Who sometimes gets afraid...

[cb360]

Wow - that's an incredible story. talk about going into 'shock' - not sure I'd have had the presence of mind to make it home that quick. I'd have had to roll off the bike and lay in the road saying "WTF?" for a few minutes. glad you're still with us. lightning is scary.

[CNF2002]

I bought my bike outside of town and had to ride it home 75mph on a major highway for an hour...I was very nervous the first 15 minutes but I got used to it, although I had a death grip on the bars the entire way. First time I'd been on the road outside the parking lot during the MSF.

That got rid of my fear pretty quick!

[basshole]

I've been riding now for a month since I passed the MSF course and I no longer have any fear. That went away pretty quickly and turned to calm alertness. I try to focus real hard on whats going on around me and how it might impact my path of travel. I'm also becoming much more "unified" with my bike (2006 Suzuki C50) to wear I'm not looking at controls or focusing on how to shift. I do count out my gears to myself when I upshift and downshift and more so on the downshift. The less I have to think about my bike and what I'm doing on it, the more I can focus on my surroundings to make my ride safer and a more pleasureable experience!

[swatter555]

Fear is a good thing. Having a bit of fear keeps you from doing really stupid things. As far as fear of traffic, I still have some. Riding around on socal roads you quickly realize too many people are distracted while they drive. Most of my fear I experience occurs before I ride, after I get into the thick of everything that fear disappears.

I like to practice what I call "danger mitagation". In socal, if your a serious commuter your chances of getting into an accident are fairly high. If your a fearless (or just ignorant) squid, your chances are higher. So I do not commute, I plain and simple ride for the fun of it. I also know my limits and ride within them. I also like to get my riding in during non rush hour times. I certainly cant avoid heavy traffic all the time, but by being aware of when I going riding I reduce the chances/risks a little bit more. Just use several common sense measures, add them up and you have reduced your risks alot.

At the same time, you still could be taken out without warning. Manage your risks and you will likely be riding for a long, long time. Also, take into account that such risk avoidance methods might not be required where you live.

[CajunBass]

The only place I'm "uncomfortable" let's say, rather than "afraid" is on the interstate, and that's more because of the buffeting from the wake of the big rigs. The more seat time I get, the less that bothers me.

[dr_bar]

I think the best thing I do to reduce the chance of an accident is to always, and I mean always try to leave an out. Giving yourself an escape route is plain self preservation...

[shane-o]

I commute everyday on the bike, rain hail or shine, In fact I have spent so much time in congested traffic, I actually enjoy that kind of riding more than long rides on a high/freeway.

I have a small amount of fear tucked away when I jump on, but what I really think that is is a voice that helps me stay safe by respecting the fact that a minor accident at slow speed could remove my other leg or worse.

I agree with who ever said ya need a little bit of fear/respect, cause me thinks that the squids who leave this world early on a bike have usually gone way out of their skill set through lack of fear/respect for just how fragile life is on the road using a bike.


I fear my wife more than my bike

[m4lu6]

I've been riding my motorcycle (EX500) for the last month, and have put about 1,100 miles on it, mostly city driving.

I spend about 4 hours a day just cruising around, with no particular destination in mind.

Now, while I feel my confidence being nurtured and growing on these random rides, I do get a tinge of fear every once in a while. Sometimes, in heavy traffic, sometimes with very light traffic, surprisingly.

My reaction to any trepidation is to try and re-focus on the task at hand: Riding. Any mental distractions that might've crept into my head, are washed away.

Sometimes, I'll even pull off the road into a parking lot, and roll up a cigarette, or pull my cellphone out of my jacket, and make a call to someone, anything to "reset" my brain a little bit.

Slightly off-topic, but can also help in "eliminating the fear", for me, is to drive slower.

Result: I see more. I've noticed some restaurants and stores, and neighborhoods that I've never seen before, while driving my car, for example. Speed kills scenery, in my opinion. I wouldn't have found this kick-a55 Jamaican cafe if I hadn't been putting along at 35 mph. The speed limit was 35, and [most] cars were whipping by at 50, "just trying to get there". Me? I wasn't trying to get *anywhere*, up pops this Jamaican joint. MMMM. Curried goat for lunch!

[Wizzard]

As has been stated , always knowing where the holes are for any kind of exit per need is one of the most important aspects of any ride . And they change as traffic conditions change .
I really only have one major concern and it really doesn't affect me while riding . However in the twilight time between being awake and falling asleep and my mind wanders I sometimes worry about an event that might damage my scoot .
Regards, Wizzard

[Diamond]

I think one of the best ways to get comfortable with something initially is to arm yourself with some knowledge. So, I would recommend the motorcycle safety course if you haven't already taken it yet. You get knowledgeable experienced instructors and the opportunity to practice using their bikes. Also, like someone already said try to get as much practice as you can. I don't necessarily mean practicing with a group either, while that can be a lot of fun, if you are not with a particularly sensitive group you could find yourself being encouraged to ride beyond your skill level or comfort level just to keep up. And last but not least I like to pray before I leave on my bike that God will keep me safe from all hurt, harm or danger to myself or others. It works for me.