Is biking too dangerous?

[Nick_69]

Everything in life has a certain element of danger put we just have to live life to the full, and make the most of what we have got becuase one day you might not be able to.

You need to do whatever makes you happy, final.

Yes, riding is too dangerous. But compared to what? Laying in bed and dong nothing? Well thats dangerous too, because you dont get any exersice and stuff, so when you do something, your heart cant cope and you have a heart attack and die.

I consider myself a safe rider (one of my friends has described me as cautious, and my dad says I consider the dangers more than he does aswell) but I am still at risk. Other road users may (have) pulled out on me, poor road surfaces may guide me off the road and into the armco at the side, something may catastrophically fail on my bike.

I understand what you mean though, I've banned myself from thinking about what I would do with my own biking career if anything bad should happen to my dad - if it happens, then I'll go through the motions then. I've known a few people to die from accidents on their motorcycles. I've watched enough racing to know that you don't always get up and walk away from an off.

I also know that I love the freedom of two wheels, and when that road is clear and the danger from a third party is negligable, I can crack open the throttle, let the revs rise and attack the twisties and have as much fun as my (cautious) mind will allow me to have before the danger becomes higher again.

Don't make desicions on what has happened to other people; make desicions on how you feel. If you think the risks are greater than the benefits, then perhaps stop, even if temporary. But if - like so many people on here - bikes are a huge part of who you are...youll get that itch. And maybe, like my uncle, you'll get up at 4am, kit up and go out for a blast. And be back in time before the wife and kids know your gone

Matt

P.S Matt's Biking Rule Number 1; get to where you are going. if it means poodling behind a tractor because you cant see far enough ahead to make a safe overtake, poodle. Its better to let a 2 hour journey turn into a three hour journey and explain why you are late...than to have to explain why your bike is broken in half and what you're doing laid up in hospital for 3 months.

Whether it's biking, sky-diving, rock climbing or whatever, you should do the things that make you feel alive. If you enjoy it, then do it. By all means take precautions to minimise the risks. Having said that, we all need an element of risk in our lives and to feel the rush of adrenaline. Living to a ripe old age is all well and good if you've enjoyed your life and not wasted it.

[Wideboy]

its not really much more dangerous than driving a car IMO, behave yourself and you will be fine, don't and you get bitten

worth it......... oh hell yeah!!

I get this question all the time as my favourite other passtime is rallying. I've lost count of the number of time folk have said "is it not dangerous?".

Sadly we have only ever lost two world champions in the sport, neither of which in rallying accidents. Richard to a brain tumour and Colin in his helicopter, sadly two very different endings. I'm not saying it doesn't carry it's risks as I have been on events when we have lost people. I can say it does go through your mind.

As with rallying and the bike I would like to say I have enjoyed my life doing the thing I want with no regrets. Given a change in personal circumstances, family etc, I don't know if I'd weigh up the risks more or not.

[jamesterror]

Originally Posted by flymo

actually makes me feel the opposite, I'm not reckless with my life but I do feel that you have to get on and live it. You only get one life and its not a rehearsal.

Live it to the max.

Thats how I see it.

Everytime i get on my bike i just tell myself that i have 3 amazing kids who need me in their lives and that the important thing is to return home safely, if that means i return home ten minutes late then so be it, its more important to relax and enjoy the ride and remain in one piece. I get enough of a thrill riding at sensible speeds, i dont need the additional rush of wondering if i'm gonna make it around the next bend in tact.

For ten years i have been at home full time and whilst the kids are great i was beginning to die inside. Riding has made me feel alive again and ultimately i'm sure i am a better mother for feeling this way.

Got to admit,i ride like a total d*ck (at times),when it's happening i'm only concentrating whats in my field of view,it's when i slow down/park up that i sometimes think to myself "should'nt have just done that" like others have said i'm a parent first & a biker second......you'd have thought that & a high speed bike accident & a broken neck(almost died)would have slowed me down would'nt you!!....think maybe i need to start.

[dizzyblonde]

Originally Posted by kellyjo

Everytime i get on my bike i just tell myself that i have 3 amazing kids who need me in their lives and that the important thing is to return home safely, if that means i return home ten minutes late then so be it, its more important to relax and enjoy the ride and remain in one piece. I get enough of a thrill riding at sensible speeds, i dont need the additional rush of wondering if i'm gonna make it around the next bend in tact.

For ten years i have been at home full time and whilst the kids are great i was beginning to die inside. Riding has made me feel alive again and ultimately i'm sure i am a better mother for feeling this way.

You and I know each other very well indeed