I'm starting to get wussy

synaptyx · Crazy Courier Joined: 05 Jul 2004 Karma :

Therapy time:

This week I am mostly looking after my wee boy Nathan. His child minder is on holiday, so I took time off work to look after the wee lad. Because of this I won't be on the bike until next Monday.
Recently I've been reading about all the accidents, death, destruction and general mayhem inflicted upon us motorcyclists either by our own stupid selves, or by those crazy cagers. It's starting to freak me out. I haven't been on the bike since Friday and am getting freaky just thinking about it. Sometimes before I set off on a journey I have to tell myself to calm down. I've found I'm even avoiding using the bike in the evening, making the excuse to myself that it's too much hassle to get kitted up and just jump in the car instead. Lately, the thought winter riding has been plaguing me since I use the bike for the short commute to work. I don't want to give up and walk (which would probably be good for my health) because the bike would just end up sitting on the front path for 4 or 5 months, which can't be good for it. I don't have access to a garage.
Am I just going through one of those phases? Does anybody else feel the same? Should I just shut the hell up and get on with it? Your thoughts please. Group hugs are not compulsory, but are appreciated. Wink

tgabber · Crazy Courier Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

What might happen is at the back of my mind every time I go out for a ride, just before I get on the bike.

But then, to quote the book title I 'feel the fear and do it anyway'.

Once on the bike, all the negative stuff disappears with the pure joy and concentration of riding.
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"It's all about dislocating expectation"
Kawasaki KMX125 -> Aprilia RS125 -> Kawasaki ZZR600

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

I wouldn't read too much into it, you hear lots of other stuff in the news about people being hurt in accidents through lots of other situations which don't involve bikes. The car does give you a greater sense of safety but trust me that metal box around you isn't always helpful.

Maybe consisder doing a course with an advanced riding school to help give you more confidence and to help you be as safe as you can be.

dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

I always get a slight feeling of butterflies before getting on the bike and since the birth of my child I think about getting home to see him and being there to watch him grow up.

I also think it's a sign of age, you tend to worry more, play things over in your mind and reflect on things you never even thought about when you were younger.

It's not a bad thing though it can keep you alive. I enjoy riding my bike more than anything else I do so it's an acceptable risk, especially now I have a new found sense of mortality.

If you're worried about it be as safe as you can, go and do some advanced training and give yourself the confidence that comes with it. Thumbs Up

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

Congratulations, you've found you're normal Thumbs Up

You know you like riding the bike, how about doing an advanced riders course or something like IAM training? At least then you've done all you can to be a safe and effective rider.
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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? Very Happy

bazza · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Aug 2004 Karma :

You're not immortal. You probably thought you were, but as you grow up the realisation gradually seeps in that one day, all this will come to an end. Riding a bike is just one way of stacking the odds of that day arriving sooner than if you were collecting stamps instead.

I believe the correct thing to say at this point is traditionally "Meh..."

Thumbs Up

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"That's it. You people have stood in my way long enough. I'm going to clown college."
'98 Ducati 750SS, '08 Suzuki GSX650F ©2004-2014, Bazza's Harmless Banter