does anyone think about giving up biking

[jans1971]

does anyone think about giving up biking cause of the dangers. my instuctor was killed a few weeks back and my father in law has had 5 mates killed in the last 6 years. it makes me think alot about it but i get on my sv and i just love the buzz . anyone think the same

[tanis34]

nope i do worry sometimes but what the ell wen your times it's up

[northwind]

I never have. I thought I might when I did my leg in but somehow the closest I got was "Maybe I'll not be able to ride sportsbikes. Probably need to get a KTM"

We buried a friend of mine a while back, who was a passionate biker all his years, but was taken from us by a rare medical condition, caught too late to treat... He could have carefully banked his minutes and driven a volvo instead of a ridiculous streetfighter, and lived the life of a saint, and he'd still have died on the same day. And that just made me think, only some bikers end up having the worst happen to them, but almost all end up having their lives enriched by riding.

I completely understand why some people do hang up their helmets... At the end of the day, everyone should make their own decision, it'll be right for them even if it was wrong for me.

[Blue_SV650S]

Yep, think about it quite often.

I don't ride much any more (of late) ... so kinda been weaned off ... I may take the opportunity to quit ... to my mind, if I am ever going to quit (without another 'scare'/injury forcing the hand) ... the time is nigh!! :shock:

I am quite sanguine about it to be honest! ... that decision MIGHT just save my life, I've been wanting to have the balls to do it for years ...

[timwilky]

My brother does every Autumn, too old, too many responsibilities, not enough time etc. Sells his bike, that is it.


Come good weather he buys another. Well until this year as he is still waiting for nice weather.

[Nostrils]

Even though I have only been riding since May 2006 these types of thoughts do cross my mind and can sometimes send a shiver up my spine. I used to receive emails showing motorbike accidents, near misses...all youtube stuff but have stopped watching them.

When I do go riding, usually on fair weather days in my spare time (not a commuter) I usually do so when I am really up for it, in a very positive and good mood (never when I am wanting time on my own after an argument or something niggling my mind) and take things very leisurely usually with only a hint of destination in mind and certainly not restricted for time.

[hovis]

no, never

[Lissa]

No, we never think about it. Even after witnessing more than 30 accidents, and losing our closest mate in a fatal in February.

What else would we do?

[ThEGr33k]

No. It is the only thing that keeps me sane! If I didn't have my bike id have cracked up AGES ago! :(


TBH don't give up biking if that's the way you are going. Get a track bike ;)

[Blue_SV650S]

No. It is the only thing that keeps me sane! If I didn't have my bike id have cracked up AGES ago! :(


TBH don't give up biking if that's the way you are going. Get a track bike ;)

:scratch: You can still get hurt/die on a trackbike ...

[rob13]

Considered it for the first time when I fell off. I think for the first 2-3 days post accident, I really thought about giving it up (Had plenty of time to think) but kept on wondering what I would fill my life with without bikes. I have plenty of other hobbies but none as important as 2 wheels.

I strongly believe in that when your time is up, that is it. Therefore, no matter what you do in life, you cant change it.

[markmoto]

We buried a friend of mine a while back, who was a passionate biker all his years, but was taken from us by a rare medical condition, caught too late to treat... He could have carefully banked his minutes and driven a volvo instead of a ridiculous streetfighter, and lived the life of a saint, and he'd still have died on the same day. And that just made me think, only some bikers end up having the worst happen to them, but almost all end up having their lives enriched by riding.

.

I think northwind put it very well, at the end of the day lifes dangerous what you want to do wrap yourself up in cotton wool and never take any chances in life? could still die of some weird illness, i couldnt give it up, it keeps me sane in this mad world that we live in! and its through biking that i have met some of the best people....

[sv_rider1990]

I am thinking of reducing my riding to just summer enjoyment instead of all round riding which i currently do

a few reasons really:

1) Appreciate my SV more and look forward to riding it in the long summer days
2) reduce the miles and keep it looking as good as it does
3) reduce the risk of an accident riding in the winter - my SV is currently my only form of transport, i am getting a small run around car n doing my car test.

But i will keep my SV for many years to come and nothing and know one can stop me from enjoying my SV.

[Razor]

I've considered it only when laid up in hospital with injuries, or when family make me promise I'll never ride another bike. Suckers...

[DANINPLYMOUTH]

Yeah but then i realise how stupid that would be then usually decide to spend money on my bike for even thinking of getting rid of it.
Think its a given that bikes are dangerous, but everything has risks. Probaly more chance of getting murdered than killing yourself on a bike these days and i know which way i'd rather go.

[fizzwheel]

No never

[Rhiwbina_Squirrel]

When your time's up, it's up and until then I'm happy making the most of it. When I came off my 50 I didn't ride for a bit but that might've been because it was a crap bike!

Alex

[Frank]

When I do go riding, usually on fair weather days in my spare time (not a commuter) I usually do so when I am really up for it, in a very positive and good mood (never when I am wanting time on my own after an argument or something niggling my mind) and take things very leisurely usually with only a hint of destination in mind and certainly not restricted for time.
+ 1 matey

[Pedrosa]

I would hate to walk away from biking completely. I cannot deny that I do seem to consider the risks out there more than I ever did. When kitted up and out there there it sure dont prevent me from the occasional naughty boy moments. But again in perhaps more appropriate places than I used to in my crazy yoof.

[DanAbnormal]

Only recently did I actually think about giving it up. Maybe one day I will but for now I am enjoying it again.

[Supervox]

When I became a father I considered it - but in the end just changed my riding style a bit - a 'little' more calm now !!

I lost a very good mate last autumn in a bike accident - I thought about it again - but in the end I decided that I have confidence in my own abilities & trust myself not to ride beyond them.
As for the muppets that frequent our roads, well I assume that everything else on the road is trying to kill me anyway so I try to anticipate what novel way someone may have come up with to 'take me out'.

[ThEGr33k]

:scratch: You can still get hurt/die on a trackbike ...

Quite true BUT the last time I checked there were no cars pulling out which I think accounts for about 70-80% of biker fatality!

Plus you have run off's etc etc.

So safer than the road id imagine :)

[Paws]

nope, not even after my accident

[G]

I dont think I could give up now, the only thing that will stop me is being incapable to ride or getting banned......whichever comes first.

[Dangerous Dave]

Nope, had two near fatal crashes in the past 6 years and neither has given me an urge to give up biking!

But I'm stupid, and check my location too!

[rob13]

Single vehicle fatalities account for around 50% of all fatalities Nick, however single vehicle accidents only make up 1/3 of the total accident number

[Paul the 6th]

it's an expensive toy... i barely get to use it... i can't really afford it right now... the roads are more dangerous by the day... i'll probably get a £30 fine for no baffle... I haven't made it to a squires evening/rideout in 2 months...

sod all that, I've just bought some philips power extreme bulbs and a hamicad tail tidy! Can't wait to fit them!

[MiniMatt]

I'll throw a spanner in the works and say "YES". "LOTS". You are not alone :D

As Blue has mentioned, the track can still get you killed, and as I am want to mention, Miles may you rest in peace - a genuinely good, honest and decent man who died at Pembrey in a club race.

But. I do get scared on the road. Not so much of other road users but of myself. Sometimes I'll bimble along for sure, but a lot, too much, of the time I'll be in the mindset of "if the back tyre ain't in the air you're not trying hard enough". Then you get home. And realise that for the last 40 miles you had no safety margin for suicidal pheasants. Or gravel. Or tractors. Or fuggin barstard cararvans. Or old Rover bl00dy 200s that drive-a-soddin-long at 35mph on a 60mph road.

So yes, I think about giving up road riding a lot.

[melody]

Not much.

But I did consider it on Saturday.

[BanannaMan]

No never.
30+ years of street riding.
Seens lots of riders come and go. Lost a best mate in a crash.
Seen many bikes go down. (visit Deals Gap and you will too)
I don't ever think about giving it up... nor do I worry about crashing.

True there is that possibility and each must decide if they are willing to take that risk....but I do seek to minimise those risks by keeping a properly maintained machine and by "riding smart".... paying attention, riding within my abilities and within the abilities of the road..


Well....most of the time. ;)

[BanannaMan]

Not much.

But I did consider it on Saturday.




Something happen????
Hope you and the bike are OK!

[mister c]

I thought about it while lying in hospital after my accident earlier this year. I have to say that I'm glad I didn't. It's been a long road to recovery, but I am loving every minute of it.
To me, biking is more than just a form of transport. Every time I ride, road conditions change & you have to be aware of whats going on around you, but I am learning all the time. When I drive a car I get in, turn the key & go, listen to the radio & basically dont give a stuff. On the bike I am so aware of whats going on.

[Samnooshka]

I have thought about it and came very close to giving up. I have no confidence in riding anymore, there are very few people i trust riding with so don't go on ride outs anymore unless organised between my closest biker friends. The last ride out i was on, i really hated, as i managed to drop the bike at Box Hill where i pulled up and parked on a slope and there was no ground when i put my foot down! I then had the back marker sit right up my backside all the way back which i felt pressurised to go faster than i was comfortable with so decided to peal off and go home... after i had already told everyone it was my first proper time out on the GSXR and i will be the slowest there! So again my confidence took a battering because of one idiot, so i just don't go on rides that this person goes on anymore.

I have more responsibilities now, i have less time, as i race sled dogs all winter and during the summer there is always something going on. I have little confidence in my bike (gsxr600), well its little confidence in my abilities at low speed seeing as i am 5ft on the dot!! and i even considered going down to a smaller 400 and getting the NC30.... but that wouldn't solve my problem as its not my riding ability its my height that is the problem...

but when it came down to it, the thought of giving up really upset me, i mean it REEEAALLLYYYY upset me more than i thought it would wich was a sign that i am not ready to give up just yet. Getting rid of the bike to me is that last little bit of freedom i have left outside of my other responsibilities, where it can be just me and my own time, even when riding in a group. So we went out for a short ride last night and it was the first time i actually just got on with riding, not thinking about anything other than riding, including not thinking about my height, or lack of it! and it was the first time i rode and enjoyed it for a while... i just needed a kick up the backside to say, look just get on with it!!

What will also help me is my new daytona ladystar boots hopefully arriving soon!! :D and i have also cut down the seat on the GSXR :) which has helped loads!!!

[Baph]

My take on it...

Riding a motorbike is no more dangerous than crossing a road in London. You don't see pedestrians giving up walking do you?

I, as 99.999% of people on this forum, have other people to think about should I come off the bike for any reason. My family have seen me after 2 non-serious offs - both came with injuries, but they accept that the bike is here to stay. Until I sell it to fun another one. :)

[yorkie_chris]

We buried a mate yesterday, age 59, 6 months ago another mate, aged 39.

One heart attack, one to cancer.


There's worse things to go by than a bike crash, I hope my family understand what biking is to me. My fear is of being a cabbage, or of coming off when carrying a pillion.

So no, it'd take the loss of more than 2 limbs to make me get a trike, untill then I'll ride.

[Mogs]

Never considered giving up because of the danger, on economic grounds - yes.

[Red Herring]

I've been riding over 20 years, 19 of them competitively. I was very lucky early on and fell in with a crowd very much committed to "Advanced Riding", which I know sounds boring but was in fact very much to do with enjoying our bikes on the road in safety. I know I've been lucky over the years, but to a certain extent you can make your own luck and I've lost count of the times where just a little nugget of information picked up from my mates has meant I've spotted somebody else's mistake before it involved me.
I also been to dozens of "accidents"involving motorcycles, of which the vast majority are directly the riders fault, ie: they made a basic mistake like ran off the road all on their own. Of those that didn't when you look into the circumstances there are always clues there that had they reacted to might have given them a chance.
I'm not saying it couldn't happen to me, I know there are times when I'm riding when I've not been concentrating, I've let my guard down and made mistakes, fortunately so far without incident. What I am saying is that riding a bike on the road is not just a case of passing your test and expecting everybody else to ride/drive as carefully as you do. Don't give up because of the dangers, instead overcome them by recognizing them and ensuring they don't get you. It's a constant challenge but to me that's half the fun of riding on the road. Now riding on the track....that's a different matter altogether.....
Sorry, I didn't mean this to sound like a sermon, but I love motorcycling and you've hit on my pet subject....

[yorkie_chris]

Never considered giving up because of the danger, on economic grounds - yes.

That makes no sense it would probably cost me double the SV to run a car. A lesser bike would be even cheaper.

[muffles]

Not thought about it yet, but I am lucky in that in over 2 years of riding I have not had any incidents - a couple of scares, yes, but nowhere near enough to make me sit up and think "hmmm...maybe I should quit this biking malarkey...". I do wonder if that will change, if I have an accident.

[muffles]

That makes no sense it would probably cost me double the SV to run a car. A lesser bike would be even cheaper.

For me though, it'd be cheaper to use the tube than the bike ;) although I am in London.

[Baph]

For me though, it'd be cheaper to use the tube than the bike ;) although I am in London.
I've ridden in London... whilst the tube may be cheaper, the bike was quicker. :cool:

[WicklowSV]

Have to admit if I didn't love biking with a total passion, then I wouldn't do it at all. There are extra risks associated with it - but they are outweighed by the sheer pleasure I get from biking.

A friend of mine had an off recently and he's probably gonna take a least a bit of a break from biking. Not just coz he busted his rib and shoulder, but because he has a wife and four kids to consider as well. The wife has recieved 'the phone call' four times now and this time it was up to me to inform her that he was in an ambulance on the way to hospital. Have to say - it was a toughie making that call. Not something I want to have to do again.

Some say biking's a 'hobby' but to me it's more than that. Meeting new friends, tinkering on the bike, feeling part of a group, seeing sights I'd otherwise miss, generally talking the ears off peeps about bikes - all of these things come with being a biker. And I'd miss all of 'em just as much as I'd miss a hoon around my favourite set of twisties.

I'm a believer that when it's your time, it's your time. Up until that moment you should try to enjoy life to its fullest and milk it for every opportunity you can. For me that means biking. It also means my fiancée. So when I'm out biking I keep in mind that there's someone counting on me to come home. It's no guarantee of safety but it does help keep me in check a bit.

Apologies for the ramble - didn't expect the post to get this long!!

[muffles]

I've ridden in London... whilst the tube may be cheaper, the bike was quicker. :cool:

It can be quicker, I'll agree...but it does depend very much on the journey. On my commute it's probably about equal to the tube when you include getting ready at each end - this is south London to Canary Wharf so Northern/Jubilee lines. But if you have a really awkward commute where you need to take a bus, or don't have a straightforward tube ride, then it is going to be quicker by bike :)

I actually use the bike because it's less stressful and I enjoy it instead of despising having to get on a packed smelly tube, haha.

[timwilky]

Put a different slant on the question.

I did give up for 20 years. My last bike was a Moto Martin CBX, 6 pots of Japanese/French madness. Then one day I woke up in hospital and stupidly listened to my brother.

you are here because you haven't got a life. You are to busy working, doing as told, etc to live. Get a bike again. Get a life

So I followed his advice. Bought a Blandit and 6 days later was flying through the air after being taken out at a red light.

Those 6 days were enough. At that point I was getting the family saying you will kill yourself. You are too old. You have forgotten it all. I knew better. those 6 days told me I had made the biggest mistake of my life 20 years earlier.

As soon as the insurance came through. I bought an SV

[touch107fm]

What a good question.....

I know i am new to this forum but am glad i found it. I am 27 years old and passed my bike test about 4 months ago. I being ridding bike, scooter etc all m life just never got around to getting to doing the bike test I knew straight away it was going to be a sv dont know why but i did.

I had pure joy from it that was until i was nearly killed last saturday by a idiot driving a brand new SLK, the usual story pulled straight out in front of me, If i was going any faster i would have being dead for sure. Its a weird feeling knowing i could have being killed there and then. I have being of the road because of the accident my bike is good nick despite the crash. I came out the worse.
I had my girlfriend nagging me to ditch the bike and use the tube like every one else, I have to say i am really considering it, I know i may knot have the experience of some of you folks. I think if i do go back out there i will be totally high alert the whole time, As a good friend told me once 'every out there is trying to knock you off your bike so treat every car, bus like that'

So to answer the question, Yes i have thought about it only probably only because i was nearly killed less than 2 weeks ago.

[Pete_58]

Had a nasty crash 3 weeks ago, nearly two weeks in hospital, plaster casts, metal in limbs etc....

It was my third visit to hospital through bikes and by far the worst. I was close to being a gonner!

For now im not returning to bikes mainly because i have to use a frame/crutches to walk for the next 6-8 weeks. Even when im fully healed, i doubt ill purchase another bike.

Only passed my test in August last year, been riding scooters since 16 and raced MX for 4 years whilst at school/college. May make a return to the off road scene....

[yorkie_chris]

I had my girlfriend nagging me to ditch the bike and use the tube like every one else,

If that was me I'd be ditching her :-P I hate trains, I hate being a lemming, I hate being in close contact with lots of people.

To quote Lindbergh:

"I began to feel that I lived on a higher plane than the skeptics of the ground," he later wrote. "In flying, I tasted a wine of the gods of which they could know nothing. Who valued life more highly, the aviators who spent it on the art they loved, or these misers who doled it out like pennies through their antlike days? I decided that if I could fly for ten years before I was killed in a crash, it would be a worthwhile trade for an ordinary lifetime."

Replace aircraft with bikes and it makes sense to me.

[454697819]

sometimes,


Without a bike I genuinly become grumpy and nasty to be around, even if Im not riding, I love to ride and I love to ride all types of ride...commute, hard, touring,

I had a revelation the other day as I was riding the Duke back from the lakes that there was no where at that moemnt I woudl rather be other than on two wheels..

But For economic reasons yes.. they are expensive and Its nto my MAIN form of transport, so If push cae to shuv id go witout one for a few months again, like I have done on numerous occasions...

When / If I have children that will change as its a risk that I think I could do without.. Sure there are millions of other things to get me, but one less in life has to be a good thing.. occasionally...

[muffles]

Life is for living, not surviving :cool:

[avvacuppa]

been on bikes now for 30 yrs ,i was an instructor for 15 years ,one of the main reason,s i left the job was because the last couple of years doing the job i would see people going through the course who just did not have the feel and were jumping onto big bikes that need the respect that they could not give,and i used to think of all the people who i had over the years are no longer here ,or will be carrying bad injury,s anyway ,i have thought about it but i know i will not give up riding bikes,saying that i would not like my son to ride a bike makes you kinda wonder what your parent,s thought when you were flying around on your lc350 ,thing is i still go as fast as ever still like to max it out and still get the buzz from getting that set of my favorite bends spot on then tucking in for the next set . we all know the risk,s just some more than other's.

[Mogs]

Never considered giving up because of the danger, on economic grounds - yes.

That makes no sense it would probably cost me double the SV to run a car. A lesser bike would be even cheaper.

:D It won't be the last time I make no sense.

My bike is purely for leisure now, thus a luxury. My car is an essential, if things get very much bleaker then its the bike that will have to go.

[wow]

my instuctor was killed a few weeks back

That must have been Zombie. :(

[startrek.steve]

I thought I had five years ago, I pranged and scrapped my CX500 then lost my job for three years and drove the wifes car. I used to wander round BMF with a tear in my eye looking at all the beautiful bikes, then the wife spotted a 23 year old CB250RS in the paper, I thought it would be a dog, but went for a look. It was a beauty and gave me five years of trouble free, fun biking, I let her go last week aged 29, as Id just bought the SV650. I dont think I'll be giving up for a good while yet.


'Tis Better to have ridden and fallen off, than never to have ridden at all.

(As Will Shakespeare might have said if he had been a biker!)

[mister c]

Not thought about it yet, but I am lucky in that in over 2 years of riding I have not had any incidents - a couple of scares, yes, but nowhere near enough to make me sit up and think "hmmm...maybe I should quit this biking malarkey...". I do wonder if that will change, if I have an accident.
I have a feeling your attitude would change if you have a bad "off". Biking was my life (& still is) for nearly 30 years, but after nearly dying in January I had to think long & hard about getting back on. If it wasn't for my mate telling me that I could be killed crossing the road & encouraging me to get back on a bike because it was "just an accident" I would be using a car now. I'm glad I listened to him.

[plowsie]

Its on my mind now.

[Alpinestarhero]

I wouldn't give up biking, I just couldn't. Besides the fact I can't drive a car (legally) and hence the bike being my only personal motorised transport, its just too big a part of me.

I would have to be forced by financial difficulty, lack of fuel or a hideous accident to make me quite biking forever.

Matt

[Mike2165]

Give up? I've only just started

[startrek.steve]

Its on my mind now.

you cant quit Plowsie!!
we need the silly videos...

Voof, Voof,Voof, Voof,Voof, Voof....

Naaaaaaaaaah!

Rrrrrruuuuuunng! duga,duga,duga,duga,
Rrrrrruuuuuunng! duga,duga,duga,duga,
Rrrrrruuuuuunng! duga,duga,duga,duga,

Hee,Hee,Hee!!!

Steve

[aadeyc73]

I did try to give up once. I am not sure what the rules are now with regards to learner licences but when I was learning if you didn't pass your test within 2 years of getting the motorcycle entitlement added you got banned for a year. 2 months before my time was up I got knocked off on a roundabout nothing major but thought damn it I can't be bothered anymore, i'll learn to drive.
My dad got me a car and insured it I used the car less than half a dozen times in the year but just found it so boring in comparison to riding. Reapplied for my motorcycle entitlement as soon as my ban finished and took my test 2 weeks later, 15 years later and I haven't even considered learning to drive in that time.

I know things can go wrong and I have had a few accidents but I have broken more bones playing football than I have coming off my bike.(touch wood)

[Gary C]

I seem to think about the risks more now than i did when i was younger,but once i am on the bike i forget about it.

[Lou M]

No, never. I think Northwind summed it up.

Besides, when I had my bike crash when learning I walked away (my instructor wasn't even sure how I managed to escape injury), but I still suffer from my injuries in a car accident that was 19 years ago.

So that's my justification of the dangers of bike verses car.

I've had two biker friends killed, one in a car accident, and one in a plane crash.

[Iansv II]

It has crossed my mind once or twice after accidents but have never actually quit

I'd miss it too much even though I don't do group riding anymore and have lost a fair bit of confidence I still enjoy myself

[DANINPLYMOUTH]

Biking is such an important part of my life that when i think if i were to have a serious crash i just wonder how much quick shifters and thumb operated rear brakes are.
The only time iv ever drove a car in the last 5years was when i had to take the ex missus and kids shopping(have a guess whys she an ex!! told her if it came between the bike and her it'd be the bike everytime). To me theres just such a special feeling of being out riding

[mike_avfc]

I gave up for 15 years after a big smash (6 months in hospital, metal, grafts blah blah).

In that time i never ever went in a bike shop BUT always wanted to, the first time i went in one after all that time i bought the SV :D:D:D

Basically, you give up but always want to ride again.

[imaleon]

maybe, cos i think my hair might be getting thinner at the top from my helmet...either that or im just paranoid

[Dangerous Dave]

Why consider giving it up, I still have a broken femur from an accident in 2004 and I have been back riding bikes continously since mid 2005 when they renailed an bolted it. It won't heel because of the complex injuries also sustaned to the bone and blood supply.

Had it renailed and bolted in April 2008 also....

[rob13]

Dave that looks like a very thick nail! Have you got bone missing? I know someone who had bone missing from their femur and it took him over a year to recover.

[northwind]

That's not so much a nail as a railroad spike :shaking:

[Dangerous Dave]

Dave that looks like a very thick nail! Have you got bone missing?
20mm diameter titanium nail with four interlocking titanium screws (my scrap value has gone up).
I shattered the left femur, let alone the other injuries, when I hit a car (4x4, it felt like a blo*dy tank!) which pulled out in front of me (10 meters between us)

I know someone who had bone missing from their femur and it took him over a year to recover.
There is about an inch missing but they have closed up the gap which has left my leg a little short, walk round in circles now! :p

Won't heal, had bonegrafts, frames, the lot... to much damage was done to the bone and its nerve and blood supply. Basically the fracture you can clearly see in the Xray was multiple fragments in 2004

[kitkat]

i have thought about giving up/riding a bike for a few years. when I go out it is on my mind what if I come off today, my main worry is what will happen to my kids if I have to go to hospital, so its not the biking that worries me its more my child care problems and being a single parent. But then I mention biking to the girls at work and they are so against it that it makes me argue the pro bike case.

not ridden since Feb when chain snapped due to not being able to get parts and get it fixed. its now fixed and has been transported down south. so can ride now either. leathers dont fit at the moment but next summer Ill be back on bike.

dont know how I would feel if I was to have an accident though, im such a wuss.

[Tris]

According to my Old Man I went stupid at the age of 44 when I did my DAS and got the SV.

My lack of ability due to lack of experience keeps me away from high corner entry speeds, and blind faith away from the SMIDSYs which 'aint much of a defence

Do I think about giving up due to the danger - NO I'm just starting to enjoy it, but it does keep me aware of my ability and keeps pushing me away from a sports bike to something a bit less "in your face"

[gettin2dizzy]

If you're constantly in fear of the roads, I think you need to evaluate your riding style.

[john2811]

In my 30s, I went through a stage of buying faster and faster bikes for the buzz, then when my daughter was born it hit home that speed would probably leave her without her dad.

As I love the freedom of biking so much I couldn't face hanging up my leathers so instead of got into adventure motorcycling, the objective to cover distance, sometimes on difficult terrain, rather than ride balls out and experience different cultures along the way. I worked out the other day that in 15 years I've covered over 130,000 miles (God I'm getting old).

I'm now married again to someone who shares my passion and now rides herself so thats opened up a new world for me as we both work from home so get plenty of time to get out together most evenings and weekends.

Would I ever stop riding if I ever had an accident?
Not if I could still ride.
If I stopped road riding, I would do track days or go back to off road riding.

[Neeja]

Can't think of anything I'd rather have on a gravestone than, "Died doing something he loved"

[philbut]

Don't think i'd give up but I am more cautious on the roads now than I was (I've not been riding on the road for that long btw, but have been on bikes since the age of 9). I'm more concerned about being injured so badly that it would stop me doing my other hobbies such as cycling or trecking. From a very selfish point of view, when you're dead you don't really know about it.

[tonyk]

yes i worry all the time but to give up biking and do what ?
when i go i want to go knowing i did the one thing i loved most..

When death comes, let me die in battle at the reins of my chariot,
speeding into the jaws of my destruction,
and if I might find my glorious end this day, let it be filled with pain and great suffering,
so that in the afterlife amongst the Honoured Dead,
I might never forget what it was like to be truly alive...

Anonymous Roman Centurion

I hope not to upset anyone but for me this paragraph says what life is,
something to be enjoyed while you’re here…
riding my bike makes me feel ALIVE .