bishop2072
Registered
Here is a story that proves a bad experience can create a good experience later on.
July 30th, 2008, I was riding my '06 Suzuki Katana 600 at night around the lake when I came up too quickly on a curve. I panicked, slammed on the back brakes...and realizing that I wasn't going to stop and with only about 5 feet of pavement left my brain kicked in and I stomped on the front brake (and I realize now that I should have used the front brake first). Once I left the pavement and went into the grass, the motorcycle (both brakes locked) acted like it was on ice. I ended up high siding it, slammed my head, and woke up about 15 minutes later as the ambulance crew was getting me ready to be transported. The bike was a total loss, but I had no significant injuries minus a big bruise, a concussion, and very damaged pride (proof that helmet and riding jacket are a must!!).
So what do I do? Heck, buy a 'busa!
This weekend I was riding with some of the guys around town, at night, and come up on yet another (different) curve. I went into the curve too close to the shoulder and realized I couldn't make it. Thoughts of July raced in my mind.
No brakes...I rode off the shoulder, calmly...and rode the grass...just concentrating on keeping the bike up. I did this for about 100 yards in a shallow ditch...slowed enough to safely get back on the road. Luckily it was a straight shot and no culverts or fences in the way...but I was looking out for them...ready to LOW side it if I had to.
The horrible experience of July really helped me this weekend and I feel like I'm a better rider. Even this weekend's experience has helped me understand the dynamics of riding in curves...especially at night...much better.
Moral of the story...if you crash or come close...learn and grow from it!
For those of you who live in Ponca City, you'll recognize this corner I'm sure...
Be safe, everyone!!
Bishop
July 30th, 2008, I was riding my '06 Suzuki Katana 600 at night around the lake when I came up too quickly on a curve. I panicked, slammed on the back brakes...and realizing that I wasn't going to stop and with only about 5 feet of pavement left my brain kicked in and I stomped on the front brake (and I realize now that I should have used the front brake first). Once I left the pavement and went into the grass, the motorcycle (both brakes locked) acted like it was on ice. I ended up high siding it, slammed my head, and woke up about 15 minutes later as the ambulance crew was getting me ready to be transported. The bike was a total loss, but I had no significant injuries minus a big bruise, a concussion, and very damaged pride (proof that helmet and riding jacket are a must!!).
So what do I do? Heck, buy a 'busa!
This weekend I was riding with some of the guys around town, at night, and come up on yet another (different) curve. I went into the curve too close to the shoulder and realized I couldn't make it. Thoughts of July raced in my mind.
No brakes...I rode off the shoulder, calmly...and rode the grass...just concentrating on keeping the bike up. I did this for about 100 yards in a shallow ditch...slowed enough to safely get back on the road. Luckily it was a straight shot and no culverts or fences in the way...but I was looking out for them...ready to LOW side it if I had to.
The horrible experience of July really helped me this weekend and I feel like I'm a better rider. Even this weekend's experience has helped me understand the dynamics of riding in curves...especially at night...much better.
Moral of the story...if you crash or come close...learn and grow from it!
For those of you who live in Ponca City, you'll recognize this corner I'm sure...
Be safe, everyone!!
Bishop