no one can control what others on the road might do
So true...
In 1976, at 17 years old, I was riding my Yamaha XT 500(dual-sport) and I approached an unregulated intersection in a quiet neighborhood.
I slowed to a stop, looked left-right-left...all clear.
I slowly entered the intersection and was creamed by a gal in a Mustang who appeared from my left at about 40 mph.
She lost her license.
I lost my spleen and almost my life. Piggyback transfusions in each arm and catheters in my nose and "bilge-pump" inserted by a lovely nurse not much older than me.:embarrased
When I was discharged 10 days later I'd also lost forty pounds and looked like an Auschwitz inmate. Skin & Bones, sunken cheeks. No football for Pete, not this season.
My beautiful bike was ruined too.
I decided then that road riding was too dangerous for my taste. I felt much safer racing through the forest on my next bike, a Yamaha YZ400. I actually clipped a deer with that bike and didn't even spill (another story).:roll:
Over the years my resolve weakened and I purchased several dual-sport bikes (like my '78 400 Enduro)
that I pretty much use to ride back-and-forth to local off-road areas like Jones Creek ORV area. Powerlines, trails, mountain vistas. Heavenly. I call it my treed cathedral.
Just a couple years ago two wonderful guys that I've known my whole life were riding on Hwy 14 down the Columbia River Gorge when a fellow in a pickup truck coming towards them decided to pass the semi he was following.
He either didn't see my friends or he misjudged distance/speed.
He sideswiped Doug who crashed his Harley into a ditch at 60 mph. He barely survived and still isn't the same.
He hit Steve's sidecar bike head on and we lost him. Steve's gone.
To all who ride I understand the allure and can't resist it myself, even with what I've experienced.
My only advice is to assume that everybody around you is going to do the stupidest, most unpredictable thing at precisely the worst possible moment. I always ride with that thought in mind.
Oh, and watch out for dogs that run into the road...and deer.
Sadly, that may not be enough to keep you safe but nothing in life is guaranteed.
Be careful out there. :wink: