MOTORCYCLE CRASHING
So what about motorcycle crashing?
Merely hoping or believing that one will never crash is not the answer.
Proper riding gear, rider training, as well as more and more motorcycle experience are fundamental keys to rider safety -- but will not prevent every potential opportunity for a motorcycle crash.
A TWIST OF THE WRIST
The best words I’ve read on the matter were written by Keith Code in A Twist of the Wrist. Chapter 15 is titled “How to Fall” and here are a few quotes:
“No one wants to fall down, but once you’ve done it and it comes out alright, falling isn’t as fearsome any more. Your best insurance against falling is not to resist it.”
“If you resist falling, you are more likely to fall.”
“Be willing to fall off.”
“You don’t have to want to, but being willing to is very different, and it has to do with your attitude about falling. If you ride a motorcycle – and especially if you race one – falling is an activity you’re likely to become involved with. It goes with the territory of riding.”
“You simply decide that you might fall off and accept that it can happen, at any time, anywhere. You have to look at it and say, ‘Okay, I can fall off one of these things. I might break a bone or have a hell of a slide, or I just might die doing it.’ All of these things can and do happen to motorcycle riders. So, get it out of the way by taking a look at it and then making your decision from there.”
Additionally, the book presents theory behind all this and offers some practical tips on what to do during and after a fall.
Would you believe the same chapter also presents how to practice falling (not while actually on a bike)? You may be surprised at how you can better prepare yourself for crashing a motorcycle with a friendly ending.
Hmmmmm…any chance you should do a little motorcycle crash planning?
RIDER SAFETY
Regardless, all of us can be better riders by reviewing the basics of rider safety, as riding safely at all times is the foundation of many years of motorcycle enjoyment. Be sure to order your "Motorcycles Only" reference card of "Motorcycle Safety Tips" to keep with you on your biking adventures.
Click Here For Motorcycle Safety Tips