Just almost died

[buddhacide]

Well not really, but I just almost had a really bad day. I live in Toronto, and I've been putting off winterizing and storing my bike. So tomorrow's the big day and I needed to run out to Canadian Tire to buy a few things. On my way home I went to make a right hand turn off of a strreet that has street car tracks. Its raining out and my rear wheel got caught on one during the turn and lost ALL traction, jacknifing the rear end almost perpendicular to the road. I was thinking as this was happenning "You are going to seriously hurt yourself, and drop this bike" (would have been the first time). Miraculously I managed to pull out of it (seriously impressing a bystander, while almost crapping myself). I've realised I have been far to comfortable so far on this bike. This was a real wake up call.

Incidentally, I have also decided against buying a new Vulcan custom, and sticking with the classic instead. Handling IS everything.

[erbgottie]

def glad you came out on the + side and you're correct, handling is very important.

[TorontoBoy]

Wow, the weather's cr@p here and you're on your bike? It was hella windy here with 70kph winds and rain. The next couple of days might SNOW, so reconsider. Yea, streetcar tracks scare me. They're slick and edge traps. Good save though.

I figure we have only a couple of weeks max of riding weather in Toronto. With temps dipping below 0 overnight and hovering above 0 in the morning, I'll be forced to take the bus rather than risk a crash.

[zed]

Good save buddha!
Was that the Stockyards store on St Clair?
As for still riding, it'll be 7 and sunny on the weekend, I'll be out!

[TorontoBoy]

Ok, I'm depressed now. It's snowing outside...large flakes.

[ceemes]

Ok, I'm depressed now. It's snowing outside...large flakes.

And in Vancouver, the sun is shining, the palms are waving in the light breeze and girls are still strolling about in thong bikini's





























































believe that, then I have a bridge or two to sell ya.

[badinfluence63]

budddha,

Yowser! Good save!

Riding up this away is about over (New Hampshire) It rained all day, got caught in the rain for about 20-25 minutes, 30 degrees out. I'm done. Got up at 10PM to go to work and everything has a thin crust of ice. I'm done. Season over and what a shame. All the equipment I wear keeps me warm and cozy but what to do about two wheels and slippery conditions?

Not bad. Last day ridden...November 6th.

Heading way south to ride sidecar bike for another 2 weeks!

[buddhacide]

Yeah, Its sad to see the season go. I just want to make it to the storage place tonight in one piece.

For those locals who are curious it happened where Queen turns onto Jones in the east end. Of course I have to go back onto queen tonight to get where I need to be. I'm going to plot out some side streets me thinks.

[DustyJacket]

Good save.

Has your butt released its hold on your seat? I had a close call and I thought it was latched on forever.

[Bubba]

I've realised I have been far to comfortable so far on this bike. This was a real wake up call.

It's a shame that it usually takes something like this to wake people up.
Lets hope the mishap stays at the back of your mind when riding, but don't let it take away from your enjoyment.

Ride safe always!