Dead Biker Riding (Video)

237 thoughts on “Dead Biker Riding (Video)”

• Motorcycling is dangerous. I’ve been riding street bikes since 1970 and have lost a lot of biker friends. A good many of these could have been prevented. Alcohol and poor maintenance often contributed. Check your tire pressure and tires often. I take an advanced riders course ever two or three years and always learn something new, plus it keeps my insurance cost down. Decrease your changes of being rear-ended by making your scooter as visible from the rear as possible. When fulling up behind a vehicle at dusk flash you brakes so you don’t blend in with vehicle in front of you. If your the bread winner in your family invest in as much term life insurance as you can afford. I am also a big believer in helmets, I’ve had two wrecks in 40 years and in both my helmets were trashed but not my head. I also make it a habit to request a the assistance of my lord every time I get on my scooter

• Riding off and on for many years usually all year and all weather. Motorcycling is higher risk but then I accept that by having a sound reliable machine, doing more training and listening to other experienced riders.
  Read the road ahead to minimise the surprises and definitely no alchohol if going to be on two wheels.
  Effective body protection for wet and cold weather plus for an ‘off’.
  Above all full relaxed and comfortable whilst riding to maintain alertness.
  Biking is more arduous and onerous than 4 wheel driving but the enjoyment level is also greater and the price to pay for the increased risk.
  To All; enjoy your ride, life and keep safe.

• I’ve been riding since 1958, first cycle a Bonneville Triumph average 10,000 miles a yr. I’m more worried about a debilitating disease than a crash .Three friends lost on cycles, 17 from diseases, 9 from auto and truck crashes. Stay alert,stay away from alcohol…

• I still remember what my MSF instructor told us a long time ago. Put your gear on before you sit on the bike. It is a good time to get your head straight for the ride. I think about that every time I put my gloves on (the last piece of gear before mounting up).
  I remind myself to be alert and to treat the ride with respect. I don’t dwell on crashing but I remind myself that it is always a possibility. Then I take off and enjoy the ride…

• Eye contact used to be a pretty accurate indicator BUT in today’s distracted driving/texting world it is no longer reliable. Useful yes, reliable NO. Drivers look without seeing.
  I pay attention to the front wheel. It is the first indicator of a stopped drivers intentions. If the wheel moves or rolls something unpleasant may happen. I act, to prevent putting myself in a position of having to react, increasing my personal space cushion and making myself more visible. Reacting means I have failed to plan for all potential hazards and is a learning experience.

• I’ve stayed alive riding for 57 years by assuming every vehicle at every intersection (including driveways) is going to pull out in front of me unless I have made eye contact with the driver. Ditto in traffic. Assume the other driver is going to change lanes without seeing you and know how you are going to react. This is just automatic, not conscious thought that is preventing my enjoyment. This is the advice I gave my children and give to every new rider I meet.

  The only time I actually fear is when I’m between two semi’s on the freeway, especially in a construction zone where the lanes are uneven and intentionally narrow.

  I just assume, on average, 3 or 4 people are going to try to kill me today. It’s my job to anticipate them and avoid that happening.

• We need to be aware and conscious of possible accidents at all times, in fact we always need to be looking for the potential accident. The “what if” question is what we continually need to be asking ourselves whilst riding. (and driving in fact!)

• Defensive driving takes on a whole new meaning when riding a motorcycle or scooter. It means being aggressively defensive when riding. It means having a plan of action for any potential riding hazard and being prepared to act immediately. It does NOT mean messing with radios, GPS, lighting a butt, checking the girls/guys or cussing the phone user. Keep your head in the game of survival on the road. One lapse may be your last.

• One word, AWARNESS, always stay diligent about your surroundings. Never let your guard down. Hard to do when touring beautiful surroundings but still a must.
  Defensive Driving is a must. Sharpen your skills by taking a course in Defensive Driving.
  You can find courses on the web. Once you take a course either auto or motorcycle it will be in your head what to look for while riding. No it won’t change the Nut Job that goes thru the stop sign but may help you spot him before he crashes into you! “Take a Course! – It may save your life!”

• What Ted D. says is is good advice. The latest thing to erk me is no matter how fast your driving someone has to get by and in front of you. WISconsin up the highway speed limit to 70 mph. The signs still say 65 mph. I usually ride 70. On any day there are cars passing at 75 and up to 85mph. I SPED UP TO ONE YESTERDAY TO CK ,IT WAS A YOUNG GIRL ON THE PHONE , 88MPH. There is no state patrol on duty. They only seem int. in cars with flats or other problems. I’m 73 yrs.old been riding since 1958 and have taken every course including motor officer. Its all part of the breakdown in society in general.

• +1 @George McHale …
  That’s the most appropriate idea of safety … aggressive defensive riding. Well said !

• My 40 + years of commuting & pleasure riding on 19 different Bikes; starting in NY City & migrating to Northern NJ, Northern CT & now Northern VA, confirms that the dangers in the video & the comments are very real and that Aggressive Defensive Driving Skills Need to be developed, practiced and employed by every Biker who wants to keep the rubber side down & the shiney side up! We all have to out think & out wit the inattentive idiots who use cell phones, food consumption, makeup application, children or pets, alcohol or drugs, lack of sleep or pompous need to be 1st or “own” the left lane to endanger everyone else on the road.

  We also need to over anticipate and over perceive the deer bolting out of the woods, little furry animals on the road, gravel washouts, bad road surfaces, occasional oil or debris and In the winter, snow or ice patches in our path. My CE armor pads, deer whistles, bright extra lights fore & aft, MSF & rider skills courses, extra loud horns and Jardine headers only go so far; me & my bike need to be in good shape, well rested, alert and ready to react, NOT out of fear or timidness, but with a sense of confidence that the machine between my legs and I are a high performance survival team!

  I always assume the other driver or unwitting road hazard will do the unexpected thing (like backing into me when the light changes, running the stop sign or red light, merging too fast or too slow, braking unexpectedly, following too closely, turning across my ‘right of way’ or just plain being in the way on a dangerous road surface; all of which happened to me within the past 2 years) and it all requires me to out think & be ahead of their stupidity or pay with my bike or my body!

  So I still ride after 40 years of this “street warfare” and danger! Why? Because it keeps me young and both mentally and physically fit and it feels great to defeat the idiots! Otherwise we give the roads over to them! Let’s all unite and aggressively defensively drive better than the average “Joe” or “Jane” out there, keep our skills & fitness at their peak, and fight the needless carnage (which includes dissuading misguided bikers with open exhausts; those who drive under the influence, or who operate their crotch rockets at 20 or more MPH over posted limits).

  I hope my “Aggressive Defensive Driving” views make sense from a “Staying Alive” point of view; being timid or overly slow & cautious is NOT the answer, in my opinion!

• This is love of two wheels and sorry you are hurting! Life is memories and learning.Get up get out and get riding ……

• So the world crashes in 2008 and my beloved 1998 harley hugger must sit and wait for repair as i rescue dogs being left behind in foreclosed real estate. i raise a thousand dollars to restore my beloved harley with motorcycle mike. new gas line, clutch, tires, a wee bit of paint on the front forks and the whole nine yards. i work 12 hours a day, six days a week; therefore when motorcycle mike calls on a friday to tell me my hugger is restored, i hitch a ride to pick her up. The little voice inside is telling me ride the harley home and park her because i am a tired woman. But no a friend calls, who works out by motorcycle mike, and says, Hey bring your bike by so i can see how great it looks. i comply. Then I ask the fateful question: Did you let your dogs out today? Response; NO. i go by and let dogs out; then proceed home during fort lauderdale five o’clock on a friday rush hour traffic, amongst the goddamn texters. Coming over the turnpike overpass on Oakland Park, dangerous enough in a car, all brake lights come on in front of me and though i leave a distance for escape stupidly i lock up front and back brakes and immediately I am heading down on the pavement on the left side of my very luscious female flesh. As the bike slides thirty feet and my flesh on concrete slides fifteen feet, all i can think of is: I just gave motorcycle mike a thousand dollars to restore my beloved harley. Naturally all three lanes of cars come to a dead stop behind me as my personal and bike debris are spread over three lanes. First thought, always, can i stand? i do. I assess the situation, and motion to cars “give me a moment; and go for the important stuff: one, turn the bike off. Two: a brand new lipstick. three, the clutch mechanism which has snapped off; next, phone, rear view mirror; you get the pic. Now get bike upright. So, I go up to cars and state: I need a man. I can’t lift bike up. five foot two, eyes of blue, can’t pick up bike. A wonderful woman nods to her man, go help her. I know out of all the cars blocked because of me, there is a guy with a thought in his head, if she can’t pick it up, why is she riding?. Because the wind in my long hair is priceless. i digress. The man says with alarm, your arm? I respond, it is just road rash, you know blood and gravel, the arm still works. We get it upright and to side of road so cars may continue. I ride this bike home, or more likely it takes me home, once again. Handle bars are incredibly askew. Adrenalin is the only element allowing me to utilize broken off clutch after great effort into third gear. I ride home four miles and pull into driveway. Turn off bike and yell to Bob the neighbor a fellow biker, HELP. I ask Bob to look at my left side of body, for you see with 36 D’s, made by God, I can’t see if my left side is punctured. I know it hurts and is bleeding. He says, nice tits. I think you will survive but looks bruised. Friends, my advice is immediately hit shower while still in shock, so you can get gravel out of body. My inner organs hurt for days but being Irish-American, i never missed one day of work. Especially because it was another $600 to restore bike to working condition. Also, i had handle bars and clutch fixed immediately so i could get back on the iron-horse ASAP, when physically capable of riding. Took two months for me to gain the courage to ride back through the accident scene, which i highly recommend for purposes of psychic healing. i am still riding, and always will; though now, i always listen to that little voice: Go straight home girl.

• I was just bummed not to hear what the vet rider had to say. I am deaf and need subtitles to follow on what was being said. I hope that motorcycle-intelligence would keep in mind to add subtitles to future videos. Thanks for being motorcycle intelligence anyway. I like to read all about motorcycle intelligence!

• You are a most valuable relevant source for this forum!
  It is appreciated very much!

• In 54 yrs. of riding I’ve lost three friends to cycle accidents.Two alcohol related. BUT 26 TO CAR CRASHES,CANCER, HEART ATTACKS . Stay alert, the grim reaper is on his cell phone…

• As an EMT for several years I have been on scene in several motorcycle crashes, some people coming out of it with only a minor case of road rash, some with broken limbs or head trauma, and also some fatalities. As a rider for 50 years, it’s very sobering to witness these events but it has never discouraged me from riding. In fact, I think it has made me a safer rider to know what the conscequences could be for not being alert at all times. Yes, that still doesn’t guarantee anything but hey, I love life and I love riding and hey, my number will come up one day regardless.

• I guess tornadoes only strike those homes where the evil winds have been discussed. I have to leave now and find my bucket of sand

• ATGATT can not say it enough!
  Be awair of you surroundings at all times.
  Look ahead and try to think what that person in front of you is going to do….Ride you lane. Protect it.
  Enjoy your ride!

• I’m 65, have almost always owned a street bike, and am so defensive; I drive like the guy in the car I see is trying to kill me. I also reviewed my bike insurance policy. I have 500,000/per person liability and 500,000/per person UNINSURED MOTORIST coverage. The most common bike accident is “I didn’t see the bike” At least with this coverage I know that my per person limit is very high. I also carry a $1Million Umbrella policy with the same $1Million UNINSURED MOTORIST limit. Maybe because I have good insurance, I have never had a bike claim.

  Safe riding to all

• Wow – Good stuf to er, Practice Ken! Something I don’t do at all, and need to start!

• True words all!

  Keeping in mind, anything could happen to anyone. A few years ago one member of a group of guys I rode with a few times went down twice in one year, totaling two Goldwings. He is a senior instructor with MSF and has more skills in his pinky than most riders I know. He was riding briskly through the twisties near the Trinity Alps in NorCAL and came around a corner, hitting a rock that threw is bike off course and down steep embankments. Both times! He wasn’t hurt badly. Ego mostly, but the bikes were totaled and he needed new riding gear afterward. His helmets and full riding gear saved him both times.

  My point is, don’t take for granted the road on a blind curve is clear, just because you haven’t seen traffic or debris on the road yet. It could be around the next bend. Also, no matter how good you are, or think you are; stuff happens. Be ready.

  I’ve traveled with some groups who just go too fast for me, therefore, I stay to the back and let them go on ahead. Not that I can’t handle my Ultra, but because I’ve seen what happens when we get over confident. I’d rather enjoy the ride and get there safely, than become another statistic.

  We sometimes travel long distances with heavy loads, two up and with bags for two weeks travel and up. It’s like riding a pack mule. Keeping in mind the difference in riding characteristics with different payloads helps me to mentally prepare for each days ride, whether heavy load or not.

  All of the instructors I’ve worked with have said time and again, practice, practice, practice.

  How many of you can turn a MC of any size inside of a 20′ circle or less without putting your feet down and doing the duck walk? There are significant benefits to having low speed control of your MC, especially when having to avoid objects or other vehicles on short notice or in very slow conditions. Find a good program and practice.

  Two great instructors I know are Joe “Motorman” Palladino at “Ride Like a Pro” Tampa, Florida and Mark Paz at “Ride Like a Pro – West Coast” in LA, CA. If you’re anywhere near these guys, it is well worth the time and effort.

  You simply cannot have enough training or practice. Keep it safe and see you on the road!

  By the way, I’ve been riding since 1970 and still feel the need to practice, right now!

  Best to all,
  Ken

• Although I do not dwell on the fact that any ride could be my last, I always keep that fact in the back of my mind and I always say a prayer when getting on my ride. However, don’t ever mistake prayer with good common sense and riding skills. I take my riding seriously and since my wife rides two up with me, improving my skills makes for a better relationship (LOL). If you have been riding for any length of time at all, chances are you know someone, whether a close friend, colleague or friend of a friend, who has died as a result of a MC accident. I know that I have. In many to most of those cases the fault was not solely that of the rider but the fact that many cage drivers don’t pay enough attention to that which is around them and we need to always keep that in the front of our minds. Now that is not to say that we, as riders, don’t also on occasion make the same mistake, but when on two wheels in the open like we are, a very simple mistake can mean our next ride will be in Heaven One. Riding demands that we are the ones who must maintain a discipline of vigilance in how we ride and knowing what is around us, what our own skill level is and what our limitations are, and we all have limitations. We must maintain a sphere of distance that is safe to negotiate and permits us to anticipate that which may happen. Don’t ever let anyone, whether another driver, rider or even your own ego get in the way of your own safety!! If in doubt, think it out and be safe even if in the end you might look as being overly cautious to your friends and may take some ribbing for it. I read books about bettering my skills, I have taken physical rider courses for skills improvement even though I have been riding for a number of years and have thousands of miles under my wheels and behind me. Never be complacent and always respect the road, other drivers and most of all respect your skills and even more important your lack of skills! Ride YOUR type of ride that matches your skill level and not that of someone else. Remember that if you take the S (safety) from the word Skills you get kills and no one likes a dead rider! Be safe, continue your riding education no matter how good you are, or think you are, be aware of everything around you and keep a safe margin of distance to maneuver around or away from danger. and with the grace of God and Lady Luck, you will be enjoying riding for many years to come!

• Defensive driving is most critical since statistics show the vast majority of accidents are not caused by the biker. Agree…safety first. Live to ride….Ride to live.. I ride so much now that I’m retired that when I’m cooped up in a car, I gotta roll down a window for fresh air. I feel I’m in a fish bowl and can’t breathe. I use “Accuweather” a lot and helps to avoid bad weather for safer riding. I can ride in bad weather and have all the weather gear and am ready if I have to. I need to take safety riding courses like MSF and your article reminds me to.
  I’m 66 and want to NEVER stop learning.
  “Thanks” again!
  Old Timer Ted

• I think about it all the time when i am riding. It keeps me focussed. I think of a line off Dylan’s “Slow Train Coming” where he says, “you could die down here and be just another accident statistic” . Then again when i see the brake lights of cars up ahead, i think of a line off Grateful Dead’s, “Truckin”…. “trouble ahead, trouble behind”.
  I ride because i love it and i want to keep riding until i die. I want therefore to live to enjoy it so i take enourmous care with my bike, my gear, and my spirit. My senses are highly alert when i put my leg over the seat and i take full responsiblity for myself and my life on the road. I never go beyound my capabilities and i do lots of riding courses to learn more about the craft of riding motorcycles. Safety is paramount.

• There are risks in anything we do. Some activities have a higher risk than others. It’s the weight of enjoyment vs. the risk that I look at, and maximize the enjoyment by staying as alert and safe as possible while riding. The potential to get hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident is a reality that I must and do face every time I get on my motorcycle. With proper gear, training, and practice, the risk of an injury or fatality is reduced…the same way that the risk of getting hurt or killed in a mountain climbing accident, or a swimming accident, or even walking down stairs is reduced with proper use of safety equipment, good habits, and practice.

• Good tips from a safe veteran biker. “Thank you!!”

• I do not think much about “every ride could be my last”. I am always alert to what is going on around me, I never drink then get on the bike, I make sure I’ve had enough rest before riding, and even though I enjoy the hell out of all the beauty I encounter on my rides, I don’t let the sights take away my riding focus. I’ve ridden in all of the lower 48 states and every Canadian province from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, and I’ve had very few close calls. I attribute that to anticipating what everyone else is going to do, and then making sure I am not in front of them when they do it. Oh, and I don’t let any other bikers’ decisions on the road influence mine. They ride their way, I ride mine.

• To Mike and all unsure riders,I really believe some track training will really help your confidence how to safely negotiate cornering risks. Especially to not snap off throttle when in doubt. I’M 73 YRS. and its saved me before. Also theres a fella in our chapter who just hit 99 yrs.old. He just bought a Harley sidecar rig. He appears 78-80 but handles this superb..SAFE RIDING…

• In my first year of riding, I had two experiences that reminded me just how fleeting life can be. Fortunately, neither of these situations resulted in crashes, but realizing they could has helped me with my focus while riding and encouraged me to think defensively. Now that I have more miles under my wheels, I have incorporated the defensive strategies into my riding reflexively. It’s in the recesses of my mind that each ride could be my last, but I prefer to focus on the joy, freedom and sense of adventure I feel with each new journey. I also gear up and have taken all three levels of MSF training. One way I greatly reduce risk is by not trying to prove anything with my riding to anyone else. If riders I’m with want to speed, wheelie, or whatever, I let them do their thing, but I hang back and cruise. I would like to do some track days because I’d love to learn how to increase my lean angle and cornering skills.

• Yes, I totally get it and keep it in mind that more than any other activity I engage in, be it backcountry skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, hunting, sea kayaking – on a motorcycle, Death is my Wing Man. I started riding when I was 18 on a KH400, notoriously crappy handling for it’s very powerful for it’s size (at the time) two stroke triple engine. Looking back, I am amazed that I survived that period. I still love Sport Bikes, and the “Spirited” riding that they encourage. And I still occasionally make miscalculations, which thankfully have not resulted in injury or departure from the pavement. (knocking on my wooden noggin as I type) But they serve to remind me to watch my ch!t, and I thank the Lord above that they have been infrequent and that they make me strive to be a better rider and make them still more infrequent. But, if you’re Going For It, can you say that bad things will never happen? I don’t think so, and therein lies one’s personal weighing of risk.
  I am very fortunate that I live in a very rural. mountainous area, where one has to try real hard to run afoul of a cage. So for the most part, it’s all on me. I thank my lucky stars every day I’m alive, and every day that’s a Good Day For Riding. Like Today!

• Two years ago, @ the age of 56, I bought a Sportster, and took the Basic Rider Course. Even though my license now had it’s MC endorsement, I did not feel ready to ride the Interstate, nor even ride in town, w/ all the stop and go, and distracted drivers. I practiced on lonely back roads, w/ hardly any traffic. Found people willing to ride with me. Then started taking actual short rides, w/ an actual destination in mind. I remember the panic the 1st time I rode the ‘twisties’. LOL Then had a friend lead me for a few exits on the interstate, and then into town, Did that on a Sunday when there was not as much traffic. I took my time getting comfortable riding.
  Now, I have traded in that Sportster for a bigger bike, w/ a much bigger engine. I took my time again, getting used to this bigger bike. Now that I have the feel for it? I can comfortably ride anywhere.
  I am a very conservative rider, always keeping enough space around me, to give myself an escape route. Always watching in front, in back, and next to me. When I see an aggressive driver speeding up behind me? If possible, I change lanes, Let him keep on speeding to his next speeding ticket. If I see someone on my side, doing the same thing? I get ready for them to cut in front of me. Coming up on intersections? Eyes going a mile a minute, planning possible evasive action.
  Defensive driving/ riding is the same thing……. just assume everyone is a total idiot, who is determined to either crash in to you, or run you off the road. The only difference? The consequences are so much more severe when only on 2 wheels. It behooves us to be beyond diligent!
  That being said…… I plan on riding for as long as physically possible. I get way too much enjoyment on my bike, to ever consider giving it up! I am also a single parent to several special needs children. I am all that they have, and always plan on coming home to them. But, because of my riding? I am a much better, happier, and more relaxed parent. As I tell people? I NEED to ride! ;-D
  Ride safe everyone! Keep the shiny side up!

• I use very same philosophy when riding!! A big, “Thank you!”, for very good advice.

  Sudden moves can get me in trouble such as changing my mind suddenly to not miss a turn off or exit. I try most often to take my time and enjoy the ride and if I miss an exit, so be it. I’ll catch the next one.

  Also I’m mindful of catching my foot on something on takeoff or turning slow with my feet close to the ground. Foot or leg injury can occur on a curb or other object such as uneven highway shoulders or street pavement levels especially when getting back onto an unfamiliar highway or street. Even more precaution is needed when hauling a person making control harder if off balance.

• I’VE BEEN RIDING SINCE 1958 AND MOSTLY SPORT BIKES. I have to say they encourage more spirited riding, which can get you into trouble real quick. the last 12 yrs. have been on a Harley tourer and I’ve noticed car drivers seem to see the tri-light setup much better.Also the noise wakes them up.. I’ve been following the cell phone accident happenings closely and they need a national push for hands free use.In wisconsin of 384,000 registered cycles there were 23 fatalities Nine attributted to cell phones use by young people , Fellow riders,, scan the surroundings, Focus further down the road. And enjoy the ride.!!!

• I read a comment once that I try to keep in mind. Each time you get on your bike tell yourself that you could die out there today. Sounds morbid, but actually just kind of gets you to think about watching out for yourself. I read about crashes, good tips on good riding habits, use the defensive riding techniques and I think it helps me. I don’t feel afraid when I am riding at all, but I am very aware that the statistics are not good for motorcyclists. Will it make me stop? No, but I am not complacent, and to me that is a good thing.

• AFTERTHOUGHT! If you are not mentally into the ride, then by all means, call your portion of the ride off! Live to ride another day instead of pushing yourself when you KNOW that you are not mentally prepared for THE RIDE! One must be prepared for ANY circumstance! RIDE SAFE and leave yourself a wide margin of safety. The motorcycles abilities are in general much higher than YOUR ABILITY!

• Motorcycling is DANGEROUS-PERIOD! But then so are lot of other things we do daily. Think about crashing? Of course! Let it screw up my ride? NO! We educate ourselves and practice what we can for SAFETY, and then enjoy the ride! If I do crash, live or die, up until that moment, I have been having the time of my life for enjoyment! If I live and heal, I will ride again! If not, well, just bury me with my motorcycle and I promise not to come back and haunt anyone!
  By the way, I have been riding for over fifty years and still get the same thrill out of it that I did on my very first ride!

• “what you think about, you bring about.” i try not to think about crashing, but i do think a lot about riding safely, most of the time. i fully understand that there are two types of riders; those who have fallen and those who will. if you ride long enough, you will fall, one way or another. since i know i will fall, i hope it is a “minor fall,” one that i am able to walk away from.
  when i ride it’s with long pants, jacket with armor and a full face bright yellow helmet and gloves even when it’s 98 degrees out. my bike is a bmw 1100rt, which is big and stable with abs brakes. it’s a “relatively safe bike.”
  if i’m riding fast down the highway, and i think about falling and getting hurt, this thought causes me to get tense. instead, i think to myself, “if i fall, i’ll probably die, and i won’t feel a thing.” that helps me to relax and ride less tense/safer.

• Bad karma talking about crashes? NO definently not but treat as a learning experience keeping emotions and assigning blame out of conversations.
  Thoughts about getting killed in a crash? Of course but it concerns me more to be injured seriously and a parapalegic. Do not want to be a burden to my family or society. I have a Do Not Rescuitate (DNR) order with me at all times.
  I also wear full riding gear at all times, regardless of temperature, it can get to 110F in N. Central OK. No sense in tempting fate in case of a low speed tip-over.
  I am 70 years old, ridden for 54 years, been forced off the toad twice, nothing serious and ride about 15,000 miles a year on an 05 DL-650 and 09 XR-1200.

• There are lots of ways to die. The objective is to not facilitate any of them if possible and to always be aware of those who are. Be aware, Be prepared, and sometimes it’s just your number.

• James stated we need all the good publicity we can get totally agree! When the cage sees us before a left turn wave thanks and also when they pull over so we can pass! Living is riding be safe out there brothers and sisters.

• I will be 72 in march, I purchased a new Gold Wing F6B this year. I plan to ride as long as possible. I realize my reaction time increases with age and compensate for it. I belong to a veterans motorcycle group and a social club. This much involvement in riding allows ample opportunity to ride for charity and socialization. Yes I do think of the risks but don’t let this get between enjoying what time I have remaining. I have attended sanctioned training and still consider my self a intermediate. The day I stop riding is the day I will stop learning.

  Please ride safely, motorcyclists need all the good publicity we can get.

• You are absolutely correct! I just got back from a 100 mile round trip bike camp and those same thoughts are so ingrained that it’s automatically all the time. Tip! Never lose your focus! Don’t ride tired or anxious to get somewhere. Those 2 factors were close calls for me in the past. “Thanks” again for your insight. When you think you’re riding safely, ride safer.

• The best prevention is the rider attitude that everyone else on the road may do something stupid that can kill him/her. Constantly be alert for what cars are doing.
  My best tip/// always watch their front wheels, because that is where the car is going/ Do NOT expect any signals to warn you.
  YES, mc riding is more dangerous than being in a car. Life has risks, accept and defend.

• I do think about the risks – and agree that cell phones and texting have increasingly impacted my riding. I’ve stopped commuting on my bike, but still ride for general enjoyment frequently. I just found so many cars drifting lanes and running lights that it became too unsafe.
  I also don’t ride on important dates – like my wife’s birthday or our anniversary – as I don’t want to have one of those dates also be linked to some bad accident.

  I still smile every time I get on my bike – after riding since I was 8 years old, it is in my blood and is my favorite activity and hobby.

• Just completed a 3800 km ride from Niagara area to Gaspe/NewBrunswick/Ontario and more than half was in rain/fog situations. I leave lots of room when on highways and try not to speed when visibility is limited. Also wear high vis jackets and gloves and installed a red stobe light to my brake lights to ensure I am seen when braking. Plan on adding strobes for signals and something like Photon blasters for the front. Also have air horns for warning others. Other than blowing a rear tire on a Quebec freeway it was not too bad a trip other than some days with poor visibility and crappy camping.

• I’m staggered that using a cell phone will driving is legal in the USA. Then again I can’t imagine it being legal to drive without a crash hat.

  As for driving in the rain. I agree with the comment that it’s important to keep up with the traffic. Just keep more distance from the vehicle in front. A high-vis jacket is also worth considering in bad light. .

• Ted, Great to hear from another old-timer.

  My OLDEST pal from hight school days is 82 and hosts a large group of “senior” riders every Sunday and occasional weekday mornings, at which time in which we ride to a neighboring town in any direction to have a late breakfast, and then perhaps a leisurely ride to some other place of interest. A favorite is to one of the numerous regional small airports for a Sunday “fly-in” breakfast. Great fun!

  Your comments about drivers texting hits home as I see them and cell phone junkies every single day, despite NY State laws that prohibit this.

  My single best idea upon buying a new Moto Guzzi in 1974 was to install a set of LOUD air horns, attached under the fairing. They saved my neck within days of installing them, and have done so at least once or twice over the past 40 years. I still ride the same Guzzi, too.

  Meantime, stay alert, and God Bless.

  BBBob -9/22/13.

• I am 65 and still riding even more since retirement in May 2013. You are 80 and still biking! awesome! BIG DANGER – Car folks TEXTING or on the phone while driving is a very deadly mix and I try to have an “avenue of escape” . Example/ When possible, I stay in the right side lane when stopped for me to be able to dart out onto the shoulder if a car is coming up fast behind. If you’ve put it in neutral at a light to rest your hands, be mentally ready to very quickly put it back into 1st gear and bolt! I notice a lot of drivers of all ages using phones and texting and it is very disturbing and it ain’t goin’ away soon just like drinking and driving. I guess we have to meet a minimum quota of innocent victims, family members and children to get something like MAD and DUI laws. It’s not going to stop my riding and it’s like you said that we need be aware of risks!

  God bless all you sensible bikers and especially the tenured ones!

  Old Timer Ted
  9/21/13