the bike move it backwards and always keeping both legs positioned under my body while seated gives me the best balance and footing.
A tip for backing the bike down the hill that was given to me on this site has worked very well for me so I will pass it along to you. I turn the bike off, put it in first gear, squeeze the clutch all the way in, and then let it move backwards. I control the speed with the front brake lever. Squeezing both levers or releasing both levers stops the bike. The few times that I have gone back at a bad angle, I have just squeezed both levers, hit the starter and let the clutch out enough to gain some height and a better angle. I then kill the engine and back in again.
Thank you for sharing the great news.
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| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
|
gymnast
03/10/2010 6:57 PM |
Fortunately you were driving the CLS considered by many to be the most beautiful car on the planet. I refer to my wife's CLK Coupe as a bank vault on wheels for a couple of reasons. Try and get your insurance company to replace your car if you can, it took one heck of a hit. |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
|
CaptCrash
03/10/2010 5:52 PM |
Looks like she was hunting you! Glad you're OK! |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
|
Cash Anthony
03/10/2010 5:47 PM |
Wow! That's a lot of damage, and yes, it looks like she was totally out of it to hit you that way.
I'm so glad you were in your car, too! No way to know whether you would have avoided it on the bike, but just as well not to have found out the hard way.
Cash |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
|
Axiom2000
03/10/2010 5:39 PM |
Fortunately I like to drive sitting way back from the steering wheel with arms almost fully extended, the seat belts prevented any contact with the air bags save my arms and hands.
I just got off the phone with the adjuster from her insurance company and although there is a valid policy in place, the limits of liability on property damage is insufficient to cover the loss on my car even if the decision is made to repair and not total. So tomorrow I will be spending time making more push one for English calls to my insurance company. Here we go with red tape ad infinitum.
You know me - what's a post without PICs, sorry they're cell phone quality.
My car is the blue one. Notice how far across the center line she came in order to get me.
|
| Motorcycle Safety / Safety Gear |
| Visor fogging and breathing.
|
Shadow_Rider
03/10/2010 5:37 PM |
Cold weather riding season is almost over here but you might want to check out this product that was reviewed at Web Bike World....
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r4/clarity-defog-it/
|
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| BRC
|
CaptCrash
03/10/2010 5:34 PM |
Nicely done. Walk before you run! |
| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
|
alblancher
03/10/2010 5:27 PM |
Glad you made it out OK. If you had pulled to your right, jumped the curb to avoid the accident, you would have probably hit a tree and would have to prove to the authorities that you were forced off the road. Looks like you did the best thing. Hope she has insurance and you get compensated fully for your new car and injuries. No telling what would have happened on your bike. I bet you would have avoided the accident, because seeing her cross the lane would have scared the poop out of you, and you would have found a way around the accident. |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| BRC
|
Night Train
03/10/2010 4:57 PM |
Congratulations Carol, enjoy all your bike has to offer. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
|
scottrnelson
03/10/2010 4:54 PM |
Welcome to the group of people who have had airbags go off in their faces.  It took me a day or two before the chemical smell was no longer in my nose after it happened to me in 2004. After you've replayed the accident in your head a few thousand times you'll finally get over it. And no, I don't know how to make that stop, other than keeping real busy with other things.
I hope you come out okay with the insurance settlement. |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
|
gymnast
03/10/2010 4:27 PM |
In a crash, packaging makes all the difference in the world. Your description reads like the packaging did what is was designed to do because you did what you learned to do.
Now imagine yourself sitting on a motorcycle seat on the hood of the car, handlebars in hand and wearing full gear. And repeating the trip. Riding requires 100% concentration, and a motorcycle crash, without packaging or with minimal packaging, is as you are well aware not a pleasant thought.
Take it easy for a couple of days, you have earned it. |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| BRC
|
gymnast
03/10/2010 4:12 PM |
Way to go Carol! Just take it slow and easy, think about what you are doing and what others may do and have a good time. |
| BRC
|
Gs82Seca650
03/10/2010 3:58 PM |
Congrats Carol!
That is EXCELLENT news! :)
I applaud you for knowing your present limits and having the knowledge that you need to improve before going out in any real traffic.
There is SO MUCH more traffic on the roads now, then when I got my M endorsement in 1998, it's unbelieveable. You must be VERY careful and really pay attention to your surroundings.
Good luck, I agree with Aiden.....GEAR up ALWAYS and have fun.
Ride Safe,
Greg |
| Off Theme / The Get Your Motor Running Chat Forum |
| Google Magazine Archives
|
scottrnelson
03/10/2010 3:47 PM |
American Motorcyclist seems to be the ONLY magazine in there about motorcycles or anything else with an internal combustion engine.
Any idea how they decide which magazines are worthy of inclusion? |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| BRC
|
aidanspa
03/10/2010 3:21 PM |
Congratulations Carolfay! Please keep in mind that neighborhood riding can be every bit as challenging as main drag riding. Low speeds are no assurance that you won't fall, so please make sure you gear up.
I too have a long, steep driveway to contend with. I would NOT recommend trying to back your bike down it. You will want to look over your shoulder as you back up, and the bike will have a tendency to tip. Makes for an unstable adventure.
Riding forward down the drive by sitting back in the saddle and keeping the tank gripped by my knees helps me to keep things stabilized. Remember to look where you want to go. It works for me. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
|
jack87
03/10/2010 3:08 PM |
I'm glad you're OK. I think it's a good thing you were not on your bike at the moment. Maybe you could have swerved, maybe you'd have enough space to go around here, but maybe not! We never know what we'll encounter along the way. Hope you'll recover quickly! |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| BRC
|
Carolfay
03/10/2010 3:02 PM |
   Just wanted to let you all know I passed my BRC this last weekend. I was very nervous but had 2 great coaches that worked very hard with all of us. I learned a lot and plan on practicing a lot more before I venture out on main roads. I have been riding in my local neighborhoods.
I do have a question. My driveway is steep and I'm not sure if I should back down it or slowly drive forward down it??
I have tried it both ways, and neither felt good. Will need a lot of practice taking off on a hill. I had to park it, open my garage and then try taking off on an incline. Boy do I need a lot of practice.
Thank goodness the weather is getting better everyday. Carolfay |
| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
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mildhog
03/10/2010 3:00 PM |
Pretty scary. Glad you're ok. I've read many times about not riding when rushed or upset. You weren't in the proper frame of mind to ride and you chose wisely not to ride. Thanks for the lesson. Good luck with the insurance. |
| I almost rode but changed my mind, Thank the Lord
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Axiom2000
03/10/2010 2:43 PM |
I had to make a quick trip this morning to the other side of town, just 3 miles at the most. It was a nice day and I was thinking about riding the motorcycle. To tell the truth I was running a bit late and felt hassled and knew taking the time to gear up would make me that much more in a rush. My state of mind was not correct to be riding and I wisely decided to take the car.
Going through town on one of the main streets, there is a curve to the left on my side, right for opposing traffic. About the time I entered the turn, there was a car heading for me almost over the center line and still coming. I turned to the right getting over as far as I could hoping the driver would soon realize the impending disaster and return to the proper lane. Quickly I was out of room, and it was obvious there was going to be a collision as the car just keep coming right at me. Her left front impacted my left front, and the force of the impact set off all of my airbags and knocked my car up against the curb to the right. I have no idea how fast she was going, but what really bothers me in the mental replay on the incident in my brain is that I do not believe she made any effort whatsoever to slow down at all. I am going to guess the combined speed of our two vehicles was in excess of 40 MPH. TO tell the truth I am not sure I attempted to brake at all -- I am guessing I was doing about 25 and was concentrating on avoiding the wreck by swerving to the right.
If it had not been for the excellent construction of my vehicle, the air bags and seat belts I would not be writing this. The only injury I suffered is a abrasion on the left hand from the air bag deployment, a small scrape on the left shin bone, and pain in the lower neck, shoulder and across my chest from the seat belt take-up.
It rang my bell pretty good, and I was dazed for a few seconds. Then when I realised I was OK, I thought the car was on fire as it was filled with what I thought was smoke and a strange odor. I panicked a bit when I was unable to get the driver's side door open but calmed down, undid the belt and crawled out the passenger's side door. I know now the smoke was actually dust from the airbag deployment.
The driver of the other car was taken to the hospital. She was wearing a seatbelt, but it was an old car and I don't think it had air bags. The police informed me she was not injured too bad -- a cut on the lip and nose, but they wanted a blood test done as they suspected drug use. I also learned she was driving on a revoked license, I think because of previous DUI.
I have no idea if she was on drugs, alcohol or just not paying attention. I do know my new car that I just purchased in October is a total loss. The left side was pushed back almost to the A pillar and the driver's door is a crumpled mess, and the left front tire is looking in the wrong direction. The car that I specifically purchased because of its performance and safety rating did its job and can be replaced. I am fine, will be really sore for a few days but OK.
To bring this home, If I had decided to ride I am not sure of the outcome. I may have been able to actually jump the curb to avoid her or swerve around her to the left without crossing my center line, that's how far over she was. At any rate, that would be all speculation but there is one thing for sure, If I had been riding and the same collision occurred, I would not be OK, I would have been lucky to have lived through it.
One final word. I may still be on an adrenalin high as I still feel very uneasy about this event and keep replaying it in my head trying to figure out what I should have done differently. But I do know one thing: If you don't wear your seatbelts, START WEARING THEM, today. They saved me a lot of injury or worse. OK, I am off to continue to do battle with the insurance companies. |
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Night Train
03/10/2010 2:22 PM |
Robert, nice find, thanks for sharing. |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Navy motorcycle safety push
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aidanspa
03/10/2010 2:18 PM |
Just FYI...
This article from Sept 5, 2009 NavyTimes.com, "CG renews motorcycle safety push" concerns the Coast Guard's efforts to reduce m/c crashes and fatalities, and its push to be specific in identifying crash causation.
Rear Adm. Mark Tedesco, director of health, safety and work-life, has convened mishap analysis boards, held the service's first motorcycle safety summit and conducted focus groups.
The mishap boards analyzed 21 Class A motor vehicle mishaps, those that kill or permanently disable members. Twelve of those involved motorcycles, mopeds or scooters; of that number, 11 people died and one person suffered complete paralysis.
Tedesco identified a number of factors in the two-wheel crashes, including fatigue and alcohol use. Since 2007, mishap boards are no longer allowed to cite operator error or loss of situational awareness alone as sufficient causal factors for an accident. Analysis must include other factors some involve leadership, such as inconsistent enforcement of drug and alcohol policies.
quote:
Master Chief Operations Specialist Philip Rolfe, a motorcycle enthusiast, is trying to spread the message to chiefs across the service. He says most of the accidents are caused by service members breaking the law: by driving without a motorcycle license, speeding or driving while drunk.
I'm pushing [chiefs] to refocus on teaching [service members] how to make the right decision, Rolfe said.
It sounds as though the leadership is concentrating, rightly so in my opinion, on rider behavior and attitude as keys to reducing m/c crashes & fatalities.
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| Off Theme / The Get Your Motor Running Chat Forum |
| Google Magazine Archives
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aidanspa
03/10/2010 1:40 PM |
Click here for an alphabetical listing of magazines with archived issues available for viewing online at no cost!
Click a magazine title to view one of its issues, like American Motorcyclist. Then, in the left column click "Browse all issues", and you will find a 44-page issue from Jan, 1955.
An unusual and varied selection of publications to choose from.
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| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Navy motorcycle safety push
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The Meromorph
03/10/2010 1:39 PM |
There are many parallels between a combat situation and riding a motorcycle...
There are passive and active threats (ref: combat and IEDs). There are threats from your own equipment if misused (ref: loading and clearing guns) There are short term and long term procedures and techniques that address different situations (ref: 'hasty defense' vs. 'strategic' defense). And there is the difference between experience and knowledge (ref:combat itself). Also that experience in one situation does not qualify you as experienced in a very different situation (ref: you know how to cope in one dangerous environment - combat; does that mean you know how to cope in another - riding in traffic?).
I think they would well understand that they need knowledge, training, and to gain experience in their work, and they equally need different knowledge, different training and to gain different experience in their dangerous and skillful 'recreation'.
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