I hesitate to post this as I am very superstitious and typically avoid discussing topics like this but lately I am a bit uneasy or overly cautious on the bike. I know why; a couple weeks ago I drove by the scene of a fatal motorcycle accident moments after it happened. it shook me up a bit and I couldn't wait to get home and off the bike that day. I live in texas and don't always wear a helmet, particularly in the summer. I have worn one every day since I drove by that horrible scene. I have been riding a long time and this is the first time I remember feeling this way. I love to ride and am not considering giving it up but I don't like feeling this way as it takes the fun out of it. I am not completely freaked out nor am I riding in fear. I just have thoughts in the back of my mind when on the freeway. I'm sure it will pass but I wanted to see if anyone has experienced this. Thanks..

 

I think WHAT IF every time I get on the bike. If you don't have any fears, you probably shouldn't be riding but that's just me.......Ride like your invisible because we are to the texting, lip stick putting on, cell phone user, intoxicated, drug impaired cage drivers.....

 

I saw a guy get his arm ripped off by the auger/salt spreader on the back of a dump truck. I think about my arm being ripped off everytime I see a salt/sand spreader. I dont go near them things

 

Sure have - got many miles on motorcycles - seen people being covered up with sheets on the side of the road several times - never fails to make me reflect on how I'm riding. Almost always wear a full face helmet - just better odds that way but I don't judge. Riding with a helmet is like sex with a condom - better without but damn - it's still sex. I think these feelings will pass in time or at least lessen. Hope it doesn't ruin your riding pleasure.

 

There ha ve times when I just didn't "feel" right and won't go out on the bike. Others I have talked to do the same thing.

 

Plenty of times, I've been riding on the street for 34 years and have seen people get hurt and knew people that have died riding motorcycles. I personally don't think it's a bad thing to reflect upon the dangers of riding a motorcycle. When I was young I thought less of it since then I've matured bringing some wisdom and hindsight. When I hear/read of an accident today I try to learn from it, instead of justing thinking his/her time was up (some things still can't be avoied). Unless you become paralyzed with fear I think it's normal and healthy IMHO.

 

Don't think too much into it...anyone can be affected by seeing something that makes them think...realism! My MIL was an EMT many moons ago and we made the mistake of driving to one of her calls b/c it was a vehicle & motorcycle accident. To this day, I can't get those images out of my head (horrendous head-on @ high speed), but it did make me a better rider. Just try to put it into the memory banks and tucked away so it's there if/when needed. Just like now - you're already riding safer (i.e. helmet)...see.

Take care!

 

maybe your getting alittle older and wiser. use to be when i was younger i wasn't happy unless i was on the back wheel, as you get older you start to reflect alittle on how things could have been. like the man said, ride like your invisible.

 

I've been riding for almost 50 years, since I got hooked at 14, and I've got 3 simple rules:

1. I never drink and ride- not even one beer, and I don't usually ride with guys who have been drinking. Off the bike, I like beer as much as the next guy, but for me it doesn't mix- personal choice.

2. I always wear a helmet- I don't agree with helmet laws as I feel it is a personal choice, but mine is to wear one.

3. Every time I get on the bike I believe in my heart that every car, truck, and bus is doing their best to find and kill me. I ride as defensively as possible, and have been called "overly cautious", which I think is impossible. I must be doing something right as I've been doing it for a long, long, time.

I've had friends who have had the same feeling as you're having, and some have quit riding. Some quit because they had children and worried about what would happen to their families if they got disabled due to a crash, some just had that feeling and lost some confidence.

Whatever the reason, you'll know when it is time to quit riding- listen to your gut.

I'm 63 and hope to have another 10-15 years of doing this, but time will tell.

Ride careful, Brother

 

I try and be careful when I cross the street too... an accident can happen in an instant.If I get that feeling that it's not a good day to ride..I won't, but when I do I always say a little prayer and strap on the helmet... My signature line says it all.