[cyphr]

I originally posted this over on yuppie since I know a lot of the members there ride. I know a few of us do over here as well and those who don't know people that do. A good read for all:

Hey guys, now that the nice weather is upon us and we're all riding please please remember to wear your gear. I know you've heard it a million times before but the number of severe motorcycle accidents I've been witnessing at work are driving that point home for me, as I hope this message will for you.

I recently met someone who was involved in an accident with a car. He was making a short trip to the store and only had on his helmet which happened to be one of those brain buckets. No jacket, regular shoes, etc. We arrived on scene and he was laying in a pool of blood. It was a narrow street and a car was weaving around a parked car and struck his motorcycle and foot. He immediately went down, the pavement tearing through his jeans and t-shirt like paper. Some of us have experienced road rash. It's painful, and even more so when your flesh needs to be debrided with a cheese grater to get out all those tiny pieces of gravel, sand, glass, what have you. What worse was the point of impact on his foot- there was nothing left but a ball of hamburger. He'll most likely survive, but will never walk again. Never able to play sports with his kids, even walk to his mailbox to fetch his mail without difficulty. And of course, will never ride again. He's one of the lucky ones.

For many of us, riding is the ultimate expression of freedom and is exactly what gravitates us toward it. In a moment it all can change. Whenever I ride, I always wear full gear. It may be hot, uncomfortable, and I may arrive to my destination covered in sweat. And I may look like a Power Ranger which never fails to attract a raised eyebrow. But to me, packing an extra set of clothes is nothing compared to the added safety of wearing my gear. Dress for the crash, not the ride.

Be safe out there,

Rob

yuppie thread

[xtreme328]

Thanks for Sharing Rob...

[jopa489]

Good announcement Rob. Drivers should be watching out for bikes too, and giving them some extra space on the roads.

[darkrom]

Good advice! Thanks for increasing my anxiety about riding around here...lol

Fuck I hate most MA drivers.

[TL]

dam that's why i feel a bit safer in my car.....also consider riding in a group if you can. most people notice groups more than individuals on the roads

[cyphr]

Originally Posted by jopa489

Good announcement Rob. Drivers should be watching out for bikes too, and giving them some extra space on the roads.

Originally Posted by TL

dam that's why i feel a bit safer in my car.....also consider riding in a group if you can. most people notice groups more than individuals on the roads

Excellent points. We actually had a call for a car vs. bicycle the same day. Thankfully everyone was OK in that situation.

Originally Posted by darkrom

Good advice! Thanks for increasing my anxiety about riding around here...lol

Fuck I hate most MA drivers.

Not trying to scare you- just a reminder to be vigilant out there!

[darkrom]

Oh and if you have a bike theres no reason not to get an obnoxiously loud exhaust At least you will be heard if not seen.

[dwells]

I've been on the fence bout picking up a cheaper used BMW bike just to learn how to ride and occasionally cruise around on during the summer. However, the thought of how much more bodily harm is involved versus a car accident at the same speed makes me a bit nervous.

[pnutty]

Be safe out there if your riding guys. Like rob said safety first.

[virtualbong]

Originally Posted by dwells

I've been on the fence bout picking up a cheaper used BMW bike just to learn how to ride and occasionally cruise around on during the summer. However, the thought of how much more bodily harm is involved versus a car accident at the same speed makes me a bit nervous.

I would take the 2 day Motorcycle Safety course and see if you like riding or not. This will build your confidence in riding (you do not want to go out on the streets unless you are confident with your skills) and also give you a license at the end of it if you pass the exam. Afterwards you will have a license if you ever decide to purchase a bike and start riding on the street.

There is nothing like riding man...just don't be one of those idiots that rides crazy on the streets.

[dwells]

Originally Posted by virtualbong

I would take the 2 day Motorcycle Safety course and see if you like riding or not. This will build your confidence in riding (you do not want to go out on the streets unless you are confident with your skills) and also give you a license at the end of it if you pass the exam. Afterwards you will have a license if you ever decide to purchase a bike and start riding on the street.

There is nothing like riding man...just don't be one of those idiots that rides crazy on the streets.

I really hadn't thought of doing a course like that, looks like they aren't terribly expensive either. Thanks for the suggestion, I may wind up doing just that before the summer ends.

[alex2112]

Originally Posted by virtualbong

I would take the 2 day Motorcycle Safety course and see if you like riding or not. This will build your confidence in riding (you do not want to go out on the streets unless you are confident with your skills) and also give you a license at the end of it if you pass the exam. Afterwards you will have a license if you ever decide to purchase a bike and start riding on the street.

There is nothing like riding man...just don't be one of those idiots that rides crazy on the streets.

+1

An MSF course is an absolute must for all new riders IMO. It gives you the tools you need to work on and become an overall better rider.

Be careful out there everyone!

[JeffL]

huge +1 to everything Rob said.

Had a friend go down on 128 a couple weeks ago at speed (faster than the limit) was able to walk away with 3 or 4 stitches. He was wearing all the correct gear one of his boots was worn down to the metal. Scary stuff.