The Fear Of Death

[tomkapsalis]

Now before anyone calls me gay or starts harrasing me it is a serious question.

Do any of you ever get scared when going out on your bike?

Or does your wife/husband/girlfriend/boyfriend ever tell you not to go riding because she's scared you might come off?
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Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death...

[Mister James]

I frequently get the willies these days (thought I'd stick with the gay theme) if I start thinking about my crash while I'm riding, or someone pulls out of a junction suddenly.

To be honest, being dead isn't a huge disincentive, but I've sampled being crippled, and I really didn't like it.
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>Soultrader Mister James, I bet you are a copper
>Bazza Wow. Eyes like a shithouse rat, you...

[Trixie]

TBH, there were times I used to have a horrid feeling of foreboding just before going out on the bike and I used to leave it at home. Dunno why, but would rather listen to my insticts. It could be a load of crap, but I don't want to find out!

I've had people worrying about me on the bike, which is nice but irritating at the same time. When I lived in the UK, I never used to worry about my ex until he rode ahead of me into work one day and I then came across a massive traffic jam on the same route, caused by a fatal road accident involving a bike and a car (he missed it by seconds apparently). I was shitting myself and worried about him from then on...bit silly I guess??

I don't worry so much about my current fella, and I think that's because I'm now living in the Isle of Man, where the drivers tend to be a little more bike aware. Also, he's out all day every day and I haven't got enough energy to worry that much!!! I must admit that if he's late home I do get worried sometimes

I think you'll always worry to a point about those you love, I guess it's a natural thing
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Dead nobodies in company cars...

[akaDAVE]

When I'm actually out on the bike I never think about dying or the consequences of crashing, I'm just focussing on avoiding an accident. But that is when the adrenaline is flowing and I'm having fun and it's all positive.
Sometimes away from the bike I can get a bit negative and start thinking about worst case scenarios and questioning the risks invovled. My main concern is for my family/girlfriend. this is usually when I'm tired and feeling weak.

To be honest i don't fear dying so much as being handicapped. Frankly that scares the shit out of me.
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GSXR600

[Itchy]

dying isn't a problem , 95% dying is,

however I have made arrangements that if I am in such a state I'll be sent to a clinic in Switzerland
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[Louise]

I do, now and then. My g/f dosnt like the fact I ride. Told me this is the last time im to ride to her for the winter. Train is only other option
I also have a son, and I dont want to be a criple when he is growing up.
But, I love biking so the thought dosnt stop me.

[Nb]

Im never scared of death when going out on my bike. I do however think about death almost every night once im in bed. WTF. Which is odd really since im only 25.
Perhaps ive seen too much jihad tv lately.
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Cbr1100xx blackbird gone, mk4 golf gt tdi chav now
Colin1 wrote 'Im grateful for what i can get, which isnt all that much.'
Columbus travel insurance are crap!! Do not use!

[map]

Whilst going into a corner too hot it's not the thought of dying but the embarrassment of coming off, being late, having to repair the bike and oh yes, might get hurt. In that order.

As said it's not dying as such but being seriously injured/crippled. Wondering how the bills will get paid.

BTW Death doesn't frighten me but Binky's breath really can stink
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[headlamp]

All the time - especially, now as it's dark on the commute home & the roads seem busier then ever. Consequently a journey that takes 25-30 minutes in the Summer now takes 35-45 minutes.
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Using a mobile phone while driving a car should be made a capital offence!

[Rawker]

i know, im probably going to die from a bike accident,
but i dont worry about it.

being a teeneager, i think lifes a bit shite, but i wouldnt go and cut myself over it,

if i die while riding i die whilst riding, it was ment to be.

wont try and kill myself but if it happens it happens,

would hate to be a cripple tho

[trevoriv]

Doesn't bother me at all, the prospect of forking out another £3k+ for a new bike however does give me the Fear!

[st3v3]

i really hate the thought of being 'crippled' some how in a biking accident, but the thought of dying personally doesn't worry me, it's the thought of the pain that affects your family/friends....
i would much rather be kiled without knowing, or instant to an accident etc, would hate to die slowly/know what is happening...
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Roger wrote: Women don't get damp for clingy puppies. Get some better happy pills, hit the gym & buy a medallion the size of a dinner plate. Job done

[Crash125]

I used to start shaking with fear when I first started riding (3years ago) I was fine until i put my gloves and helmet on then the shaking would start and wouldnt stop until half a mile or mile later. Now it doesnt bother me (after coming off the thing a good few times), if I die when I am out on my bike I know I will die with a smile on my face.
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*SV650s* 7th time lucky, finaly passed me DAS

[paulthewitt]

yeah to a point.

i dont get the shakes or anything, i just keep thinking i'm gonna come off. Normally when a car pulls up t a junction. Always me getting knocked off, or losing the front as hashappened previously. its got to the point where i am learning to drive a car. these things combined with a cars practicality makes it a no brainer now.

i would like to get bike for summer/trackdays when i have the money tho (so prolly never )

Paul

[sagalout]

Its almost a ritual for me when going out for a long ride.

As I put the gear on and say goodbye to the kids I nearly always wonder if its for the last time. I think like that till the engine fires up, I ease the bike out of the drive, adjust the mirrors then set off. As soon as I hit 2nd gear the thought is gone for the rest of the ride.

Never give it a 2nd thought when I'm going to work on it though.

[V2]

nah, fear is for the weak...

[king kong]

If your feeling that scared of dying then perhaps motorbiking is'nt for you. Any self doubt can only distract you from your roadcraft. As someone said before its 95% dying thats the killer.
Although I always tell my family that I love them every morning should anything happen.

[VTR SP1]

I worry a lot more since the kids arrived. It's the thought of them having to grow up without a dad and not being able to see them again.
Unless you have kids I don't think you can understand.

SP1
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I rode the Nurburgring backwards.

[crazymotorbik...]

I've never been scared of dying. I've always been more scared of been crippled.

The GF and my parents are always concerned about me going out on the bike. However my GF's regularly pillion and my dads a biker too so they know i don't ride like an idiot.

I've fallen of a few times and had a bit of nasty accident (Bastard Cyclist ) and over the years i've realised that im not invincible.

A bit of fear keeps you on your toes.

[JonB]

In addition to what VTR SP1 said, although I don't have kids of my own, being only 18. I hate that thought of leaving my parents deprived of a son whilst they still have 30+ years ahead of them, having to bury their own child. Scares me shitless.
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Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[Andy C]

The thought of dying used to scare me a lot but now i reallydont fear it anymore. However, your death would effect so many people causing them grief, which isnt good

I think crashing happens so quick that if you were in a fatal crash the pain would be very brief before you either die or blank out. I think burning to death would be much worse and far more pain.
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99 RS125 --> 02 SV650s --> 03 Speed Four --> 92 RXS100 --> 93 CB400sf --> 01 CB600f Hornet

[Reppyboyo]

I`ve never worried about death, let alone on a bike.
If its my time to die then its just my time to die.

I just hope Im going over 140MPH when I do it.

[buster]

I have days where I wot get on the bike, not often, but they do happen.

Once I'm on the bike I've got too much confidence (arrogance?) in my abilities and awareness of my personal limits to worry about dying.
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If beer is so bad for your brain cells, why does my brain let me drink so much?? Well????

[Barry_M2]

[Klause]

Fear death... Death should fear me.

Yes, mainly when bored commuting to work on the m25, I think about the people who would suffer if I was to die, this normally happens when filtering between traffic at high speeds .

Keeps you on your toes I say.
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Current bikes: 1960 Triumph 5ta x2, TTR600RE, KTM200EXC, Cagiva Elephant 900ie.