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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Hi All /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1117666787 Message started by justlaura on 06/01/05 at 15:59:47 |
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Title: Hi All Post by justlaura on 06/01/05 at 15:59:47 hi...im almost 36 and just got my first bike last fall...i spent a good chunk of my young years (7-16) on the back of a bike with either my dad or my mom...at 10 my dad taught me to ride...first on the front lawn and then up and down the street...never even getting into 3rd gear...anyway...my dad got rid of his bike around the time i was 16...he took to the ocean for awhile but last summer he went out and got himself an intruder...a giant 1500 that made my heart smile...so after a ride or two with him i found myself at our local bike shop signing up for the msf classes much to my husbands dismay...the class was fantastic...i felt so empowered and free...3rd gear and all...anyway i passed the class and got my license and then proceeded to bug my husband for the cash to buy a bike...he relented and i went out and got myself a brand new s40...white...very sharp...couldn't wait to get out...i brought it home on a friday...rode around the neighborhood for about an hour...again another hour saturday...sunday morning i went out nice and early... i rode up and down my streets until i felt comfortable and then i was headed to a big parking lot that would be good practice space...i left my house at 7 am so i wouldn't run into much traffic...unfortunately i did just that...i ran into a truck sitting at a stop light....i was taking...or trying to take a really tight right hand turn and....well...in class they taught us to look into the turn and where you look is where you'll go....well...i guess i must have looked at the truck because i drove into the truck...i twisted and smashed up my leg pretty good...still trying to figure out why the bike jumped forward...my gloves stuck on the throttle a bit and i guess...anyway....i spent 2 months on crutches and had knee surgery over the winter...i have been really determined to not let this crash stop me from riding and couldn't wait for the spring to come...now it's here...and my bike sits in the shed waiting for me to come and start her up...i went out as a passenger with my dad a couple times and honestly the first time i was really nervous...it's better each time but i still haven't pulled betty out of the shed...i've been coming here and reading posts and getting some courage back and it's been nice to see other new riders and new women riders...anyone out there with words of encouragement and wisdom to offer?...i read about sam going off her street and it makes me itch to get out there...i think tomorrow if the sun shines i'll at least take her out and give her a bath... :) |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by steelers4ever on 06/01/05 at 16:06:23 just like a horse Laura...back up into the saddle and let her go!!! Good luck and don't push yourself more than you think you're ready for. |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Reelthing on 06/01/05 at 16:17:08 Is your dad close enough to ride with you a bit ? Your now a bit rusty like my better half - she took the MSF in March got the licn and didn't any until 2 weeks ago and had never riden really at all before the msf - I ask about your Dad because I ride with her for now - I'll lead or follow depending on what the conditions are like - sorta playing blocker so she can get comfortable with the bike and not worry with the unexpected - I think for sure you need to get back on it asap can't have the pearl bike just sittin' there! and have your Dad come ride around some with you - he'd love it. |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Suzuki_Sam on 06/01/05 at 18:30:02 Hey there Laura! I don't know if I'm one to give you advice yet but I can certainly dole out some encouragement! What happened with me (and my fear of motorcycles) - one day the fear just wasn't big enough to overcome the curiosity. And its been one foot in front of the other since. And don't let the accident take away any more of your power. You made it through it - bumps, bruises, crutches and all - and have emerged from it with all the more experience under your belt. I would repeat, though, what so many of the wise here have said to me......Once you do get back on the bike - stay in your comfort zone until you are sure to move to the next step. Good luck, maybe we can keep each other updated on our progress. |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by SavageDude on 06/01/05 at 18:53:19 Hi justlaura; Remember when you first ride your bicycle without training wheels! I bet you fell a couple of time before you had total control of it. Well, this is about the same but everyhing is happenning at a much faster rate; so S.E.E. (remember MSF class) Search,Evaluate way ahead of time, and Execute. This is what I do when I am not riding and want to pratice. I pretent that I am on the bike and about to do something(brake,swerve,turn or changing lane) and make-up a scenario what-if; then think of the thing think I would do to get out of that situation. Sound silly but it save my skin once. Here is my situation on the day I drove home: I was making left turn on a two-left-turn lanes. -I am on the right lane -Car on the left lane -We both turn at the same time -But I felt that the car is getting closer to me -Car from behind is coming fast -Car on left coming to my lane -Wide open space in front of me Decision: go forward Action: Swere to the right and accelerate Result: Did not get run over by mindless driver All this happen in 1 sec. on my third day of riding on new bike ??? Eventhough I've only riding for three months, I have encountered may hairy situations. But I learned the mistake and not let it happen again. Ride Safe SavageDude |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by red2k1 on 06/01/05 at 20:09:53 Hi Laura, Someone on this forum stated something like that there are only two kinds of cyclists, those who have had a crash and those who will. Well, you are past the crash part. From reading your post it is clear to me that you have what it takes to be a motorcyclist, desire for and passion to ride. I have been riding for more than 50 years and could list story after story, but I will simply say that I plan to be riding from now through eternity. Just let reason and focus be your guides and you will be fine. I suspect that there will be those that will tell you that you are crazy for riding (especially after an accident) - it is too dangerous. You know, they just do not understand and probably never will. So, just start riding again at your own pace and let it develop. Ride safe and long. |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Karen627 on 06/01/05 at 23:21:01 Hi Laura! I'm Karen. I write really long posts. ::) I'm also 36, got my first bike in February -- the white S40. I love that bike. ;D It sounds like you rode for a while and, overall, did pretty well. You were improving and getting more comfortable, and then you just made a newbie target-fixation mistake. Don't worry -- it happens. I'm sorry to hear it did so much damage -- I'm glad you're okay now. I'm trying to think why your bike would have jumped forward. Maybe a combination of things: perhaps you went to squeeze the front brake and, when pulling back on the brake lever, rolled on the throttle and lost your grip on the brake lever? If that's the case, just practice stops a little more and re-gain a feel for them. In fact, practice stuff from the MSF class anyway, to get it ingrained in muscle memory. That way, you'll be able to do it correctly without even thinking about it. Target fixation's a little trickier -- not looking at the thing you don't want to hit is really counterintuitive. What I find helps is, when I'm riding down the road and something catches my eye (say, a colorful mailbox or a road sign, anything I might be curious about but don't need to look at), I'll find a point ahead in my lane past whatever I'm curious about, focus on riding the bike through that point, and see if I can ignore the thing I want to look at. I do it a lot when I'm out riding (I'd say almost every few minutes, sometimes) -- I don't know if it's helped me re-train my instincts, or if it just serves as a conscious reminder to look where I want to go, but I think it works. (A couple of days after I started doing that, I turned right and pulled into a gas station. Turns out someone was pulling out at the same time, and I was close to a head-on collision. I didn't even think -- I just turned my head, looked through a space to the right of the car, and the bike went there like it was laser-guided.) The cool thing is, you thought about how the accident happened and you want to learn from it, rather than just panicking and selling the bike. So I don't know how much encouragement you need from anyone else -- I think you're going to ride again no matter what. ;) 8) (Of course, everyone here will be happy to encourage you anyway. ;D ) |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by sluggo on 06/02/05 at 00:59:50 red2k1 wrote:
just don't ride with them. one day will come the feeling that the machine is just an extension of your torso, it will be a day you will long remember. the day you know you are not crazy for engaging in a thrilling activitiy. |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by justlaura on 06/02/05 at 05:08:09 thanks to everyone who responded...i will get out there...when i'm ready....and i will only do what i'm comfortable doing...since i've crashed either people say "are you done with that now?" or tell me to get back on it...the first day out (my dad was riding it home and we stopped for coffee) i met a guy at dunkins donuts who said there are 2 kinds of bikers...ones who have been down...and ones who are going down and that does seem to be true...so i guess i've been down...when i was a kid we had a couple little incidents like my mom and i falling over in the gravel at old man in the mountain....my parents have been to the keys and back again and i know it's just in my blood to do this...i will when i'm ready and when i feel comfortable... someone wrote that i should not go outside my comfort zone and that's definately my intent...which is why i haven't really gone out with my dad...who only lives 2 blocks away....but i think he may not take it as easy as i'd like...and my husband too...they have high expectations and they make me nervous...my husband was the one who wanted nothing to do with motorcycles... i mean literally...i bugged him for years and years and finally last summer when my dad got his bike i couldn't stand it anymore and told steve i was gonna ride without him if he didn't want to...it was quite the issue between us really...but anyway...after i crashed steve had to bring the bike home...we still wonder how i managed to drive the minivan home with my leg all messed up but i guess adrenaline will take over in that kind of situation...so steve rode it home that morning...then again the next day to get an inspection sticker...then again so it wouldn't be wasted during the perfect riding month of october...then again and again...he came back each time later and later and with more and more smiles...finally one day after about 3 weeks he was gone over 2-3 hours and he came home so pumped up and excited and he decided he needed to get himself a bike...within a week he had himself a custom sportster 1200...very loud...so now he rides all the time and can't wait for me to be ready to join him....i'm just not sure i can count on his patience...but i do have him and my dad to go with me if i wanted...and lots of other friends that ride and want me to ride again...it's a good idea to have someone with me...when i'm ready... i think that target fixation you wrote about karen makes a bit of sense...it sounds strange but i kinda go thru the motions of riding just while i go for my walks or drive the kids to school....think about situations and how to handle them...i want to be careful and i want also to prove to all those nay sayers...like my in laws...that i'll be fine...i did get so much crap from a few people but they won't make me quit...i want more than anything to be out cruising around the beautiful roads we have here on the north shore of mass...it just needs to be when i'm ready...like i said...if the sun comes out today i think i may get her out and give her a bath and remind my heart why i love it so much... sorry about the long post...i guess karen and i have not only the same bike ;D but we like to write... thanks again for the encouragement....soon...very soon...even my 18 year old daughter is being so great and wants me to get back on it...i think she wants to learn herself now actually.... :o |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Paladin on 06/02/05 at 06:44:01 You're quite verbose, so I'll clip to: justlaura wrote:
I am a firm believer in Fate. You can avoid accidents, you cannot escape your destiny. It sounds to me like you had to have a disabling accident so that Steve would ride your Savage and get hooked on motorcycling. The silver lining in the cloud thing. As for the motorcycle going where you look: There is looking; and then there is looking around. You look where you are (want to be) going and this gets it's own mental channel. You also look around at the scenery, the traffic behind and around you, down side streets you are approaching. This looking around in done in quarter second snips and your attention and line of travel remains forward. In the event that there is clear sailing forward you can linger on the scenery for longer periods while holding the mental vision of the bike remaining on it's path. As Sluggo says, there comes a point where the motorcycle becomes as natural as walking. You go where you wish without thinking of the hows. |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by freerider23 on 06/02/05 at 06:53:01 laura, a friend of mine dumped her bike the first time out and that was it. she quit riding. everytime i go over there with my bike i can see how much she misses it. we talk all the time about what a mistake it was for her to quit riding. she doesnt have the money to buy a bike anymore, and she kicks herself for givin up. dont give up and when you feel like it, ride the heck out of that s40 |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by justlaura on 06/02/05 at 07:11:26 hi paladin... destiny/fate....that's for dang sure...that's exactly the way i've looked at this...everything happens for a reason...and if it took my getting broken to get him to ride and love it then it was worth it...he smiles more now and has that fire in him to live life and have fun doing it...all thanks to riding a motorcycle...which wouldn't have ever happened had i not crashed...funny how things work out...i know it's going to be a blast when i get back on it and we can go out together...he doesn't want to learn to carry a passenger mostly because he doesn't want me to get too used to being the passenger...he really is excited about biking together and it's been a real life changing thing for him... sounds so cliche' when people say everything happens for a reason...but i surely do believe it to be true... 8) |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by WD on 06/02/05 at 08:02:00 Laura, if I can get back on the scoot after two spine surgeries, you should be fine. It WILL be painful when you start back out, but your body will adapt. You and your daughter need to head for the high school parking lot. You to relearn the feel of the bike and how you do/don't need to adapt your riding style to compensate for your bum leg. Her to learn the basics. You're right, motorcycling is in the blood. Let her practice on your bike. Best times I've spent with my stepson were Scout outings and teaching him to ride on my highbar Savage custom. -WD |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by gazab44 on 06/02/05 at 10:19:43 Hello laura and welcome go for it , but in your own time. in my early twenties i ran into back of a car, resulting in 2 month in hospital,then 2 on crutchs and then another 4 re-cooparating. It took what seemed like months to regain my confidence, but slowly it came back. so take ya time and you'll be ok :) good luck |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Karen627 on 06/02/05 at 17:52:41 Paladin wrote:
That's exactly it. When I try to describe it to people, I end up saying things like "My brain splits -- part focuses one way, part focuses on something else" or something like that. And, of course, it makes no sense to anyone. ::) "Its own mental channel" describes it perfectly. |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by lordzamize on 06/03/05 at 05:12:03 Just to chime in... I went through the MSF Course here in MD and received my liscense in 2003. I saved my money, and in 2004 I bought a 97 Savage. I started out just practicing on the backroads around my apartment complex, until I felt comfortable enough to ride on the highway. Life was going great and I was having a blast. There were a few close calls along the way, but I always managed to avoid them, darn cages... Anyway, all of this changed though when I got hit by a car while stopped at a yield sign. The bike wasn't damaged that bad, just a torn saddle bag, but I was angry with the car driver, and that sort of set the self doubt in motion. A few weeks later I layed the bike down when i thought a car was going to roll through my turning lane, I had almost been hit the week before while starting my right turn, on the RIGHT HAND SIDE! After laying the bike down I worked on her to get her back in shape to ride, but I didn't ride much at all. My self doubt and lack of confidence in riding was too high. But, here it is, 2005, and I am riding again. I'm not riding as much as i was last year though. It might be because of the self doubt, might be because of life changes, but I can honestly say that when i got back on and went for a ride, I was smiling from ear to ear, and it only took about 5 seconds to get my balance back. I suppose the point I'm trying to make is that even though we've all gone through rough times on our bikes, it just takes a little courage, practice, and patience, and very soon we're back on the road, happy again. |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Greg_650 on 06/03/05 at 06:37:16 justlaura wrote:
It's a shame that your first crash was that serious. I've had some good ones myself, more than I can remember, but none that serious. Start with your last sentence. Go out and tinker and start bonding again. If you really want to ride, let your crash be another lesson. The MSF course only gives you the knowledge and basic skills to "learn to ride" safely. 20 supervised and controlled hours in a parking lot could never prepare anyone for all the possibilities on the open road....What did you learn from hitting the truck? What part of the "slow, look, lean, roll" sequence did you miss? You know, and now it is history...time to move on. Sounds like you have all the desire and knowledge to ride a bike, but you need some mentoring to help you gain confidence....which is probably why you froze and ran into the truck. It's kinda like the buddy system. You need somone to ride with you (not a passenger). In your MSF course you probably felt more relaxed because you could watch others and the instructors were watching you...but it's a different story riding solo in the real world and no amount of instruction or videos could ever teach all that....which is why they stress "looking ahead" to anticipate potential problems... Go back out, wax your bike, start the engine, walk/ride the bike around your yard...baby steps and practice will make you an experienced and competent rider. Go for it... |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Paula71 on 06/03/05 at 17:19:40 Hey Laura, I know how you feel. I got my pearl white a few weeks ago. Learned the hard way not to look at what you dont want to see up close. Riding along came to a tight curve, seen bicyclists at end of curve, got the picture? Well luckily they kept moving and I missed them, but I went straight off that curve onto the shoulder and down I went. Hit the ground at about 15 mph. Landed with a thud. Although I did not sustain injuries like you, pretty bruised up shins and road rash on the ole elbow, I was shakin the next time out. All the confidence I had before was gone, it was like I had never rode before. I started back practicing in the school parking lot, some slow weaves and circles, before I knew it I wanted 2nd gear. It took several times out before I was brave to go to far. It sounds like you are a rider for sure and everyone has given great advice. Take it slow, stay in your comfort zone, take a deep breath and I know you will be riding comfortable again soon. There is my book ;) Guess all these guys know us gals like to talk! |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Susan on 06/03/05 at 18:55:08 There's lots of good advice here. The only thing I will add is that it is very helpful to ride with someone else when you are learning. I would suggest sitting down with either your husband or father and explaining to them what you want. If they want to help they'll listen. When I learned my husband came with me. Our deal was that I went first and he followed. If I needed help or was struggling with something he was there but since I was always in front there was never any pressure to keep up or go faster than I wanted. Just some food for thought. Take care of yourself and let us know when you get back on! |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by RadarORiley on 06/03/05 at 19:48:18 Hi Laura, I think everyone dumps their bike, don't get discouraged. I've dumped mine and been dumped by expert riders. Keep practicing and don't be afraid to talk to other riders about what happened, and how to avoid a repeat. I think you'll find out that you will soon be back out there, and you'll be a better rider since you have your mandatory crash over with. By the way, I'm female, 62+ with 6 grandkids and still riding. |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Oklahoma_Mike on 06/03/05 at 20:38:12 Karen627 wrote:
Are you prone to shifting or braking in the corner. I only ask because you might be trying to do too much. I had a lot of problems starting out. I was over thinking the turns (too much thinking and not enough felling) I cured this problem in a large parking lot. I got use to turning through focusing on the target. Then started focusing on how the bike felt when following the same path. Now I can close my eyes and make almost any turn (I have never tried that but am sure I could do it) It is sometimes necessary to focus on a vehicle next to or behind you if you can’t feel you way through the turn you will be hard pressed to dodge the Vehicle if need be and hit all your marks. Now add braking or shifting to the equation and it is a lot to input. Another question when you are on the bike does it fit you like a custom Isotoner glove or like a mitten. To ride safely you must be comfortable. The more you are thinking about instead of learning the longer it will take to learn. Hope this helps now get out there and ride the wind!!! 8) 8) |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by justlaura on 06/04/05 at 05:23:28 thanks to so many for all the input... :) i can't tell you what part of slow, look, press and roll i missed....i was actually at a stop light...i think if the light was green and i could have gone thru it i would have made the turn without trouble...but i had to stop...so from a dead stop into a very tight right hand turn...and the bike seemed to me to lurch forward somehow when i started off...i tried to stop when i realized i wasn't turning and maybe when i tried to squeeze the brake i did roll on the throttle....it felt like my gloves grabbed it or something...i don't know...my husband says i didn't lean into the turn enough...(at all)...i guess that's what i need to learn from this crash....starting off going right into a really tight turn...i don't know... reading all the encouragement from everyone has been nice and i'm sure i'll get out there when i'm ready...whenever i talk about details or describe the crash it gets me all nervous all over again...i don't want to get on it and panic from bad memories so i'm waiting until i really feel ready... :-/ |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by diesel on 06/04/05 at 21:23:57 one of the most difficult manovures on two wheels is a tight right hander on a very steep uphill from a dead stop. adding a passenger makes it that much more difficult. takes lots of pratcice. |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by WD on 06/04/05 at 22:48:30 Nothing wrong with bouncing around the front yard...learning to ride is like learning to walk, it takes practice. I was down for over three years. It shows. Just take your time. You'll get there. -WD |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Greg_650 on 06/05/05 at 07:47:23 justlaura wrote:
Okay, sympathy time is over....you just plain goofed. You describe it like a slow motion movie, and often that is the way we play these things back through our thoughts, but you just blew it. Plain and simple, screwed up. So let's get on with the healing process now...no more feeling sorry for ourselves. You fell down, got hurt and you hurt your pride. End of story. Come on. Clean out those cobwebs. All that just sounds silly. You took the MSF course, and you also had to complete the skills test for doing that tight u-turn/figure 8. You will remember that at low speeds leaning is less of an issue while using a bit more body english is the trick. Let's be real, there isn't anything more or less complicated about a "very tight right hand turn". What was it really? A turn that you navigate in a car on a regular basis without even a second thought, right? But it is too tight for a bike? And you were already stopped? The bike didn't lurch forward. You made the bike lurch forward. You said, "I tried to stop, when I realized that I wasn't turning"....I love that one :D. AAHHhhhh.....crash....What was your clutch hand doing? Flapping in the air? Do you remember your MSF instruction about always keeping your hand on the clutch lever? That is so that you can always remove any forward power to the rear wheel. You were aimed straight at a truck and couldn't stop? Think about it. Even if the throttle was wide open, the clutch would have stopped you. You have a clutch lever, a brake lever, and a brake pedal.....if you had been controlling the bike the way the MSF course taught you, you would have stopped...or actually navigated the turn anyway. All this isn't intended to be humor at your expense....not intended to ridicule as much as to make you think. If you are going to ride that bike again, you are gonna have to kick yourself in the butt, admit that you screwed up, and get back on that bike with the attitude that you aren't gonna make that stupid mistake again.....you may make others, but you are done with this one, now. Go out and get a bunch of practice...baby steps. Practice those "very tight right hand turns" a whole lot before you go back out on that street....and Ride Safe. |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by justlaura on 06/05/05 at 10:57:12 thanks greg...i really appreciate your words...not... i have repeated my story here more than once because i was asked about the circumstances...the corner is not one i go thru in a car on a regular basis and frankly i don't want to defend what happened...your right...i screwed up...i did indeed have my hand on the clutch and tried to use it to bring me back into control but whatever...i am new at this...i was really enjoying hearing what advise everyone had to offer...i felt good being able to talk to others who may have understood...diesel (sp?) wrote that it is one of the hardest manuvers on two wheels...that sharp right turn from a stop and for about a day that made me feel better...until i read your nice comments...whether you intended or not it wasn't very nice and sure doesn't make me feel like hoping on and trying again...i spent the morning washing and waxing and was just coming in to write about it and got the pleasure of reading your message instead... i guess i'm too verbose and evidently seem to be looking for sympathy when in fact i came to this board to get myself pysched about riding again...to learn that i'm not alone in making a stupid mistake...maybe i thought someone out there could understand...maybe now i've just got my back up and feeling defensive but i really didn't expect to get blasted...thanks greg...i guess another mistake i made was coming to this forum to find friends and support...i'll have to learn from that as well... hope everyone has a safe riding season...thanks to those who had helpful comments...see ya! |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Greg_650 on 06/05/05 at 11:36:33 justlaura wrote:
Believe it or not, that IS support. When you have several years under your belt, you'll know that to be true. You have to look at it realistically. Yes, you got hurt, and yes, the bike got banged up, but you have to tough through it and get back on. Knowing where the screw up came from and how not to do it again is the key. And I speak as someone with his own share of roadrash.... I got hit by a car in a parking lot in 1967 on my first bike because I wasn't paying attention. I have screwed up and flipped end-over-end at highway speed because I was stupidly drinking a bottled coke. I have dropped a large tourer with my ex-spouse on board while doing a simple u-turn because I was drunker than snot. I have driven a motorcycle offroad and head first down into a sewer drain because I was show boating. I have driven a bike up and over a bike trailer and into the tow car because testosterone was at the controls. Even my Savage got a few blemishes 5 years ago because I was leaning as I went through a bunch of leaves on the road. In fact, I can't count the times that I've watched my bike rolling away without me for one reason or another. So therefore, I'm not answering you with anything more than serious committed and honest advice. And believe me, I do care if you get hurt. That is why I write what I write. If I didn't care, I wouldn't even respond. If you want to ride motorcycles, you have to be tough about every aspect of the sport. Pick yourself up, kick the tires, cuss a little, laugh a little and get back on. Only then will you be able to enjoy it and ride safely. Now, as for the entire Suzuki Savage forum...this isn't their fault. My wicked fingers are not representative of this great group. So, I apologise if I've created any false impressions. I am the only a$$hole, here. |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Oklahoma_Mike on 06/05/05 at 13:25:09 Greg_650 wrote:
That Greg is why I HATE >:( coke! Stupid joke I know, just trying to change the tempo of this post. 8)PEPSI 8) ALL THE WAY!!!! 8) |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Greg_650 on 06/05/05 at 13:35:23 Sheesh, some days I can't do nuttin' right? |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Savage_Rob on 06/05/05 at 16:40:10 Greg_650 wrote:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! NOT! In fact, I read your post and understood how you meant it and wondered at the possibility for misunderstanding on the other end of the conversation. However, I was unwilling to try to clarify something that hadn't yet been defined as unclear. Or maybe I was just gonna watch the show... but then I'd be another @ssh0le, wouldn't I? |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Bluejeanz on 06/05/05 at 19:07:42 Laura, I missed this post from the beginning, but I've read all the comments and replies and I'm caught up now. The second day I had my bike, I was making a right hand turn, out of a parking lot, uphill, from a dead stop, into traffic. And I dumped my bike. Basically, I held the front brake and twisted the throttle at the same time. What that did was cause the rear end to do a run-around on me and the bike went down with me under it. That was in September of last year. And my shoulder still wakes me up every night. BUT...I'm back on my bike and riding. And riding well. And riding far. And riding lots and lots and lots. And loving every minute of it. Don't let Greg get you down. He's a good guy and really can be very helpful. He's a guy though. They think and react differently than we do. He didn't mean to offend...(at least that's not the impression I have have). As for getting back out there, my husband is a newbie rider. He just started riding this week and I can tell you, if your husband and/or father care about you getting back on the bike and doing it right, they will ride with you and do it YOUR way. I've been out with my husband on two long trips this weekend. It was hard for him. He hasn't ever crashed, but he has a 25 year old son who lost his right leg from the knee down in a motorcycle accident. Riding is a major step for him and he is VERY nervous. BUT, I want him to ride, and therefore it has to be a positive experience for him. I let him ride at his own pace, even when that means slowing down for all the fun twisties and riding way out of our way just because he isn't comfortable with a certain situation yet (a hill, or a corner, or a traffic pattern). Your father or your husband should understand that and be willing to ride with you, letting you set the pace and choose the path. It will be good for both of you. I'm glad to hear you went out and washed the bike. Now sit on her and start it up. You don't have to go anywhere if you don't want...but give her a chance to talk to you. Pull the clutch. Rev the engine. Play with her. Get familiar again...it's like cousins at the family reunion who used to play together but haven't seen each other in a long time...there's a period of shyness, but soon, they are playing again like no time ever lapsed. You and your beautiful Pearl white baby will be the same way. Take your time, do only what you feel like, but get back out there. You owe it to yourself. AND...what I think Greg was hinting at was this... I know what I did wrong that day. I honestly evaluated the situation and went over and over in my head what I did, what I failed to do, and what I should have done. To this day, I think about my mistake every time I find myself in a similar situation. I won't ever make that mistake again. I turned the accident into a positive learning experience and moved on. Don't worry about what anybody else thinks, says, or believes about what really happened that day. Work with it in your own head until you KNOW what happened...then learn from it. Once you've honestly evaluated it, passed by the "I don't know's" and the "for some reason's" and realized exactly what mistake you made, you'll have a solid learning that you can file away and I can almost guarantee you won't ever do it again. Keep coming back for support. We're here for you and we want to hear about your progress. Hang in there chicky...! (Yes, it's official...all us females write long posts). |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Karen627 on 06/06/05 at 01:02:16 Whoa there. Wait a second -- come back! :-[ Seems to me what Greg was trying to do was a sort of boot camp motivational thing. (Greg, forgive me if I've misinterpreted.) Sort of like, "Okay, shut up and get back on that *%$!ing bike!" The idea, I guess, being to shock the fear out of you and make you... well, make you get back on that %#@!ing bike. Tough love, as it were. Of course, that approach isn't always effective -- the person using it risks making the person on the receiving end feel attacked. It depends on the frame of mind of the person who's asking to be motivated. I think I get what he was trying to say, but I can also understand why you wouldn't want to hear it quite that way. I'll admit, though, that saying, "right, get back on the $#@!ing bike" might be a good idea. A while back, I went over when I botched a U-turn in a cul-de-sac. I grazed the curb, and down went the bike, and me. Embarrassing and unnerving. I shut off the engine, stepped away from the bike and stood there stunned, thinking, "Uh... what do I do now?" Then I picked it up, and checked myself and the bike for damage -- no real damage to the bike, just a slightly bloodied elbow for me, but a lot of damage to my confidence. I got back on, started it back up, and went right ahead and... sat there. I thought about calling my husband to ride it back to the house for me -- hey, it was late, I was going to head home anyway. Then I thought, "Just ride the %$#!ing thing." Started riding, turned around, came back to the cul-de-sac, and did the freakin' U-turn again. And again, and again. Decided I wasn't going to end the ride with a mistake -- I would end it with overcoming the mistake. I wasn't going to go home all shaken and tense. Instead, I was able to go home, smile, hold up my elbow, and proudly say to my husband, "Hey, look, my first road rash!" I think that's the toughness Greg's talking about. Obviously your story is different in that more damage was done. But you sound like you really want to ride again, so you've already got in you the toughness Greg was trying to bring out. Ya know what? Even if it's just to mess with the friction zone a little bit or maybe do a little power walking in first gear, try taking a small first step towards conquering the fear. So just say, "$#@! it, I'm getting the $#@! back on." 8) :D (How's that, ladies? A long post, now with new and improved cartoon profanity!) ;D |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Greg_650 on 06/06/05 at 05:37:36 Good one.... ;D |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Susan on 06/06/05 at 12:38:32 The bottom line is there are lots of folks here happy to help including Greg_650. He is a great guy -- he helped coach me through a thing or two. Everyone here would get on their bike and head over to help you out if we could. So hang in there! |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by HawkEye1967 on 06/06/05 at 21:47:47 I myself have had my share of mishaps, the last one 4 years ago, broke 3 bones in my right arm and hand, I got up right away and was back on my bike, very easy to say Very Hard to do, just rember what got you on the bike in the first place, you had fun, keep it that way stay in your comfort zone until you are ready to leave, I don't post here very much but have rarley seen a mean comment from one rider to another, we all Live to Ride and Ride to Live, this forum cares, because we have been there ;) |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Red_Wine on 06/07/05 at 12:45:10 Laura, the only mistake I think Greg made was the tone of his comment, but all the ideas and suggestions behind it are as valuable as gold. If you felt attacked, I think Greg already apologized and claimed no offense intended. If can't excuse him for being a bit harsh sometimes, I do not understand how you can be married; all men are harsh sometimes. In this case, I feel he tried to do a "wake up" call on you, so you can identify your mistake, work over it, and not repeat it again. After all, he's just another Eastener who has become a Westerner, ;D KTRSD, RW |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Greg_650 on 06/08/05 at 05:19:02 Red_Wine wrote:
Actually, now I think I'm really an East-westerner... :D Geez, Laura didn't come back. Is she lurking and mad still? |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Savage_Rob on 06/08/05 at 05:37:05 Hopefully not. Maybe she's riding. |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by GITARZAN on 06/08/05 at 09:44:34 Oklahoma_Mike wrote:
7Up would be more appropriate. |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Red_Wine on 06/08/05 at 09:53:33 Savage_Rob wrote:
Hope so... and chilling out.... RW |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by PerrydaSavage on 06/08/05 at 14:27:58 Laura ... please come back ... this Message Forum truly is the very BEST bunch of people I've ever had the pleasure of being associated with in cyberspace ... in fact, even if I didn't Ride a Savage, I'd still hang here once and awhile ... this place is full of great advice (such as Greg gave in his own "unique" way), good laughs, easy (and sometimes thought provoking) conversation and super friends. Ohhh and Savage ownership just happens to be a bonus. Relax, take your time, climb back on the horse ... and Ride Safe ... and yes please come back; you are more than welcome here! |
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Title: Re: Hi All Post by Greg_650 on 06/09/05 at 19:54:01 Laura....Laura....You out there? Come back and play. Okay? We really aren't all a$$holes.... We really would like to participate with you on your next ride...... :D PS- read Sluggo's topic and I'll tell you about mine 8) |
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