Rash of motorcycle accidents here lately

[VStarRider]

WJDuke mentioned that there have been several incidents in his area. Seems like we go through a rough stretch like this every so often, where several motorcycle fatalities occur in a short period of time.

https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2018/08/23/rochester-motorcycle-crashes/1071603002/

Three in the past three days, four in the month of August. Thing is, these accidents are mostly caused by the rider. One guy lost control and went into oncoming traffic; another rode into a parked van; another rode at high speed through a busy intersection and hit a car turning left; another couple of riders hit each other on an interstate earlier in the month.

[wjduke]

I would agree that most are rider error. To those guys, well, what can be said. They feel invincible. Others, maybe like myself, either damn lucky to be alive, or damn unlucky as a rider. I feel both for sure. I miss it, but, I'm getting too old to handle the injuries. There's usually a rash of incidents early in the season too. Just ride safely. The rest is out of your control.

[opas ride]

I try not to let accident thoughts get in my mind and always make an effort to ride extremely safe and watch other drivers as best I can...But the way some of the idiots I see riding bikes, they are playing with fate and possible serious injury...Most are sport bike and "crotch rocket" riders...JMHO

[seagravesg]

Recently had my first accident in 25+ years of riding. Topped hill in curve I had ridden many rimes before (rural TN road) and a truck was stopped waiting to turn left. I wasn't speeding...maybe 35, but had less than 30 yards to stop, hit the brakes and ditch and came away with broken thumb, various scrapes and bruises....and, totaled my '16 F6BD. Hitting truck rear would have been much more damaging. This was a true accident. No way to avoid. That's what worries me! While on the mend, another procedure on thumb next week, I wonder what my desire will be, when healed, to ride again. Extremely lucky but next time who knows. I really enjoy riding, nothing else compares. I'll add I am retired and in mid-60's. Pondering the future......time will tell if the itch returns.

[opas ride]

Recently had my first accident in 25+ years of riding. Topped hill in curve I had ridden many rimes before (rural TN road) and a truck was stopped waiting to turn left. I wasn't speeding...maybe 35, but had less than 30 yards to stop, hit the brakes and ditch and came away with broken thumb, various scrapes and bruises....and, totaled my '16 F6BD. Hitting truck rear would have been much more damaging. This was a true accident. No way to avoid. That's what worries me! While on the mend, another procedure on thumb next week, I wonder what my desire will be, when healed, to ride again. Extremely lucky but next time who knows. I really enjoy riding, nothing else compares. I'll add I am retired and in mid-60's. Pondering the future......time will tell if the itch returns.

Sometimes getting right back on a bike when your healed is the best therapy...I know it is a difficult time right now for you, but I hope all works out for the best whatever you decide...I am 78 and even though I don't ride as much as I used to, I still love getting out on the back roads and riding along, constantly looking to hopefully avoid any accidents...So far, so good....Regards

[53driver]

Sorry to hear about that seagraves!
I concur with Opas - time to heal and resume the living you've come to enjoy.
Of course, not much wrong with a Corvette convertible either to get the wind in your hair.....

Take care and heal fast!
Cheers,
Steve

[olegoat345]

Last weekend, about a mile from our home, a rider on a well paved, single lane, rural FL. road, decided to pass several cars on a sharp, blind curve, he ran head first into a on coming car & was killed. Never heard if he had a helmet on but in a head on, at passing speed, I doubt if a helmet would have helped much..... Note: I am a strong believer in wearing a helmet & never, ever ride without one BUT if you're a adult and don't wear one, that's your choice.

[Broken Hand]

I love to open the throttle, but never on blind curves or hills. I have to see my surroundings ahead of me. Period. Humans, animals, road hazards are on my top list of culprits!

[olegoat345]

I'll bet the rider got behind some slow poke going 20-30mph under the 55mph limit (lots of those around here) for mile after mile & said '"f--- this", down shifted & twisted the throttle...…....….and the rest is history.

[VStarRider]

I love to open the throttle, but never on blind curves or hills. I have to see my surroundings ahead of me. Period. Humans, animals, road hazards are on my top list of culprits!

Just had a reminder of this yesterday, while not completely paying attention. Coming down a hill with a nice curve, hello, there's a Nissan Pathfinder stopped, waiting to turn left. Had to get on the brakes pretty hard. I went home after that, realizing my focus was not as sharp as it needed to be.

[VStarRider]

I try not to let accident thoughts get in my mind and always make an effort to ride extremely safe and watch other drivers as best I can...But the way some of the idiots I see riding bikes, they are playing with fate and possible serious injury...Most are sport bike and "crotch rocket" riders...JMHO


Opas, you and I don't agree on everything, but I also find myself allowing thoughts of "what if" enter my mind while going down a road on two wheels. We can only ride as safe as we can, and most, not all, of the time that is the difference between and accident or close call, and a non-event.

All of the bikes cited in the article with perished riders were sport bikes. I think I would be tempted to hammer on it too, if I had one. They are so fast and handle so tight that it is hard to resist.

[wjduke]

Recently had my first accident in 25+ years of riding. Topped hill in curve I had ridden many rimes before (rural TN road) and a truck was stopped waiting to turn left. I wasn't speeding...maybe 35, but had less than 30 yards to stop, hit the brakes and ditch and came away with broken thumb, various scrapes and bruises....and, totaled my '16 F6BD. Hitting truck rear would have been much more damaging. This was a true accident. No way to avoid. That's what worries me! While on the mend, another procedure on thumb next week, I wonder what my desire will be, when healed, to ride again. Extremely lucky but next time who knows. I really enjoy riding, nothing else compares. I'll add I am retired and in mid-60's. Pondering the future......time will tell if the itch returns.
This is kind of where I'm at. Only that this was my second time. After the first, I was all gung ho to ride again. Not so much this time. I just turned 62, so that's part of it too. Just make the decision for you, not outside pressure.


Just had a reminder of this yesterday, while not completely paying attention. Coming down a hill with a nice curve, hello, there's a Nissan Pathfinder stopped, waiting to turn left. Had to get on the brakes pretty hard. I went home after that, realizing my focus was not as sharp as it needed to be.
I've done that. Saw a couple of close calls, been involved in a couple, said to myself, this isn't the day to be out.

[53driver]

The Art of Motorcycling is centered on proper, accurate, and continuous self-assessment and knowing when to take a break - either for a coffee and perhaps a change of underoos, or a slightly longer hiatus.
I'm very glad that our membership does this openly and is proud of it.
Well done by all of you.
Cheers,
Steve

[VStarRider]

The Art of Motorcycling is centered on proper, accurate, and continuous self-assessment and knowing when to take a break - either for a coffee and perhaps a change of underoos, or a slightly longer hiatus.
I'm very glad that our membership does this openly and is proud of it.
Well done by all of you.
Cheers,
Steve

There is no "like" button, but I would like to "like" this. Rest. Water. Coffee. Stretching. Go home if you aren't "feeling it". All good things when riding.

[Draxsr]

Agreed. Sometimes on longer rides I find myself 'drifting' or daydreaming. Gas stop time.

[taxfree4]

Especially if you're slowing down to a stop and some dingbat behind you is texting .

[wjduke]

Well, sad to say, I got a call this evening. Friends of a good friend of mine were killed in NH today. A husband and wife. I haven't heard details. They were from New Bedford, Ma. I suppose it'll be in the news tomorrow. This has been an awful riding season, personally. Heads on a swivel, don't divert your attention for one second.

[53driver]

Well, sad to say, I got a call this evening. Friends of a good friend of mine were killed in NH today. A husband and wife. I haven't heard details. They were from New Bedford, Ma. I suppose it'll be in the news tomorrow. This has been an awful riding season, personally. Heads on a swivel, don't divert your attention for one second.

Wayne,
My sincerest condolences to you and your friend.

All y'all be safe out there today and everyday.
Cheers,
Steve

[Cali261]

Well, sad to say, I got a call this evening. Friends of a good friend of mine were killed in NH today. A husband and wife. I haven't heard details. They were from New Bedford, Ma. I suppose it'll be in the news tomorrow. This has been an awful riding season, personally. Heads on a swivel, don't divert your attention for one second.


Too dangerous even for the police. Distracted drivers take their toll.


https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/motorcycles/riding-is-too-dangerous-police-motorcycle-unit-disbanded/ar-BBTTX3x?li=BBnbfcL

[wjduke]

Too dangerous even for the police. Distracted drivers take their toll.


https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/motorcycles/riding-is-too-dangerous-police-motorcycle-unit-disbanded/ar-BBTTX3x?li=BBnbfcL
I'm leaning towards riding again, it's what I love...however, there's a huge spot in my brain questioning that decision.

[53driver]

I'm leaning towards riding again, it's what I love...however, there's a huge spot in my brain questioning that decision.

Gotta do what you love - no regrets going to the grave - be it reading, riding, or 'rithmetic (for you "sports accounts" and "weekend statistics experts")
Call me sometime and let's chat about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Cheers,
Steve

[DMAGOLDRDR]

I'm leaning towards riding again, it's what I love...however, there's a huge spot in my brain questioning that decision.

It's not my place to sway you in either direction, so I'll just say that I hope to ride with you again.

If you will over look the fact that my F6B grew into a full Goldwing.

[wjduke]

Gotta do what you love - no regrets going to the grave - be it reading, riding, or 'rithmetic (for you "sports accounts" and "weekend statistics experts")
Call me sometime and let's chat about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Cheers,
Steve


It's not my place to sway you in either direction, so I'll just say that I hope to ride with you again.

If you will over look the fact that my F6B grew into a full Goldwing.

Well, I might go look at an F6B today. It's on Craigs list near me. 2016, white, 7,000 miles, and a good price. I'm not prepared to buy, but have a friend who might do something for me. I'm still out of work, so we'll see. Dan, I could go full wing also. I think you had it already last time we rode together. Saw a nice 2018 white at Bettencourt's, and looking at used. I'm pretty sure I'll be out there again.

[VStarRider]

I'm leaning towards riding again, it's what I love...however, there's a huge spot in my brain questioning that decision.


After my 2012 accident, I had the same doubts. Took the entire 2013 riding season off, bought another VStar 1100 in July 2014. Took my time getting back into it, only rode 2000 miles that year. I committed to staying away from traffic and riding quiet roads with good sight lines. Despite feelings of anxiety, I took a carefully selected route in September that was my first longer ride in years (100 miles). During this gradual re-entry into riding, I also spent time every ride doing low speed maneuvers, swerving, hard braking, and reading "Motorcycling Excellence", as well as watching videos and practicing those skills.

Everyone is different, this just happened to e a sequence that worked well for me, a gradual re-entry into motorcycling. I signed up for an Advanced Rider Course last year, but it got cancelled due to weather. I will try and take one this year and every other year, mainly for confidence. I had 12,000 miles of riding experience at the time of my accident, and 36,000 since I re-started and I can tell you there have been 2 or 3 incidents per riding season that I responded well to with my practice and learning that may not have ended well in my experience prior to my accident (I did not even know how to swerve!).

If you get back on the horse, I wish you the best. My advice, if asked, would be to consider a general "re-entry" plan to riding that creates riding situations where you will feel comfortable getting back into the groove...and just be patient.

Good luck.

[Ewreck]

My only MC accident in 40 years of riding was nearly fatal for both my wife and I in 2000. Drunk driver, 9th DUI who also killed a guy in 1980 driving drunk, swung left in front of us on a two lane road. I was on life support for 9 days and hospitalized for over 3 months. 9 surgeries and a year of rehab to get back on my feet and I never thought I wouldn't ride again. Took my wife a couple years before she got back on but we truly enjoy it. You can be the best rider on the planet but sometimes there's nothing you can do and if that day happens, your going to get hurt. Every aspect of life has risk and all you can do is try to minimize your exposure. I do worry about my son who rides and kinda wish he'd sell his bike as he is just starting a family.

[wjduke]

That bike will be in my friends garage soon. He gave us a price we couldn't refuse, $11,300. That was less than mine was worth. A year newer and mine had 42,000 miles. I need to get my crap together, but it looks like I'll be on the road this year. My family will have a fit, but I'll deal with it. I love riding and honestly, it's all I have. Thanks for the support.

[53driver]

That bike will be in my friends garage soon. He gave us a price we couldn't refuse, $11,300. That was less than mine was worth. A year newer and mine had 42,000 miles. I need to get my crap together, but it looks like I'll be on the road this year. My family will have a fit, but I'll deal with it. I love riding and honestly, it's all I have. Thanks for the support.

Congratulations!!!!!
Very happy for you!
Cheers,
Steve

[DMAGOLDRDR]

Good to hear Wayne,

Live to Ride, Ride to Live

[opas ride]

If the "idiot/stupid"law makers that are proposing a no speed limit on California highways ever becomes a reality, the motorcycle accident rate will "skyrocket".!!! Between "Pot heads" and drug users along with texting on cell phones, I am becoming more concerned about my safety on the roads.....JMHO

[wjduke]

I voted to make it legal here and I'm sorry I did. There are 2 stores now selling it and 10 more want to open. At my last job, a tire store, so many people came in stoned and reeking of that smell, that it made me sick. They drove in high to buy tires and that's a scary thought. Can only hope that the cops start to get tough on tracking these idiots down. I smelled it plenty on back roads riding too. I better shut up or I'll talk myself out of riding again!

[jm21ddd15]

If the "idiot/stupid"law makers that are proposing a no speed limit on California highways ever becomes a reality, the motorcycle accident rate will "skyrocket".!!! Between "Pot heads" and drug users along with texting on cell phones, I am becoming more concerned about my safety on the roads.....JMHO

Another reason to NOT ever go to California. Always wanted to see the Redwood forests, but, I guess I may cross that off the bucket list. Plenty of other cool places to ride.

[opas ride]

Another reason to NOT ever go to California. Always wanted to see the Redwood forests, but, I guess I may cross that off the bucket list. Plenty of other cool places to ride.

In my opinion California has become the "Shit Hole" state of America...I have a son who lives there in Northern Calif., otherwise I would never ever again visit this liberal, radical, and disgusting state of full of nonsense!!!!

[Ewreck]

In my opinion California has become the "Shit Hole" state of America...I have a son who lives there in Northern Calif., otherwise I would never ever again visit this liberal, radical, and disgusting state of full of nonsense!!!!
I fled Commiefornia in 2014 after living there for 45 years. My wife and I traveled for a year after leaving,hitting 35 states and there's not one that doesn't have a shithole or three in them. Get 30 miles away from any major city and things start to return to normal. My son also lives in NoCal, Petaluma to be exact and it's a great place to visit. The climate and abundance of different types of landscape make it an amazing place to explore and ride. I left because the financial/political views of the idiots running that state are now 180 degrees of my beliefs and I had the means to leave. Unfortunately my new state is currently being assimilated by the same disease that took CA over. Resistance is futile but I still enjoy the fight.

[opas ride]

I fled Commiefornia in 2014 after living there for 45 years. My wife and I traveled for a year after leaving,hitting 35 states and there's not one that doesn't have a shithole or three in them. Get 30 miles away from any major city and things start to return to normal. My son also lives in NoCal, Petaluma to be exact and it's a great place to visit. The climate and abundance of different types of landscape make it an amazing place to explore and ride. I left because the financial/political views of the idiots running that state are now 180 degrees of my beliefs and I had the means to leave. Unfortunately my new state is currently being assimilated by the same disease that took CA over. Resistance is futile but I still enjoy the fight.

Agree with you my friend...I was raised in Denver and lived there for over 20 years until I left for my current state...Colorado is slowing becoming another lousy place to live due to radical, left wing socialists, and "Pot heads"...I have family living near Boulder and they are really concerned about the area becoming another radical California!!!...I live in Michigan, which used to be a nice place, and still is , outside of the "Scum-Bag" Detroit area... Pot heads and radical, left wing socialists need to move to countries that practice this "Bullshit" and maybe then will understand why this "Crap" does not work!!!!...Regards

[Cali261]

Why worry when the world will "End" in 10 years?

[opas ride]

Why worry when the world will "End" in 10 years?

Put my faith in the good Lord my friend, and am fully aware He is still in charge!!!...All this "Worldly BS Crap" is just what it is "CRAP"....Regards

[Ewreck]

Why worry when the world will "End" in 10 years?

I thought I had 12 left. Damn better get busy.

[Cali261]

I thought I had 12 left. Damn better get busy.

Maybe 12, but I’m using Enron math!

[Ewreck]

Maybe 12, but I’m using Enron math!

The MENSA queen from NY said 12 so I was basing all my bucket list goals off of that. I did eat half as many hamburgers in February than my normal consumption and managed to kill a dozen or so of my neighbors cows with my new Tika 308 for the "cause". Hopefully that will zero out my carbon emissions whilst riding my bike this year unless I get into another accident. Then I'd have to go back over my numbers.

[VStarRider]

Does Opas get $1 each time he uses "quotes"?

[opas ride]

Does Opas get $1 each time he uses "quotes"?

If you have a problem with my posts and the way they are written my friend....Don't read them!!!...The world is full of smart asses.....Regards

[adventurous1]

Another reason to NOT ever go to California. Always wanted to see the Redwood forests, but, I guess I may cross that off the bucket list. Plenty of other cool places to ride.

July / August the ride up the coast from the Redwoods to WA is one beautiful region. PCH (Pacific Coast Hwy) from Morro Bay up to Carmel is friggen beautiful. Moving back to So Cal next month. I have a place there for 30 yrs, so monthly is dirty cheap. I'll put up with the other non-sense for as long as I can.