Know a Motorcycle Rider?

**Dreadbelly** · 30th March 07, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by PaulX608

Man, if I had a nickel for every cigarette butt that's hit me, sheesh. I had seen this posted somewhere before , but it's always great to read it again. I just took my bike out of hibernation this week. Changed the oil, added some clutch fluid, and aired up the tires. With Spring springing everywhere now, keep an eye out for us. We're out there.

To share a quick relatable, I was riding on 236 in Fairfax VA a few years back, on my way to work. A woman in a minivan, talking on her phone, came over into my lane. The guy in front of me was slowing down for the red light ahead and the one behind me was closer than I like(normal for this area), and I had a curb to my left I couldn't get over safely. I was truly trapped. I laid on my horn and tried to brake without becoming a hood ornament, but she never even looked over. When I was almost out of room, I took my right boot and kicked her van square in the side. While I wouldn't recommend the move, it worked. I think that's the closest encounter I've ever had with a car, thank the Lord. Be careful out there and keep the rubber side down!

My sponsor (and friend) Jim, who saw me through some bad times, kept a little starter pistol loaded with a blank in a little holster on his handlebars. I never saw him use it, (rode with him a few times) but he said it had saved his life on more than one occasion when the horn failed and the cagers kept drifting.

I dunno if I'd want to take my hands off the bars personally in a bad situation.

**Fearnest** · 30th March 07, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by Dreadbelly

My sponsor (and friend) Jim, who saw me through some bad times, kept a little starter pistol loaded with a blank in a little holster on his handlebars. I never saw him use it, (rode with him a few times) but he said it had saved his life on more than one occasion when the horn failed and the cagers kept drifting.

I dunno if I'd want to take my hands off the bars personally in a bad situation.

I think that one falls SQUARELY into the realm of "KIDS, DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!" (OR on the road!)

**Dreadbelly** · 30th March 07, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by Fearnest

I think that one falls SQUARELY into the realm of "KIDS, DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!" (OR on the road!)

I think you're right!

It is right up there with kicking the side of the car as a drastic measure.

**Dirk Skene** · 30th March 07, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by Kiltedfirepiper

........I could have throttled the chick!!!

ps....I mean no disrespect to the ladies on here when I called her a chick.....

KFP

Trust me Dirka did not take it like that. All is well.

**Dirk Skene** · 30th March 07, 10:51 PM

Originally Posted by Dirka Skene

.....I posted a blog...He was killed yesterday.......

I did not hear from you much yesterday or today. Now I know why. O sweet Baby, I'm sorry.

**Kiltedfirepiper** · 31st March 07, 12:30 PM

Ive had to do the the kick the car thing once before ....little old lady nearly had a heart attack! bet she kept an eye out after that though

KFP

**McMurdo** · 31st March 07, 12:43 PM

Sorry for your loss Dirka

**Dirka Skene** · 31st March 07, 12:48 PM

Thank you all for your kind words. I know several bike riders and worry about every one of them when they're out. Riders don't get the same respect on the road as other motorists do. It's almost like they're not even there.

**niblock64** · 31st March 07, 03:16 PM

I am so sorry for you.
My husband commutes to work in Springfield VA, about 62 miles one way, on a Kawasaki KZ1200. Yes, he does it in part because of the cost of fuel. He has ridden for about 30 years from semi-pro road racing to dirt bikes. I wouldn't dream of trying to take away the pleasure he gets from riding. Every morning I hear it start up outside I say a prayer for his safety. He was involved in an accident in December totalling the car he was driving. Thank goodness he was in the car. We can and have replaced that....
My prayers are with you and the family.
Lisa N.

**AL-58** · 31st March 07, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by Dirka Skene

Thank you all for your kind words. I know several bike riders and worry about every one of them when they're out. Riders don't get the same respect on the road as other motorists do. It's almost like they're not even there.

I find it OK on the open road/highways. But when riding in urban areas/traffic I treat every car as if they are out to get me, ride defensively and never stay near car traffic if I can avoid it. Truck drivers are much more aware.

Al