Almost died

[black cherry]

I was riding down a nice strech of road in Kentucky a few weeks ago and had to come almost to a stop ( 5 MPH ) behind two cagers, the 1st one in line trying to turn left. As the 1st cage turns I begin to dis-engage the clutch to begin rolling forward again and then the 2nd cage decides to turn also ( without a turn signal ) into the same parking lot as the 1st cage. This would normally not be a big deal, except for the SUV coming from the other direction thats about to hit this idiot head on! The SUV jams the breaks and goes into the parking lot to miss the idiot, but the idiot keeps turning as to pinch the SUV's route off. I see ( in my head ) the SUV having to try and turn back to the road to keep from hitting this idiot and guess who is going to get splattered by one or both? Meanwhile, I'm desiding if I should go left or right a worrying about my buddy behind me on a 919. Will I get away only to see him get hit, or will he watch me get made into a sandwich? All worry for nothing, the idiot sees the SUV just in time and stops his turn leaving room in the parking lot for the SUV's excape.

45 minute later I was alone, my buddy having turned towards home. I was going around 55 mph on a country road 10 or 15 miles from my house and idiot #1's cousin is turning left dead in front of me! ( I could see his eyes, he never looked at me ).

A hand FULL of front brake and a foot FULL of rear brake and the ABS is just singing! Without ABS, I go down into a nice slide. ABS is SWEET! I couldn't have left my lane as I could not see ( sloping hill ) and the other side was a nice southern Ohio ditch. ( that means steep! )

Anyway, I am SO MAD, I want to lay hands on this guy! Thank God I did not stop, I just left.

I'm sorry to say that the next day the bike was gone. I live in a high Deer population area, work 2nd shift and end up riding at night alot. This was the last straw in my book. I can't justify in my head or heart to continue to put myself in spots like this. I've never been down on a bike in 20+ years of riding and I feel like it was coming.

My wife has always supported me in all of my decisions from bikes to circle track racing and I don't want to leave her quite yet. I'm blessed to have her.

There have been many get offs and wreckes lately and I thought it was time for me to get while the gettin was good.

I've really enjoyed learning and sharing here on this forum. There are many good people with much to share here. There are also a few douches. ( you know who you are )

I will stay on as an adivisor to all of the douches and to try and sell a few items from my riding days. Oh, and also just to see who is being dogpiled on Fridays.

To all of you, please ride safe and buy the best gear you can, and for the love of Pete, wear it!

Dan

P.S. I didn't say that I'm not ever going to buy another bike. And if I do, it will probibly be another FJR, IMHO the bike all around bike made.

 

[Allnight]

Sorry to hear about your decision, but glad you made it before it was made for you.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Glad to hear of your escapes, but sorry you are selling your FJR. I respect your decision though.

Just in case you change your mind, a number of us are rolling through SE Ohio on the weekend of the 17th of October...it's on a thread in the midwest section. Maybe a nice ride in the country will clear the ghosts out of your head.

 

[Dave Migliore]

Sir...

I know how you feel.

I didn't ride for a period of 18 years - but then - I got the calling again...

Dave.

 

[Toecutter]

It takes a mighty big man to make a decision like that.

Best always,

 

[UHOH]

thanks for telling us rather than just fading away.

best to you.

 

[MCML]

I took some time off after one of the "cousins" (this one on a Harley) crossed a double yellow line so just that he could hit my FJR and miss severing a leg or two by inches. Your decision is certainly not irrational. Best to you however it ultimately plays out.

 

[FJR-RemingtonRider]

Well wishes.

The mind and heart will rectify themselves and peace restored, but only when the step of separation is taken. Good luck in this step.

 

[Intech]

Sorry to hear that you won't be riding, but as with the others, totally respect your decision. A lot of people have the same thoughts, but only after they have a get off. It is good that we all keep in mind the value of our lives and health to ourselves and our loved ones.

 

[old&slow]

Dan ,,

I respect your decision ...

There's been a few times when I've had second thoughts about riding too...

Way Too Many dumb asses out there ,,, Too many accidents ,,, etc...

You've got to do what You think is right..

Be Safe ,,, have fun ,,, Enjoy life ,,,,, Later old&slow Dan <<<<

 

[v65]

Almost made the same decision myself a few weeks ago. How you gonna spend the extra money? :lol:

 

[black cherry]

Almost made the same decision myself a few weeks ago. How you gonna spend the extra money? :lol:

I have a few problems but the abliity to spend money has never been one of them!

I've got a 74 MGB with a small block in it that will accept any and all donations thrown it's way.

Thanks to all of you understanding where I'm at. I may indeed have another bike someday, but it's just time for a break. I pray that you all are safe! Many idiots out there! ( and deer )

 

[Patriot]

been there done that questioning the risk vs reward arguement we all should ponder

my bike is mechanically down and my wife and I discuss (we agree I'll be riding again but don't know when) whether God is protecting me from something till he allows me to ride again. Many have gone down lately and it scares the poo poo out of me.

I can't see myself not riding as other than my family, my riding allows me great fullfillment and ministry opportunities with the CMA and the PGR. I live to ride is real to me.

<sigh>

Mike in Nawlins'

 

[Rolavine]

Wow, great post.

I think we all feel like that at times.

Did you hit a deer and total your bike?

The good news is that after motorcycling there are still about a million things I'd like to try.

I'd like to fly an ultralight, yeah much safer I'm sure!

I'm not going back to bicycling though, as that was far more dangerous than the motorcycle.

At least on the motorcycle I'm faster than most of the people out to get me.

 

[Silver Penguin]

Glad you made it through the trials. Sorry to hear that you're hanging up the helmet, but pleased to hear that you listened to your gut and made the right decision for you, at the right time. Hope the stars are aligned right, for you to ride sometime in the future.

 

[Panman]

It is something I think we all think about once in awhile.

Two weeks ago I wittnessed what I thought was a bad MC wreck, held the man's hand while we waited for the medic's. This was on the way to work, when I finaly got there I was pretty keyed up and wrote about it here. Thanks to all those who responded in the nice way they did, as I think it helped me get through it. Sam is going to be all right, it will take a few months but he has a good additude.

Me, I feel funny in away, the wreck is behind me. I rode past the very spot at the very same time this AM, I thought about it as a car came to the stop sign that the person ran and I did a lazy eight just to be noticed. But I still get the vision of Sam waving at the gale that hit him, Here I am Here I am. That vision will likely be with me along time.

I respect you for telling us what is on your mind, good luck.

Oh post up a picture of the V8 MG, sounds like another cool toy!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Toecutter]

Oh post up a picture of the V8 MG, sounds like another cool toy!!!!!!!!!!!!

And the buildup. Sounds like a blast!

 

[capttwb]

Tough decision, but most likely a good one for your family. The MG sounds great. I recently bought a new Mazda MX5, almost as fun to drive as a bike. A little safer I'm sure. Luckily I live and ride in a rural area, the deer are the biggest problem. With all the substance abuse now days, riding is very dangerous. Enjoy the MG!

 

[lnewlf]

My first riding bud died from cancer last winter. His wife, an avid rider followed him with breast cancer last summer. Another friend found out he had prostate cancer 4 years ago and went out and bought a new VTX1800. He's in Gilda's club hospice and will die next month. A dairy farm friend was crushed to death up against his barn by a cow last summer. And another friend died last week when her minivan hit a pole. None had reached 60. Me, I guess I'll just keep riding..

The MG sounds cool..Had a friend who put a juiced Chevy V8 in an old Volvo wagon! [He's still alive]