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When you hear about or know someone...

by Mary
(Texas)

...that has been in an accident, does it shake your confidence at all?

I got my license way back in march, and due to a lot of unforseen circumstances (all you moms know that our needs/wants come secondary to everyone else's) haven't gotten on a bike (besides the back of hubby's) since. Yesterday we finally found one for me and bought it. Honda Shadow 750, fits me very well, not too top heavy, I don't feel like i'm reaching for the grips, etc. But while we were doing that the group we usually ride with were out and one of them got into a pretty significant accident, busted ribs and punctured lung. Now I'm kinda having second thoughts...I know "accidents happen", but does anyone else think twice when they hear about them?

Comments for When you hear about or know someone...

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Dec 10, 2011

Breath
by: Deb

Mary, I started riding again this April after 20+ years of not riding.Since then two men I knew as very experienced riders have passed away due to bike accidents. Did it shake my confidence? Yes, especially as one had made plans with me to coach me over my retread insecurities the week he died.
I know that none of us get out of this world alive and I love riding so I haven't let it stop me. I just ask for one more day every time I gear up. Heck even caging it I ask for one more day (crazy TX drivers). Besides all that I now have two angel riders looking over me.
Yes hearing of accidents shakes you up, having it happen to someone you know even more but breathe, practice your skills and ask for just one more day.

Dec 07, 2011

Been there, Done that
by: Debby

I was in an accident on July 22 of this year. Spent a week in the hospital. Had elbow replacement surgery. Am still in physical therapy to get movement back in my arm. But yes I am riding again. Started on the back of my boyfriends bike. Have been out for 3 rides on my own now. Time to put it up for winter, but had to get back in the saddle before putting her up. Yes I think about it everytime I get on to ride. Still a little nervous, but nothing like I thought I would feel. If you truly love to ride, the joy will win out and you will keep riding. Release your fears. They only make you more error prone. And keep it on 2 wheels. Ride safe.

Oct 22, 2011

ehh.. what can u do?
by: Anonymous RE: Mary

it's reality. can't sugar coat it.

Oct 14, 2011

Nope
by: Shadow Rider

No not anymore. At first yes but after more time on the bike I am more confident with my ability to foresee and accident and avoid it. Will I ever have an accident? Maybe, but I'm not willing to give up riding over what might or might not happen.

Oct 12, 2011

Yes
by: Doxie

Yes, it makes me think twice. It keeps me aware and helps me to remember all the safety stuff I learned and need to continue to practice. Accidents happen and certainly we are vulnerable on our bikes but every one of us knew that when we started. We live our lives the way we choose and we choose to enjoy the motorcycle life! So carry on, be safe and enjoy!.

Doxie

Oct 11, 2011

Hey Annonymous...
by: Mary

...wow your stories DID NOT HELP whatsoever..THANKS for that!

Oct 11, 2011

yea it does
by: Anonymous

I've witnessed a hit and run, stupid cager who hit a motorcyclist that was at the stop light. She hit the motorcyclist from behind. I think when you hear of things, it's horrible and it shakes you, but actually seeing it unfold before you, makes shakes you to the core.

2 years ago, had a friend who got into a motorcycle accident, which was my friends fault! But he was in the ICU for a month, his chance of survival was little and even if he did make it, he'd be a vegetable. We flew to go see him, and when you saw him he was unrecognizable, head as huge as a medium sized watermelon. so crazy. Thank God, he is back, doing well, and like his old self.

My boss' wife recently witnessed another cager that took the life of a motorcyclist. Supposedly the motorcyclist got decapitated from that. That woman didn't see the motorcyclist, thats why this happened.

Even though there are lots of things that make me think 100X about why I ride, nothing can beat it that it is so fun! My fiance and I ride and because of all these stories, he wants me to give up riding.

Throughout all of this.

Oct 09, 2011

My accident
by: Dawn

Last Thursday I got into my own accident. Going for an MRI in the next few days but, as it stands, bumps, bruises and a really hurtin shoulder... My ego hurts even more, since I can honestly say that, for a change, it was operator error. I'm embarrassed, but when I'm healed and the minor damage to my bike is fixed, I'll get back up, wipe of my pride, and take her back out for another ride.

Don't let the hazards of life take away your pleasures in it. If it means enough to you to take the risk, do it. I'm working on grandkids. I'd like to see them grow up. But I'm not willing to give up what I love just because it comes with risks. Weigh yours. Keep the shiny side up and stay as safe as you can!

Oct 09, 2011

Yes!!!
by: Patkmay

YES...it shakes me up....but maybe we need those incidences to keep us more aware of what can happen and be more aware while riding and not let our guard down. You cannot avoid accidents if you are gonna live. I used to ride horses and run barrels. I had an accident that busted my knee up while barrel racing...but when healed up I started riding again. I had friends that were killed on horses. I'm sure we've all known someone that has been killed in a car accident . We can't let being afraid of an accident keep us from living life to the fullest. My motto on motorcycle riding is that nothing is going to happen to me that God doesnt allow to happen. If He puts me through it...He will bring me through it. When He's ready to take me I'm going whether I'm on my motorcycle or in my bed at home. Just be careful and smart and enjoy your new bike!!!!!

Oct 09, 2011

don't give up
by: Yvonne - NC

Congratulations on getting your bike. I have a Shadow 1100, just love it. Accidents do happen, I know, I was in one 2 1/2 yrs ago, crushed my left tibia and broke my right wrist. While recuperating I went out and got my Shadow, couldn't even sit on it. Had my husband try it out and told him if it doesn't work for me he could have, since his bike was an older one. I'm 61 yrs old and have put on about 4 or 5000 miles on that bike since having it. As I said, accidents will happen, just be careful and don't take silly risks. There's nothing like riding, so enjoy it to the fullest. And remember, keep the shiny side up:)

Oct 09, 2011

Yes accidents bother me
by: Anonymous

My husband's bike was totaled a few weeks ago when a lady pulled out in front of him and he had not place to go put straight into her at 40 mph. He was very lucky with little injuries but the accident has bothered me very much. We can't replace his bike and now that he can't ride beside me I have mine up for sale. I won't say that I don't ever want to ride again but I certainly don't want to if he can't be there beside me.

Oct 09, 2011

Accidents are just that
by: BMW Barbe Sydney

I had 2 accidents in my first year of riding. Both not my fault but it didn't matter as I was the one in the ambulance. Nothing major but a broken ankle as I wearing the full motorcycle gear - helmet, jacket, pants, boots and gloves worth every cent of the $3000 I paid to have the safest gear. Each year we go and do an advanced braking and cornering course just to make sure we are doing the right thing and being safe. Whilst you can take every precaution sometimes its just an accident and the only thing you can do, is to make it as little impact as possible. Don't give up your enjoyment for riding for the "just in case accident" Accidents just happen whether in the home, on the road, in a shopping centre or in the air. Just become a safer rider.

Oct 09, 2011

ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN
by: TINA MILLER

It does shake u up but it always reminds me that I have to be very aware of my surroundings when I am on my bike.....u have to watch because alot of others don't....but don't let it stop u from enjoying something u enjoy...drive carefully and not distracted.....ENJOY & CONGRATS!!!!

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