I came across it as I was having a clean out and thought it may give the Forum something to talk about.
Hi Tim, A bit for your consideration. Not having been on the bike since September with probably another month before I am able to ride again (they keep cutting my stomach open to rearange things!) I will understand if you think it is a bit morbid
TO NEW BIKERS
Welcome to the world of the unseen.
Once you are on a moving motorcycle, you will be come unseen by all other road users. It is only when you are stopped that you will be come visible to most. This gives them the opportunity to question your contribution to noise pollution and other things - your mental state and your parentage for example. It also gives them to opportunity to hit you if you should be laying prone in the road.
Laying prone in the road is a position often taken up by motorcyclists. This is due to the basic instability of motorcycles. Rain tends to enhance the instability especially if accompanied by braking or changing direction - doing both at the same time can almost guarantee the prone position.
Many bikers, invest heavily in protective gear. What the manufacturers do not make clear is that the various bits of gear are very good at protecting itself. Apart from when they protect the rider from gravel rash - when the gear may well become scuffed. Most gear has the ability to transmit forces that shatter bones and rupture internal organs without showing any signs of impact damage. Helmets can brake necks or cause the brain to rattle about in the skull whilst showing little more than a bit of chipped paint. Boots have been seen to look in good condition, even when they have been found with a detached foot inside them.
I tend to agree with the long and expensive process of getting a motorcycle license. Not because it makes for better bikers, but it does tend to give people time to reflect and to put off all but the most determined.
There are millions of ‘ex bikers’ out there, who in simpler days gave biking a try but decided it was not for them - or they had the decision made for them. Parents, wives, girl/boy friends and even the neighbors tend to frown upon motorcycling as a method of transport - with good reason.
Death and crippling injury of a loved one, can not only be very upsetting it can also be very inconvenient. The inconvenience can linger long after they crying has stopped. For those without dependents, it need not be a great issue, but for those with dependents they are not only putting themselves at risk, they are also threatening the future of those who are dependent upon them. Be it aging parents or young children, suddenly having their ‘rock’ turn to sand can be very inconvenient. Whatever the cause the very fact that a motorcycle was involved automatically gives the event a tinge of ‘self infliction’.
In recent years we have seen quite a flux of what are called Born Again Bikers. I think this is great. It suggest that they took up biking when they were young with no responsibilities, gave up biking during their ‘responsible’ years and have returned now the kids are off hand and perhaps the mortgage paid.
Just remember that for every biker now on the road, their are thousands of ex bikers and even more ‘thought about it but decided not’ people who have made a different decision than you.
Proving them wrong will not be easy - now you are among the invisibles.
Good luck - but don’t rely upon it!
- don't worry about how long you will live 'cos worrying won't add a minute or a day to it!
and sorry to hear of your loss.
