tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post1446209215853172433..comments2024-03-05T14:11:35.388-05:00Comments on For Love of a Motorbike: Watch your SixBeemerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-35463270768419408102011-09-06T05:39:28.988-04:002011-09-06T05:39:28.988-04:00Holy crap, Lori!
Take it easy! I've been in y...Holy crap, Lori!<br /><br />Take it easy! I've been in your shoes before. I was never hit from behind, but I was tailgated pretty hard on the way to work one day and literally stopped in the middle of the road, ready to pull my helmet off and then I don't know what. I was furious, he was that close. Instead, this guy just pulled around me and laid on the gas. He had a motorcycle sticker in his rear window. Seriously.<br /><br />These days I go pretty zen about things, if someone wants to go around, I make it easy, just slow down and pull way over. It's saved me a lot of hassle and stress. It took a few pissed off affairs to get that straight - though the texting affair sends me mental.<br /><br />Brady<br />Behind Bars - Motorcycles and LifeAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03424120592303852860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-23628022586997539352011-09-01T05:10:29.909-04:002011-09-01T05:10:29.909-04:00Lori:
In answer to your question, by using your mi...Lori:<br />In answer to your question, by using your mirrors effectively, you can not only see where vehicles are relative to you, you can also see their positioning and movements which might indicate a potential threat. If they're close enough, you might also see inattention through talking to a passenger, on a mobile phone etc. This enables you to plan your position for best outcome.<br /><br />Your mirrors also have significant blind spots (get someone to walk behind you to see just how big they are. Because of this and the training I've recently received, I now do a huge amount more physical shoulder checks and lifesavers (a full rearward glance)before changing road position or at motorway on and off=ramps etc.<br /><br />Hope this all makes some sense!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-73909876315233377592011-09-01T05:09:56.231-04:002011-09-01T05:09:56.231-04:00Lori:
In answer to your question, by using your mi...Lori:<br />In answer to your question, by using your mirrors effectively, you can not only see where vehicles are relative to you, you can also see their positioning and movements which might indicate a potential threat. If they're close enough, you might also see inattention through talking to a passenger, on a mobile phone etc. This enables you to plan your position for best outcome.<br /><br />Your mirrors also have significant blind spots (get someone to walk behind you to see just how big they are. Because of this and the training I've recently received, I now do a huge amount more physical shoulder checks and lifesavers (a full rearward glance)before changing road position or at motorway on and off=ramps etc.<br /><br />Hope this all makes some sense!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-14159916932223642512011-08-31T18:34:55.585-04:002011-08-31T18:34:55.585-04:00Lori:
No damage to me or the bike. This happened t...<b>Lori:</b><br />No damage to me or the bike. This happened thirty years ago and I was riding uphill (as usual) so not going very fast. The teenager hit with the mirror, not so lucky. She was in in and out of the hospital for almost a year before being able to continue on with life. They never found the driver of the van.RichardMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04773834892715980735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-4998729713167577402011-08-31T17:04:29.572-04:002011-08-31T17:04:29.572-04:00After reading through your post I'm telling my...After reading through your post I'm telling myself to breath deep and slow.... Ok, my anger about the idiot drivers is going down a bit.<br /><br />I want to suggest three things if you should ever catch up to the guy that passed you;<br />1 - before you even get close, power down your cell phone completely.<br />2 - change your clothes and dispose of the 'soiled' ones when you are done.<br /><br />3 - thank you for cleaning up the gene pool just a little bit.Kenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10224016448511521446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-27251665163890301672011-08-31T15:47:14.531-04:002011-08-31T15:47:14.531-04:00...as for my other friend that is wanting to start......as for my other friend that is wanting to start riding. She used to be an EMT also and is really good at keeping calm even in that kind of situation. And with two boys she had a lot of experience keeping calm in the midst of family emergencies!RayWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17459371870032874549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-47192533989225274712011-08-31T15:42:43.359-04:002011-08-31T15:42:43.359-04:00Hi Lori!
My review of the ride on my friend'...Hi Lori!<br /> My review of the ride on my friend's Sportster can be found here: http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=105623<br /><br />Remember...it was all in good fun. But I do love to give him a hard time about his bike. He can sure ride the heck out of it though. He's up over 30,000 miles on it already. I need to ride mine more to keep ahead of him. LOL<br /><br />RayRayWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17459371870032874549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-15460932137422443592011-08-30T22:47:32.046-04:002011-08-30T22:47:32.046-04:00Hi RayW!
Thank you for stopping in. But I don...Hi RayW!<br /><br />Thank you for stopping in. But I don't want to scare your friend off with the first post that she reads! LOL. Please explain to her that these are avoidable situations if you are aware of your surroundings. But that is also what good friends like you are for when she does get on the road to gain experience.<br /><br />Hiram is a nice area. I've liked it every time I've gone through. Good people. Ever eat at Benson's Grill at 1856 Hiram Douglasville Hwy? Great Philly Cheesesteaks!<br /><br />Yeah, you wouldn't think someone could miss a purple Harley do you? <br /><br />Where is your review on the Harley? I know what my opinions of them are. LOL<br /><br />Thank you for taking the time leave a comment and pass my blog on.<br /><br />-LoriBeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-38154463403591323012011-08-30T22:42:10.883-04:002011-08-30T22:42:10.883-04:00Hi Bobskoot!
You said it! It is so difficult to ...Hi Bobskoot!<br /><br />You said it! It is so difficult to watch something unfold that you cannot do anything about. I just kick myself that I lost it so easily and completely! My EMT training had definitely left me that day. But family vs stranger are very different situations.<br /><br />I know, I know...wasn't anything I could "legally" do if I had caught up to that driver. That is why I backed off. But it still soured my mood for quite a few hours. I just couldn't seem to let it go. Took some wonderful strawberry martinis that evening to get over it. ;)<br /><br />I hope you never experience this! But I am glad that I was able to convey the happenings so well that you were there in spirit.<br /><br />:)<br /><br />-LoriBeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-53128164908333061012011-08-30T22:38:13.667-04:002011-08-30T22:38:13.667-04:00Hi Raftnn!
Thank You! Kinda like your write up o...Hi Raftnn!<br /><br />Thank You! Kinda like your write up on your employee Alex. Just a general reminder to keep your head about you.<br /><br />:)<br /><br />-LoriBeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-31258866725749653922011-08-30T22:33:38.708-04:002011-08-30T22:33:38.708-04:00Hi RichardM,
I'm devastated to hear of the gi...Hi RichardM,<br /><br />I'm devastated to hear of the girl in your group being hit by the mirror. Was she OK? That is serious business. We had a friend killed on his bicycle in January this year. Cars and Motorbikes are bad. Cars and bicycles? Worse.<br /><br />I am seriously glad that you were able to mostly avoid that log. That would be scary! Were you or the bike damaged?<br /><br />On the MS ride this year I saw a bale of pine straw come off a trailer and miss a bicyclist by about 20 feet. That one had me thinking...<br /><br />Just have to be so darn vigilant! Thanks for sharing. Gives more ideas on things to watch out for, doesn't it.<br /><br />Be safe!<br /><br />-LoriBeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-78009508493749010682011-08-30T22:27:50.457-04:002011-08-30T22:27:50.457-04:00Hi SonjaM!
Yeah, it was an interesting experience...Hi SonjaM!<br /><br />Yeah, it was an interesting experience. That damn clip played over and over and over in my head for days.<br /><br />It just kills me still that I absolutely couldn't figure out how to get off my bike! I mean, I used to be an EMT, but you don't usually figure about coming on the scene of a family member. I was just so shocked. But it is over now...<br /><br />Until you hear what Oilburner did today... I'm trying to convince him to write a guest blog.<br /><br />And yes, poor Sporty. Oilburner loved that bike. The color was so deep and vibrant. And it was fast! Such a shame.<br /><br />I hope that you never have to experience anything like this with hubby. And hopefully you will do a better job confronting the situation than I did :). Like when you held it together getting whacked by that board on Nella. <br /><br />-LoriBeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-15653625428737938172011-08-30T22:23:18.491-04:002011-08-30T22:23:18.491-04:00Hi Circle Blue!
I'm sorry you have to deal wi...Hi Circle Blue!<br /><br />I'm sorry you have to deal with crazy idiots like that. I've had people pass in the turn lanes! It just kills me that people are so self-centered and rude...especially when they are just racing to the next light. I don't understand either.<br /><br />And I wouldn't even have a clue how to make yourself safer in that situation. I mean, it isn't like you can move over or anything.<br /><br />All I can say is please be safe. And honk little Billie's heart out. :)<br /><br />-LoriBeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-58497052750539873822011-08-30T22:18:01.324-04:002011-08-30T22:18:01.324-04:00Hi Trobairitz!
Remember when we have chatted abou...Hi Trobairitz!<br /><br />Remember when we have chatted about the pros and cons of helmet communicators? This is the time that I alluded to when the communicators weren't all that enjoyable to have.<br /><br />I'm glad you are hyper aware of your six. People think I am crazy because I am too. But I don't think it is a bad thing. <br /><br />Do you have blinking brake lights for Max? Like the <a href="http://www.hyperlites.com/stdsf.html" rel="nofollow">Hyper-lite brake lights</a>? I highly recommend these things!<br /><br />Stay safe out there!<br /><br />-LoriBeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-11835824721162799342011-08-30T22:12:16.723-04:002011-08-30T22:12:16.723-04:00Hi Geoff!
Thanks a lot! That means so much to me...Hi Geoff!<br /><br />Thanks a lot! That means so much to me. I really wanted people to understand the situation. There was more...like the fact that I still had to ride my bike home without Oilburner. And the reel played over and over and over in my head for 3 days straight. But the incident itself was enough.<br /><br />So...elaborate...why do you use your mirrors so much more now? What has IAM taught you? Teach us!<br /><br />-LoriBeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-70928406562589523552011-08-30T22:09:04.485-04:002011-08-30T22:09:04.485-04:00Hi Nikos!
Eye do have eyes in the back of my helm...Hi Nikos!<br /><br />Eye do have eyes in the back of my helmet. They just don't see very well. Maybe they need glasses? (Just find any picture of the back of my helmet and you will see.)<br /><br />I like you bee simile. Good way of looking at it.<br /><br />Yeah. We've watch LWR. I can't believe Ewan was so calm talking with the stupid kid.<br /><br />Glad the crocs(tm) are ravishing the continent. :)<br /><br />-LoriBeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-3075123068386105662011-08-30T13:55:15.827-04:002011-08-30T13:55:15.827-04:00Hi Lori,
Started reading here thanks to a link o...Hi Lori,<br /> Started reading here thanks to a link on another blog. Good stuff here! I actually sent a link for you blog to a good friend of mine that is thinking about learing to ride. This will be some good info for her and something for her to keep in mind.<br /><br />BTW...I live just west of ATL by Hiram. and...how in the HELL could ANYONE not see a PURPLE HARLEY!! My good friend and riding partner rides an 883 Sportster too. Wrote up a really funny review of my ride on it for the FJR forum a few years ago.RayWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17459371870032874549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-84312885054868759102011-08-30T11:16:13.243-04:002011-08-30T11:16:13.243-04:00Steel Cupcake: I just couldn't imagine someth...<b>Steel Cupcake:</b> I just couldn't imagine something happening to someone I cared about, in front of my eyes and being powerless to do anything about it. I mean what could you do even if you caught up to the driver ? Your interpretation of these two incidents made me feel that I was right there inside your helmet, so graphic were your words but glad that you are both Okay<br /><br />bob<br /><a href="http://www.wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Riding the Wet Coast</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05258612401956399482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-78442896417719683442011-08-30T02:41:03.194-04:002011-08-30T02:41:03.194-04:00Lori: I have to agree with the others, one of the ...Lori: I have to agree with the others, one of the best blogs you have written. You described the emotions and feelings us bikers feel brillantly. Well done.Rogerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12048736059922578612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-28231510822753311382011-08-30T01:07:46.440-04:002011-08-30T01:07:46.440-04:00Agree with all the other comments, a great write u...Agree with all the other comments, a great write up of two very frightening events. I try to keep an eye on what's coming behind me due to experiences with hazards coming from the rear. <br /><br />Once on a bicycle on a mountain road with logging trucks, I saw a truck approaching from behind when a chain broke and a log came loose. I dived into the ditch as a small log brushed over me and my bike. (The driver did stop and come running back). Another time, a teenage rider in our group was hit in the back of the head by the mirror of a passing van. (The van didn't stop and sped away).RichardMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04773834892715980735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-86557833435541273372011-08-29T22:34:22.502-04:002011-08-29T22:34:22.502-04:00what a scary story. I am glad that the Oilburner g...what a scary story. I am glad that the Oilburner got away and you weren't clipped. Poor little Sporty. What an asshat! I try to keep an eye on the rear traffic but with so much stuff happening in front of you it is difficult, and best is to grow some eyes in the back of your head.<br />Gosh, all the thoughts that went through your head. I can only imagine how I would feel and react if this would happen while I ride with hubby. Shit. Fantastic write-up! Thank you so much.SonjaMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12389245948579828531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-9621387238147569692011-08-29T22:08:04.702-04:002011-08-29T22:08:04.702-04:00Lori,
A very well written piece. I've been wor...Lori,<br />A very well written piece. I've been working diligently for the last month on being aware of what's going on around me and I mean all around me -- all 360 degrees around me. <br /><br />I have two areas on my commute where while the street is only one lane each way, there is room for someone to pass on the right . . . and, some do. They are often far exceeding the speed limit as they do this. Talk about dangerous. It really gets my dander up. I can't race after them like you did, but of course, there is no need to. Why? Because at the next light there I am right behind them. They saved no time and created a deathly situation while doing it. The best I can hope for is that they will linger slightly before starting up when the light changes so I can beep my horn at them. Oh well, sometime childish is as childish does.Keith - Circle Bluehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11992667666539622569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-79254264102682945262011-08-29T20:40:57.357-04:002011-08-29T20:40:57.357-04:00Troubadour has taught me to be hyper aware of my s...Troubadour has taught me to be hyper aware of my six. It seems in this area there are always accidents that are rear-enders. We try to leave at least a car length in front of us when stopping to give a bit of a buffer zone and if stopped in construction I put Max's hazards on hoping it will help as well as pumping the brakes.<br /><br />All we can do is keep a constant lookout for the asshats out there not paying attention.Trobairitzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03453398807198746434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-29484640290180545342011-08-29T18:12:43.773-04:002011-08-29T18:12:43.773-04:00Lori,
That's one of the most beautifully-writt...Lori,<br />That's one of the most beautifully-written, powerful and honest bits of writing I've ever seen about an accident. I think most riders would have been there in spirit with you and Oilburner after having read that. I wish every rider could read it to experience the confusion and emotions following a shunt.<br /><br />It's only been since I've been doing my IAM training that I've started to use my mirrors almost continuously. Also, when coming up to stationary traffic, positioning yourself slightly to one side in case of a rear end shunt.<br /><br />Sincere congrats on your post - absolutely superb.Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2364903049017493756.post-60604116708321065952011-08-29T11:33:11.579-04:002011-08-29T11:33:11.579-04:00Lori
You need eyes in the back of your head and t...Lori<br /><br />You need eyes in the back of your head and the confident ability to use the accelleration and agility of the bike to keep out of harms way - just like a little bee buzzing around is how I envisage it.<br /><br />If you ever watched Charley and Ewan on Long way Around, it was not until Canada that Ewan was rear ended by some dozy 19 year old dring a SUV - so oil burner is in good company!<br /><br />Still enjoying the crocs(tm), NNikoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03119901226987582553noreply@blogger.com