[middleagecrisis]

On my way to work this morning I **** near took it up the ass! I was coming up to an intersection where I needed to turn right to get on the access road to the highway. Just as I am about to start the lean to turn right I hear tires squealing and I don’t see any cars so I know it must be coming from behind me. I don’t even look in my mirrors. I just hit the throttle as hard as I can. I was in first gear so that helped a ton. Once I realized I was in the clear I stopped because I needed to turn around to get back to my turn. The guy rolls up beside me, rolls his window down, and says, “That scared the f’n **** outta me!” He apologized a few times and asked if I was okay. I just told him it scared the f’n **** outta me too! I almost always check my mirrors before I decelerate to a speed that slow. For some reason I didn’t this morning. Thank GOD I heard his tires.

I’ve been wanting to get the scala rider to listen to music. Now I’m rethinking this. If I was listening to music I would have never heard the tires.

This is just a free reminder that I must check my mirrors EVERY time I come to a crawl or a stop.

 

[StrykerLiker1]

Good advice. I too need to do that.

The more we share, the safer we all will be.

 

[Skwerlee]

Sounds like you made the right spilt second decision and I'm glad everything worked out man! I’m not a fan of listening to music on bikes...I want to be able to hear EVERYTHING going on around me for reasons you just described.

 

[ROADKILL]

Had a buddy a few years ago that always had his stereo blasting...said it was cool...one day we're riding and I guess he was in some kinda zone...blew right through a red light and got T-boned...he didn't make it...I'm like a few others too much going on to be jamming to the sounds

Glad you came out alright

 

[dreadly]

This very discussion was had over at the Raider site - being in the correct gear to do EXACTLY what you were able to do.

I think it is a great post to share - because you were unharmed and had the wherewithall to hit the throttle!

 

[JRRKAR]

Another close call post! Like the others said, it's great to share the information so we all can learn, espeically when the overall outcome was favorable. As a rider, everyone needs to keep your guard up at all times. When you least expect something.....that's when it will get you.

Glad to hear you are OK!

 

[toby]

Had a buddy a few years ago that always had his stereo blasting...said it was cool...one day we're riding and I guess he was in some kinda zone...blew right through a red light and got T-boned...he didn't make it...I'm like a few others too much going on to be jamming to the sounds

Glad you came out alright

Yes I agree ROADKILL, We all buy these bikes to enjoy riding and to listen to the sounds that go along with it, engine noise etc. Save listening to music for when you can set and enjoy it and not put your life and others in danger.
And thanks midlife for sharing this with us and reminding us to ride safe. One of the important defensive riding skills a good rider develops is a keen sense hearing and the ability to react on that. The riding season is here and we are going to start hearing more stories like this. Lets pray they turn out as well as your experience did. Glad you are ok.

 

[UrbanRage]

Midlife = cat like reflexes... ;D

Good to hear you were able to keep your ability to react and get clear of danger. It is a tough to do to be able to stay focused during a times like that.

 

[Natedog]

That's one of the things they teach in the saftey course here. Everytime you stop, you should always do a quick shoulder check to look behind you.

 

[wes]

Glad no harm happened.


This is why I dont bother with music either. I enjoy the breeze, the sounds, and have to pay 100% attention on what is going on around me

 

[middleagecrisis]

That's one of the things they teach in the saftey course here. Everytime you stop, you should always do a quick shoulder check to look behind you.

This is what I do at traffic lights and stop signs:
1. Make sure I am lined up with one of the driver's side mirrors. Which one is determined by which side gives me the best "out" for a bad situation (i.e. A cager coming in on my rear too fast to stop in time).
2. I stop at least 3-4 car lengths from the front vehicle and once the vehicle behind me stops I roll forward a little to give me the extra space. If I am first in line at the light I stop 3-4 car lengths short of the line.
3. I stay in (1st) gear just in case I need to floor it.

In todays situation I just didn't consider someone rearending me because I wasn't stopping.

 

[galo8]

I'm glad everything wenr well midlife, looks like you too have a guardian angel at your side. Thanks for the riding tips and by the way I got the bell today and already installed it on the bike!