lets be SAFE out there

[cookiedough]

Way too many, near daily now, in our local news where a cyclist has been killed on the road whether cager's fault or cyclist doesn't matter.  Lets all be VERY aware of our surroundings.  If this little reminder saves one life, it is worth it.

http://www.channel3000.com/news/official-unsafe-lane-changes-cause-fatal-motorcycle-crash/33734572

Just 2 weeks ago I read on same news station a guy in my high school class haven't seen in 25 years in a nearby town got severely injured when sounded like he was not paying attention and rear ended a car that was stopping while he was still doing hwy. speeds. 

Reading all these local cyclist severe injuries or deaths near daily it seems like does make me a tad bit more thinking/more aware while riding my cycle. 

[Strider]

Thanks brother!  Agreed.  You know, of the 100+ Valkyries that went to Inzane, we had two hit deer and one hydroplaned and highsided.  Timbr and Chilli went down right before Inzane with a blown tire.  All experienced riders.  When I bought the grandson riding gear yesterday, that was the discussion I had with him.  I told him that I have no doubt about my riding skills and would do everything in my power to keep him from skidding down the road, but in case he did, I wanted him to be protected.  I explained to him that it wasnt me, but with only two wheels on the road, having a tire go out could be a problem and the biggies were deer/animals and cagers talking/texting on phones while driving.

The two lane roads I am thinking about taking him this weekend - last year, I took the Vstrom on a camping trip up on the same road and when I was nearing a curve, a truck pulling a trailer had the trailer come undone and it went sliding down the road with much "mits a sparkin".....I was able to come to a stop but I did have to check for soiling in the nether regions.  You just never know.

When I totaled Shadowfax going to Inzane 5, it was almost the same thing - topped a hill and mind was not on surroundings and there was a car with NO LIGHTS on stopping to turn into a driveway and by the time my mind focused on what was happening and that the car was doing 2 mph on a 70mph road, it was too late.

Stay aware!  Deer are nasty and unpredictable as are cagers who dont see us and are too busy checking on facebook than driving.  Thanks again brother!  Most here are experienced, safe drivers - we tend to be mid to later ages and most have been riding a long time - but even Valk riders, I have ridden behind a couple that were new to riding and did some maneuvers that scared me.  BE SAFE OUT THERE!

And as Smokin'Joe says on his pre ride briefings, with his throttle hand doing a back and forth motion, "I control my world, you control yours - ride your own ride!"

[Momz]

As an addendum to Striders advice: Try to ride with a buddy whenever possible.

[Oss]

we also had a rider in Idaho rear ended by a vehicle that left the scene

and one rider who had something hit his leg and then take out his rear tire (Oss)

as well as a rider lose a front tire due to OEM valve stem failure

Yes stay alert  !  Good on you for buying your grandson the right gear Warren

[solo1]

Good advice, all.

 I had many reasons for quitting riding after all those years but the primary one was watching out for PART TIME, IDIOTIC, SH**** drivers.  They are like squirrels and deer in their mentality.

My other reasons had to do with age and the associated crap that comes with it.

I do offer words of encouragement. These same mentioned above drivers do not discriminate!  They do the same for vehicles that do not meet their criteria (not considered dangerous to their well bring)

Evidently, there must be a certain level of mass that they pay attention to.   The Miata doesn't qualify.  Pull outs, left turns, tailgating, crowding, sudden lane changes into my lane,  I've seen all of that while driving the Miata.

These idiots don't drive LIKE they're nuts,.............They are!