Do you see yourself here?
It’s only May and we’re already seeing and hearing about a lot of motorcycle mistakes – by rookies and veterans alike. That’s why training, whether at a local dealership or a sanctioned instructional institute is critical. So, before you throw your leg over your machine and the body count starts adding up this year, don’t let these happen to you: (btw, these were compiled from a very creative writer at Brain Bucket)
The drifter: Rolling along, 60-ish mph, nice sunny day, wife on the back, about an hour out. And you look up and find a four-way stop right in your face. Whoops. Not paying attention, were we? Remember, everyone is out to get you. Including you.
The grafter. Thinks safety gear is uncool. Preferred helmet: Pudding bowl. Preferred outerwear: Black cotton T-shirt. Not worried at all about leaving large swaths of personal DNA ground into asphalt or concrete surfaces.
The rusher: So eager to ride that they forget to 1) fasten their helmet, 2) check their tire pressures, 3) inspect their bike, 4) pack a cellphone or a minimal tool kit, 5) clean their faceshield.
The crowder. Their tires are on the centerline. Some of these are rookies. But some are arrogant buttheads, riding side by side, feet splayed out on the highway bars, chaps flapping, making an ignorant statement about their “space.” Prediction: If even a subcompact car catches their overhanging cleated clodhopper, they won’t have a leg to stand on. The big mistake. They buy the dream. The Monster 1600 Heavy-Duty Rudy-Judy, with fringed Super-Size Saddlebags and One-Ton Chrome Package. They’ve never ridden, or haven’t in years. But they think they know how. A smaller, lighter bike would be safer. Cheaper. And a lot more fun.
The squid kid. Pimpled teenager, perched on the fastest sport bike on the planet. In flip-flops. With a modified exhaust and a shredded rear tire. Other accessories include someone’s daughter. Thinks wheelies, at redline, in traffic, near 100 mph, with her on board, are cool.
The paperless rider. No cycle endorsement. No insurance. No training. No problem! (No future.)
The hydrator. Cannot get past a bar. Any bar. Or several bars in a row. Goes in drunk and loud. Comes out drunker and louder. Dies drunk – and whimpering. Sometimes takes someone else with him.
See yourself in any of these? Unfortunately, I do. Which is why I’m checking everything twice before i head out on the road….especially my attitude.
