Russian Roulette

Originally Posted by slark01

I worry, especially that i'm a new father and have not been riding that long, but why should I stop doing something that I enjoy.
I know it's dangerous, but I have had close shaves just by walking the dog.
If you worry too much then it is time to quit, I know a few people who have and I understand.

I have the same sort of situation, passed my test not that long ago, and have 3 kids.

I have a sticker on my bike "I don't want you to kill yourself on your bike daddy!" The words of my 6yr old one night as I was putting her to bed, she's never heard ANYTHING that's happened whilst I was out on the bike, but she still worries about it. So I tried to explain to all the kids exactly why I take the risk.

My eldest has openly said that he wants to learn how to ride a motorbike. I've told him that he can help me fix the CG125, and I'll teach him on that (he's 8 ). My youngest is on my bike at every opportunity.

I have taken both my kids out with me. 6 and 10 yrs old. I felt/feel that if I am able to enjoy the freedom, why shouldnt they. (obviously there are deeper issues on this one, but to write them all down whould take forever!)

But, recently, I have been having serious doubts. I wont give it up, it is a part of me, and who I am .... but, I also worry! Guess its good to worry, keeps you aware and alive!

We have been having some brisk rides recently, and although I am not going to give up biking, I am defo going to take it more steady, there are certain riders that I am definately not going to ride with anymore, and that is my positive step towards dealing with my concerns!

I know it sounds wet, but to have just put my concerns down in writing, with people who understand biking, it has helped me evaluate it rationally.

I have 2 close relatives who are both terminally ill at the moment, aged 60 and 65 .... all the more reason to enjoy my biking while i can

It's not wet, using people as a sounding board. It really helps with getting through emotional turmoil and thoughts clear in your mind.

Sorry to hear about your relatives

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Baph

I've told him that he can help me fix the CG125, and I'll teach him on that (he's . My youngest is on my bike at every opportunity.

I assume that 8 followed by a ) gives a sunglasses smiley, which means the eldest is 8.

Hmmm you sure 8 years or so is long enough to fix that CG125 you have Baph :P

Originally Posted by Razor

Nope. I've played Russian roulette. Totally different feeling. I wish that little Vietnamese man didn't slap me so much tho.

Didi mau didi mau, three bullet, ten dollar.
Prase bets preese.

On the whole Tomcat, your attitude to biking is pretty close to mine. The only real difference is that I'm aware of the risks, yet don't worry about them. Whereas obviously you're aware & do worry.

About taking the kids on the back of the bike, I haven't. My eldest is 8, but because of problems he has, I don't think it would be good for him. He's overly anxious as it is, and has problems keeping concentration, so I'm pretty concerned that 1) he'd HATE it, and 2) he'd fall off. My girl, I doubt she'd even want to go on the back. My lil one is 2years old, so no way he's going anywhere other than sat on the tank. As he gets older I know I'm going to have to hide the keys from him or the damn thing will disappear!

That, and non of them have proper gear, so they don't go on the bike. My eldest has asked a couple of times and my response is always "Do you have a bike helmet? No? Well you're not getting on then!!"

Back to the topic: I wouldn't worry about it sounding wet, I'm sure it's something that all bikers go through for one reason or another. Personally, I went through similar after my first off on the SV (low speed, pretty bad injury though).

The fact you're feeling even slightly better about it is all just part of the biking community in general.

And besides, if you gave up, just think about all those random conversations you wouldn't have with bikers that you meet along the way!

Originally Posted by SoulKiss

I assume that 8 followed by a ) gives a sunglasses smiley, which means the eldest is 8.

Hmmm you sure 8 years or so is long enough to fix that CG125 you have Baph :P

Surely you mean a lower case P there fella, like this

I have a spare engine for the CG, it's just a matter of getting around to it. If he's going to learn on it then it's not going back on the road, so it doesn't need to be to MOT standard. We'll just play in fields like I did as a kid (fields with permission though - unlike me as a kid )

Originally Posted by Tomcat

...and that is my positive step towards dealing with my concerns!

i started donating to the local air ambulance each month and giving blood to make me feel better.

Worrying just shows you have a health respect for your own life and those others of whom you care about.

That concern is yours and your alone, and you will find a way to deal with it as suits you best.

My only advice is it maybe time to take a break from riding if your worrying is detrimental to your control of the vehicle.
Taking things 'easier' isn't detrimental - if you are enjoying your ride and your control is smooth and safe then all you have done is simply reset the boundries you are prepared to ride to. It's when you suddenly bottle it half way round a corner, screwing up your line, snatching at the brake and wobbling like a weeble in an earthquake...
... then it could be affecting you too much and a break to gets things straight may be in order.


Take all that with a pinch* of salt though... it's said by a person riding around with a pair of cruthes straped to their back, so I have no regard, respect or sense of preservation about myself.



* Pinch = bucktfull.

i think the main thing is we know the risks! you know how dangerous it can be from the moment your doing your CBT in a car park that the conseqencies can be bad!

but i love the thrill of it! not even going that fast, just being out on the bike is a great feeling! i'm here to make the most of what i've got, so may as well enjoy myself as much as i can just now!!