+100 I think we can avoid majority of accidents from our own behavior. Yes, there are accidents that you have no control over. But we can do our part on riding safe to avoid what is avoidable.

 

your wife is special. fking smart woman.

 

Stories like these make me a bit nervous but the feeling dissapates shortly after, because I just love my bike... I consider myself a skilled and experienced rider and have never laid a bike down (fingers crossed). I do ride harder than I should from time to time but I'm usually alone on the road when I do. I've been riding with a buddy the last few months (Gixxer 1000) and he's a bit too wild sometimes. I've been caught in the moment sometimes but lately I've been telling him to calm down because he's going to get hurt. Would I stop riding if he does? I don't think so but I do feel responsible to look out for my friends (even if it's spotting cars and pointing out a dangerous crossing etc.)

The story about the biker who sped off, flinging the woman off the back is rediculous. I hope he got caught. I'm very calm and smooth when I ride with a pillion. You, and only you are responsible for her(/his) safety.

 

Thanks everyone... went for a ride after work last night. The feeling has definitely dissipated, I could not bring myself to even think of selling her anymore.

 

I don't know if I'm the only one, but I had something in my eye when I read Hangfire's post. If you know what I mean.

 

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Thats great man! Glad you got back on for a spin. The rule I live by is "Drive safe, but ride paranoid".

 

Weve all done stupid stuff on our bikes, if you say you never have youre full of it. Losing a fellow rider or friend sucks. i hope you didnt mean your comment in a derogatory way. Ive dealt with that too much to put up with it. The op knows it was wasnt smart to ride like that but someone losing their isnt funny especially if you know them. Im not tryin to callyou out im just saying i hope thats not what you were inferring since ive had to deal with that a few times.

 

i cant believe that girl was torn apart. what a terrible way to go, and it wasnt her fault. she had to die because of someones stupid choices.

if you have your own life in your hands, do with it as you please, but if theres someone else on the bike with you.......well now you are responsible for them, dont be stupid.

and as far as the original post, i think i would have to say that it would make me wonder and think about my family since i have 4 kids. but also knowing my self, i wouldnt stay of the bike for even one day. i do believe that things happen for a reason in your life, but i dont believe that they happen to make you stop doing something that you love. just to tell you to watch out for yourself.

 

That's quite a rule of thumb... Always expect everyone to pull out in front of you, come over on top of you and/or cut you off. Stay alert, stay alive!