First Highway Ride

[drrhythm39]

I took my first interstate ride today from the Pocono's in Pa to NJ. I had rehersal with a band I'm doing a sit in gig for and we rehersed at my friend house.

I called him to find out what the weather was like, "52 and Sunny" GREAT all I have to do is get throught the 46 and cloudy for about 15 miles and I'll be fine. I Suited up (Full gear with added layers for warmth) and headed out. I must admitt that at first I was nervous. Not the "tense up and forget everything you were taught" nervous, but keep scaning and keep the speed in you comfort zone, nervous" The ride down was great! Sure I had wind and a couple of Tractor Trailors, but I drive those every day and I knew just how far to stay from them.

The ride back was grest untill one point. I was back in Pa on 80 west coming to the Bartonsville entrance ramp. And "what do I spy out of the corner of my eye?" You guessed it, some woman in a Benz SUV yacking on her cell phone while doing 50 (give or take) on the entrance ramp with no intention on slowing down to merge. And I KNEW she didn't see me at all.

Well defensive driving 101 took over. (thank god I drive a truck for a living. telling what drivers are going to do before they know really helps in this bike thing) Slow down (after flashing my break lights of course) and let the self-important twit in. Oh by the way, she nearly side-swiped the Hundi that was infront of me. Beside that, the interstate jaunt wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Can't wait to do it in Spring when it's not as cold. Just thought I would share. Thanks for reading.

[acritzer]

Sounds like you did the best thing possible. Scanned for problems and planned ahead. After just a few months of riding I've already learned to watch every car that even has the chance of entering my right of way. Most of the time, they either don't see you or think they can get out of your way.