I was on a two-lane narrow state highway, speed limit 50 mph.

I came up on a car going 40 mph. Had a clear line of sight and began a passing maneuver in 5th gear, rolling on the throttle moderately. I signaled began to overtake the car.

While next to the car I was passing in the oncoming lane, a saw a car pulling right out of a driveway on my side of the road, coming right at me, about 200 feet ahead. I was going about 55 at this point.

MCRider and other rider training stress to look where you want to go, then go there.

I also remember S.E.E. - See, Evaluate, Execute.

I said "uh oh", rolled on the throttle hard, looked in front of the car I was overtaking, pushed the right bar and leaned up and out to the right to execute the most secure, but quick, lane change as possible. The bike responded predictably, smoothly, and securely.

I have practiced this move at least a dozen times, but one never knows how they will react when presented with a scenario where you have to use it. I actually feel more confident now that those skills have been put to the test in a real situation.

This was my first close call of the year.