I'm scared after reading this post! I always stay in first gear and watch behind me until someone has come to a complete stop behind me.

 

I feel your pain. I was T boned in Feb. It took a little while but I'm OK now.

You'll know when you're ready. If not, there's no shame in that.

 

I guess I was lucky when Tigger got rear ended and was able to immediately get back in the saddle. The spouse was riding her scoot ahead of me so I just climbed on her bike an rode it home.

Can't say the same for the spouse though. She was never too confident and seeing me get splattered in her rear view really took it's toll. she doesn't have a bike now an don't ride with me much anymore.

 

Riding definitely has it's risk and we all go through an incident that messes with our head. For me my desire to ride overrides the fear. Sometimes it takes more time to get past certain incidents but only you know what's best for yourself. Take your time and do what your comfortable with.

 

Hi Jon,

I know how you feel. I tried to head butt a Subaru wagon many years ago. Crazy driver turned right in front of me going into a driveway. Tried braking and veering off as safe as I could but not enough room to move. Upon impact with her vehicle, I went flying over the handlebars. I was only riding a scooter to work (not my road bike) but the experience gave me a real shake up. Afterwards on my road bike I noticed I was a lot more nervous about any traffic around me and a lot less confident on the open road even though I knew if was ok. I became a lot more super alert and defensive in my riding. That took a little while to go away.

As for you getting back to the riding, all I can say is when you feel ready and start it small. Take it easy and take your time. Search for the enjoyment of 'being out there' again. After all, its why we ride isn't it. Riding is not a chore. It's a past time we enjoy doing. Don't let anyone rush you if you are riding with others. Plan where you might catch up again if they get ahead and let them go. Go and find the fun in riding again on your terms. All the best and ride safe.

 

I would hang it up for a while. You're not having fun and you are putting yourself in danger when you ride with the mind set you have. There are lots of ways to enjoy life and they make new bikes every day. Give it a rest and come back when you are ready.

 

I have a bit different take on this. Based on what I read in your story, you have done nothing to cause any of this. By that I mean these were not instances where you did something stupid and got burned. Let's be honest, the guy who rear ended you could have taken you out as you walend across the street. The fact that you were riding has nothing to do with it. The valve isses are a mechanical thing. Again, nothing you did wrong. I go back to 9/11... consider there were people sitting on the crapper when those planes hit. When it's your time...

But I do agree with others who have suggested that being too tentitive on a bike can be dangerous. Riding is a proactive effort, always trying to be 1 step ahead of the idiots.

 

I would ad that maybe a rider skills improvement course might help. Not that you need it necessarily (I know I could use it). Just to get some focus back on a closed course.

 

Scared why? You had that **** happen, and you're still here and you're still riding, right?

 

Trying reading "Back in the Saddle Again How to Overcome Fear of Riding After a Motorcycle Accident" by Brenda L. Bates.