I have been riding a 50cc scooter for about ten years. Four months ago I decided to finally take the plunge and bought a 500cc bike. As I write this, I am nursing a huge purple bruise on my thigh and figuring out how much its going to cost to fix my bike.
I stopped too quickly on some wet pavement for a school bus with traffic lined up behind it and I locked up my back tire and down I went. Were it not for the attentive driver next to me who realized I was falling toward him I may have a lot more than a bruise. The day of the fall my ego was more bruised than my hip I kept trying to rationalize how this could have been my fault after riding a putt putt safely for so long. Once I recognized the silly taste of pride in my mouth I started thinking. Really thinking.
I couldn’t remember how fast I was going when I braked hard. I couldn’t remember when I first saw the school bus and the line of cars forming behind it. Did I alter my riding to account for the wet roads? So then I started wondering what else didn’t I do right? So out came Google. And I found your website. As I read I kept thinking how arrogant I was.
My gear has always been high grade and I never ride without it (hi-viz armor, boots, gloves, etc). While I feel good about that I am reminded that the best way to survive an accident is to not get into one in the first place. The rain prayer is now printed on the inside of my garage door for me to see as I mount up in the morning.
I am now satisfied that I have learned a very cheap lesson. Bikes can be fixed and bruises will mend. My kids and wife are happy that is all that needs to mend. I am however leaving a scratch on my mirror arm so that I never forget. Thanks for taking the time to write your website. It has helped this rider remember that the joy of riding comes with a price; never-ending vigilance. I have included a picture of my new mantra and hope that it brings a smile.