|
|
| Tips & Training Riders new and old can always learn. Share and experience ideas for making motorcycling safer and more enjoyable here! |
 |
| | LinkBack | Thread Tools |
09-22-2006, 01:50 PM
| #1 (permalink) |
| Kickstand Operator   Join Date: Dec 2005
Bike: 2006 Bandit 650S
Location: Strathroy, ON, Canada
Posts: 293
|  Daydreaming and Biking Just Don't Mix.....
I'm sure you've all been there....tooling along on a nice country road with fields of corn, swaying in the light breeze, on either side of you. The ribbon of asphalt unfolding before you has a few hills and dales and corners, just enough to make it interesting but not TOO much of a challenge for a leisurely ride. Your bike's mellow exhaust purrs contentedly in the background as you shift into sixth and left her fly! Your mind, perhaps in some sort of utopian bliss, has left the building when a farm tractor pulling an old trailer loaded with hay pulls our from a side lane pretty much right in front of you. It's still not a big problem as there is enough room between you and the trailer and your mind has half registered this slow-moving obstacle. Still, most of your limited grey matter is still harkening back to that last curve. You speed up to pass and that's when things get dicey. Once you are very close you realize the trailer DOES NOT HAVE ANY LIGHTS WHATSOEVER!! The tractor pulling it has signalled a left turn and his brake lights are on. You jam on the brakes as hard as you can and pray you can stop in time. Your bike wavers a bit but stops pretty true five feet behind the overfilled and illegal trailer. You take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Lesson learned: Keep your mind alert and your thoughts on the road in front of you at all times. It seems the one instant you are not 100% attentive something stupid jumps up to bite you on the a$$! jim |
