more encounters with LA drivers

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ninja79 · #1 Post by **ninja79** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 5:22 pm

This past sunday I was making a left turn, and some cager made a right turn at the same time. And of course he decided to make a wide turn and go into the left lane. I jammed the brake, stopped literally inches away from the car, and fell over cause I couldn't hold my balance. Couldn't get up by myself cause my foot was pinned under the bike (so it could have been pretty bad if I wasn't wearing boots). A guy from another cage helped me pick up the bike. I didn't notice any damage -- or rather the fairings are no more scratched up than they already were. The frame slider did its job.

What really pisses me off though is that the guy that caused this just took off.

5 minutes later some guy made a right turn from a driveway in front of me. I started breaking, locked the rear wheel so it actually fishtailed (the road had a curve), but managed to keep the shiny side up. I beeped at the guy and he got really rude. I caught up with the car at the next red light. It was crammed with 5 *ahem* big people. I said to the driver "watch where you're going a$$hole". He started berating me about how he was in the right lane and I was in the left. That's probably true, but it was hard to see since the street had a curve and he came out really suddenly that he scaredthe "poo poo" out of me. And, as I said, there was another a$$hole who made a wide turn in front of me 5 minutes ago.

I continued home wondering whether I'll hit a trifecta.

VermilionX · #2 Post by **VermilionX** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 5:25 pm

damn!

i've had some close calls but your experience here in LA is just plain bad.

anyway... glad you're ok.

weren't you contemplating whether you'll give up riding? if that was you then glad to see you didn't give up.

#3 Post by **blues2cruise** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 6:02 pm

You will learn to never make a move until you know for sure what the other guy is doing.
Never assume that because you each have a lane that the other person will go into his. Most often they don't.

ninja79 · #4 Post by **ninja79** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 6:27 pm

I don't know man. Couple more stunts like this and I'll get a cage.

It's hard to quit though. I'm addicted...

Kal · #5 Post by **Kal** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:18 pm

You just lettting off steam?

Slow it down a little and anticipate drivers doing dumb things in front of you.

Think about where you put yourself if the driver in front of you does something stupid, it won't make you invulnerable but will cut down on the amount of closecalls you get and improve your day to day tiding experience.

Anticipation comes with experience, so slow yourself down a little as you are gaining experience and never assume the other people around you have any idea of what they are doing or how it impacts you so play it safe.

I'm glad you're okay though.

Dragonhawk · #6 Post by **Dragonhawk** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 10:45 pm

Remember 2 of the most important rules of motorcycling.

#1 - You are COMPLETELY invisible and no one ever, ever, ever, ever sees you. Ever.

#2 - If they DO see you, they are out to kill you.

Always keep those rules in mind when riding in Los Angeles.

Mintbread · #7 Post by **Mintbread** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 11:31 pm

Dragonhawk wrote:
Always keep those rules in mind when riding in Los Angeles.

When riding regardless of the location.

I always get an immense sense of satisfaction when I am riding along, notice a potential hazard like a car pulling out in front of me, and taking evasive action prior to it happening.
I ride away calm, relaxed and safe in the knowledge that the car driver was in fact an idiot before they even managed to prove it to me.

Loonette · #8 Post by **Loonette** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 2:40 am

Dragonhawk wrote:Remember 2 of the most important rules of motorcycling.
#1 - You are COMPLETELY invisible and no one ever, ever, ever, ever sees you. Ever.
#2 - If they DO see you, they are out to kill you.

Too funny and too true!

Ninja - you just had a ride with the best kind of lesson provided for you - the type of lesson that didn't require you or your bike to become damaged in the process. What's been said is the absolute truth - always assume that you are not seen by others. And that's not to say that riders should be wearing the brightest clothing or helmet - you still won't be seen by the majority of cagers who are too busy gabbing on the phone, dropping food in their laps, fiddling with the radio or my absolute favorite, passing toys to tots in the back seat. Your most proactive and defensive riding skills are what will save your fanny time and time again.

Glad to hear that you weren't hurt. Hopefully the moron that took off is home wondering whether or not you're okay - if he even has a conscience.

Cheers,
Loonette

CNF2002 · #9 Post by **CNF2002** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 2:50 am

Its more likely he's telling everyone how he narrowly avoided colliding with a crazy biker who almost made him late for work.

rodzbike · #10 Post by **rodzbike** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 3:22 am

Glad you're ok. People can be such O-Rings!