At the age of 39 I finally decided to scratch the itch I've had for a motorcycle, and recently bought a Y2K VFR as my first motorcycle. I absolutely love the bike, and despite it being only 42 degrees with blustery winds yesterday I decided I had to ride to work. :wheel: It's about 27 miles to Fort Campbell from my house, and I took Interstate 24. It was a chilly but uneventful ride until I tried to exit the E-way. As I approached the off-ramp and hit my right turn signal, I glanced in my mirror and noticed a car about 100m behind me signal, speed up, and move into the left lane. I thought, "OK, this guy knows I'm about to slow down and exit, and he probably just wants to pass me on the left." WRONG! After I am all the way off the interstate and on the off-ramp, this jacka$$ comes from my blind spot across the slanted lines and cuts in front of me at high speed, about 10 feet from my front wheel! :pissed: I hit the brakes, honked the horn, and gave him the one-finger salute (sort of a reflex action). I still can't believe anyone could be that reckless...what did he save...maybe 2 seconds in getting to the stop sign in front of me? Anyway, lesson learned: Assume that every cage on the street is trying to find creative ways to kill you, and never let them out of your sight!
AirCav, Mar 12 2005, 12:31 PMAnyway, lesson learned: Assume that every cage on the street is trying to find creative ways to kill you, and never let them out of your sight!
Yep, 100% true.
Well maybe not, but you do have to ride as if it were! <_<
Glad you learned the leason the easy way! :beer:
Welcome to the wonderful world of middle TN drivers. They don't care if you are in a car or on a bike, there goal is to run over you, back up and do it again. :pissed:
Yes the only way to survive on a bike is to think and know that every car you come across will do exactly what you don't expect them to do !
That's where the phrase Defensive driving come's from. You have to expect the car to do the unthinkable, wether it's because they don't see you or don't care. You have to have an escape plan for every situation and know where the holes and gaps are at all times, because you'll need them ! <_<
It's a constant job avoiding cages ! :pissed:
Welcome to the TN viffer's contingent ! :beer:
I find riding aggressively tends to limit the idiots. I try to stay out in front. That way you don't get surprised by someone sneaking up on you. I also speed up to get out of a cars blind spot, or pass semi's. I know the cops don't like my riding style, but I think it is a safer way to ride with all the crazies out there. Anywho, it works for me. JM2C
ULEWZ, Mar 12 2005, 10:57 AMI find riding aggressively tends to limit the idiots.
I see the wisdom in that advice. Seems like keeping the speed up (within reason) keeps you in control and reduces your exposure time in vulnerable positions. I plan to continue to be careful as my skills are building, but I like the approach. :thumbsup:
ULEWZ, Mar 12 2005, 07:57 AMI find riding aggressively tends to limit the idiots. I try to stay out in front. That way you don't get surprised by someone sneaking up on you. I also speed up to get out of a cars blind spot, or pass semi's. I know the cops don't like my riding style, but I think it is a safer way to ride with all the crazies out there. Anywho, it works for me. JM2C
I do likewise. Still you find idiots usually in sportscars or 4 wheel drive trucks showing their testosterone, or the no FEAR factor. :pissed:
vince
Out here in Ca as Lewis knows, they train our CHP motor officers to ride a little faster than the flow of traffic for the reasons you're speaking about.
These days you've got to be part psychologist in trying to analyze what your fellow commuters are going to do.
Glad you're O.K.
Its kinda different here in semi rual Oregon...you have the most trouble with 20/30 age bracket women in SUV's. In general folks are pretty cool, its not uncommon for someone to pull to the right and wave me by!!! :D I ALLWAYS wave back and motor by, mellow as I can. There is a definate difference in the way traffic responds to me depending if I am packing my soft gear and top bag. Pepole seem to be much more sival with the gear on. :thumbsup: I allways ride a little on the aggresive side and try not to hold a steady line for any amount of time :salesman: :salesman: :salesman:
richmerrill, Mar 12 2005, 09:44 AMIts kinda different here in semi rual Oregon...you have the most trouble with 20/30 age bracket women in SUV's. In general folks are pretty cool, its not uncommon for someone to pull to the right and wave me by!!! :D I ALLWAYS wave back and motor by, mellow as I can. There is a definate difference in the way traffic responds to me depending if I am packing my soft gear and top bag. Pepole seem to be much more sival with the gear on. :thumbsup: I allways ride a little on the aggresive side and try not to hold a steady line for any amount of time :salesman: :salesman: :salesman:
Sorry....I cant speel for PUD! I'll do gooder :unsure:
richmerrill, Mar 12 2005, 08:46 AMSorry....I cant speel for PUD! I'll do gooder :unsure:
I am sure Mrs H. could help with that. :D
vince
Blue Viffer, Mar 12 2005, 10:52 AMI am sure Mrs H. could help with that. :D
vince
I know you aren't referring to me as MRS? Since I'm not married I would be Ms. :lol:
ULEWZ, Mar 12 2005, 03:57 PMI find riding aggressively tends to limit the idiots. I try to stay out in front. That way you don't get surprised by someone sneaking up on you. I also speed up to get out of a cars blind spot, or pass semi's. I know the cops don't like my riding style, but I think it is a safer way to ride with all the crazies out there. Anywho, it works for me. JM2C
I totally agree, unfortunately my driving record can prove that... :(
I read a column a few months ago in Motorcyclist that was saying these things as well. Went on to say that riding faster than the flow of traffic, especially on the highway, helps you to stay alert and focused on the task at hand. Just droning along at 5 over in a pack of cars dulls you to what is going on. Even around town, I have to be getting to the front of the pack. I can't stand being surrounded by big, heavy, steel killing machines.
Another lesson you don't want to learn the hard way: never get between a car and an exit ramp, they will move right over into your lane as if you weren't there. When passing an exit ramp always speed up or slow down so if the car in the other lane suddenly concludes that is their exit, you won't become another statistic.
here's a good read for new riders
http://sportrider.com/ride/146_9508_skill/it has a lot of helpful information for riding in traffic.
glad to hear you didn't get hurt :thumbsup: