“There comes a time, in everyone’s life, where you find yourself on the hard road. How you choose to leave is your choice.”
Maybe I’m the only biker who has made bad choices, foolish decisions, and stupid mistakes riding. Some might have been inevitable, but with the right experience, training, and attitude, many could have been avoided.Let’s face it, motorcycling is FUN, damn fun, really damn fun.Does the fun, culture, and freedom outweigh the risks? In my opinion, hell yes. But I’m not foolish enough to ride foolish either. If I ignore the lessons of other riders or my own gut, then it may be time for another visit to The School of Hard Knocks. Let class begin…
This section is for those who want to laugh (or learn from) my mistakes, and for those who want to contribute their own lessons too.
A Good Lesson – September 20, 2002
Never assume that the wind can’t blow your bike over. Yes, it’s true! It happened to me in the middle of nowhere. See the photo above and zoom in here.
Situation
I rode out to the Alberta Badlands and climbed the tallest hill for a panoramic shot with my bike. It was a very windy day, but I thought I could handle it. I got one great shot, and just as I lined up for another, I saw my bike falling over through the camera lens.
Problem
At first I laughed, then reality hit: I was in the middle of nowhere, with a 500lb+ bike on its side, dug into the dirt, and gas leaking from the cap. Not a good situation.
Solution
Thankfully, I had read up on how to properly lift a fallen bike. It wasn’t easy without engine guards, but after several attempts and keeping calm, I managed to lift it. Damage was minimal (a bent brake lever and broken turn signal), and I was able to fix the lever thanks to the proper tool kit I carried.
Moral of the Story
Learn how to lift your bike before you need to. Carry a proper tool kit so you can fix things in the middle of nowhere and get yourself home.
Hard Knocks Checklist
A universal pre-ride ritual to keep you safe, prepared, and in control, every single time.
