I come haulin' down the hill to the Bay Bridge toll approach well over 20 mph in excess of the 50 mph posted there. I see the sign, see the cop sitting there, look at the sign again and decide to roll off the throttle. I'm safe--not a car around and weather and road conditions are fine--but being right doesn't come free. I've fought enough of these to know that speeding tickets in these situations just aren't worth it. Bragging rights for a 70 mph ticket simply don't give a girl the props she's looking for.
I enter the carpool lane, with signal on, and give a little hand wave to the car behind me as I do so. Hey, a push of a button and a flick of the wrist to thank the driver for not crushing me with his Escalade seems like a small price to pay for not having to deal with a pissed off dude behind three tons of car. When I first started riding I would have given him the bird simply for being on four wheels and being in MY lane.
Two riders come up behind me and I make room for them to pass. I kick myself for not moving over sooner and hope that I don't make it into one of those "to the rider holding me up for 0.0075 seconds on the Bridge" threads. I used to be one of the fastest splitters I knew and would regularly chase down other riders just to let 'em know that the pony-tail takes no prisoners.
I used to ride for the thrill of it, but thrills used to mean adrenaline rushes from simply making it to work in one piece--It meant I managed to give that car the slip after having whacked its mirror while splitting--It meant that I'd avoided getting 6 points on my license for that last ticket.
Simply put, I've turned into a big wuss.
My tolerance for close calls and oh-shit moments is close to zero. I am no longer an adrenaline junkie and instead have an insatiable "craving for calm". My quest for boredom isn't limited to my commute. Canyon-strafing and being on the track are included in my riding zen of late: I challenge myself to keep my heart-rate steady, my breathing regular. I put my ninja skills to the test--How quickly and quietly can I pass that car or another rider? I wave to little kids in the back of Volvos. I turn off my bike for blind people walking through cross walks. I park legally (sometimes.) Oh, the shame!
My dreams of being a bad ass are over. No amount of leather, cc's chrome or carbon will ever hide my blatantly limp-wristed riding. Dragging knee and hoisting wheelies cannot compensate for the yellow-vested, reflector-donning spirit within. I'm nothing but a glorified den mother on an over-grown Vespa. I might as well knit a seat cover and matching grip cozies...
Racking up those years I see [cheeky]
Hmm, I never thought about turning off my engine for blind people crossing the street. Great tip grandpa ;D
[beer]
Quote from: Sleeper_I on May 08, 2009, 01:53:04 AM
Racking up those years I see [cheeky]
Hmm, I never thought about turning off my engine for blind people crossing the street. Great tip grandpa ;D
[beer]
That's grand
MA actually...
And 'Belle...honey...seriously...you missed your calling. You should write for a moto-rag. But I've told you that before, lots of times.
Interesting. It is so hard to cool it but then I suppose we all have to at some point. :( I got to get to that point. Lane splitting, zig zagging close between cars and wicking it out, squealing the bike tire and screaming loud like a little girl with visor open and looking at the face of pedestrians freaking out (guilty and very stupid thing to do), the close calls, the rush..... It's all got to stop at some point I suppose.....
Was there a particular trigger Belle?
My crazy days on the street are over.
My crash last fall sealed that in stone.
The track still has me screaming inside my helmet though.
That was a good read, thanks Belle. I see the same thing happening to me the more miles pass under my tires. Maybe its an age thing because I drive better too.
nice read belle.
i am right there with you on most of this. i just tell myself i am doing my part as an ambassador for bikers.
better than feeling like a wuss...
Quote from: herm on May 08, 2009, 06:22:27 AM
nice read belle.
i am right there with you on most of this. i just tell myself i am doing my part as an ambassador for bikers.
better than feeling like a wuss...
Isn't it hard to be ambassador for bikers? Honestly, isn't that hard? Don't we turn into some sort animal once we on the bike and the adrenalin starts kicking? Some sort of hooliganism takes over..
When I'm in traffic, I'm the same way.
Props to you grandma! [thumbsup]
In recent years I've lost all interest in riding street. After 15+ years of street riding, I started racing. It's the new thrill for me. Most racers that I know either don't ride street, or seldom do. I can relate to your feelings and share some of the same. In fact, I'm going to sell my street bike soon and I doubt that I'll replace it anytime soon.
When I ride on the street now, I feel extremely vulnerable to the cages that surround me and that's not a pleasant feeling. But more than anything, the thrill is just gone. After racing, the street has nothing to offer. The only thing on a motocycle that truly satisifes me now is pushing myself to do things that cannot be done on public roads.
Going into a turn full throttle, braking late as hell to pass the guy in front of me, kicking two downshifts and making the back end skip sideways, muscling the bike over and holding that front brake with two fingers all the way to apex while stuffing the guy I just passed to the outside of the turn, then taking off the two fingers and getting back on throttle asap while standing the bike back up and sprinting to the next corner to repeat the process, is what gives me a thrill.
I'm happy when I'm winning races...you can't win races on the street. When I ride street now, I'm just plain bored out of my mind and very concerned about gravel, potholes, cars on blind corners in my lane, cars turning into me, etc..... The thrill is definitely gone.
You may no longer be the dare devil you once were, but I can sense the rebel still lives within...at least for meter maids. [thumbsup]
very well written
Quote from: ab on May 08, 2009, 06:32:24 AM
Isn't it hard to be ambassador for bikers? Honestly, isn't that hard? Don't we turn into some sort animal once we on the bike and the adrenalin starts kicking? Some sort of hooliganism takes over..
No offense but are you sure you wouldn't like to reword that given your almost epic ticket thread? ;)
Quote from: Ducaholic on May 08, 2009, 07:05:22 AM
No offense but are you sure you wouldn't like to reword that given your almost epic ticket thread? ;)
:(
But I suppose I still long for that excitement still. Those of you that race have that wonderful experience that most of us do not have and I suppose the street (city, country, rural) is where we take it out on until we no longer can. Track may be the answer but I am sure most of us can not afford to do it as often as we would like simply put.
spideys married w/kid
belle's lost her mojo
dans ditching the stealth bike
the old mob aint what she once was
geist nights are now a knitting circle :'(
[laugh]
I don't see much good coming from aggressive riding in traffic. Getting a cage pissed off will only make traffic worse. The zen flow/stealth ninja approach is [thumbsup].
This is exactly why a necessary part of my commute home is doing wheelies up n' down the main drag in yuppiedom. It's to keep the wussification at bay. It sounds like someone needs a "we're not role models" ride through the City. ;D Wheelies, sidewalk-riding, unnecessarily peggin' the rev limiter, pedestrians fleeing for their lives. Followed by beer. [evil]
That said, there are times to be fast and stupid. There are times when it ain't worth it. Being able to distinguish between those two makes you smart, not a wuss. I've ridden with you when the road gets twisty. Waving to the kids on your commute isn't slowing you down at all when it matters. I'm also glad you finally figured out that 90 on the freeway doesn't win any awards. I'm sick of having to chase down you idiots after we get off the slab cuz you insist on doing 25+ over the speed limit while I putt along at 75. Anyway you can edjewmacate Enzo and tigre about it as well?
Ya f'n wuss. ;D
P.S. Next time, shut off your engine for the blind guy and then light it up again to 8k right as gets in front of you. [laugh]
Belle, I think you have develped a sence of respect for youself and the others around you. Not a bad thing in my book. Congratulations.
Quote from: Spidey on May 08, 2009, 08:15:56 AM
This is exactly why a necessary part of my commute home is doing wheelies up n' down the main drag in yuppiedom. It's to keep the wussification at bay. It sounds like someone needs a "we're not role models" ride through the City. ;D Wheelies, sidewalk-riding, unnecessarily peggin' the rev limiter, pedestrians fleeing for their lives. Followed by beer. [evil]
That said, there are times to be fast and stupid. There are times when it ain't worth it. Being able to distinguish between those two makes you smart, not a wuss. I've ridden with you when the road gets twisty. Waving to the kids on your commute isn't slowing you down at all when it matters. I'm also glad you finally figured out that 90 on the freeway doesn't win any awards. I'm sick of having to chase down you idiots after we get off the slab cuz you insist on doing 25+ over the speed limit while I putt along at 75. Anyway you can edjewmacate Enzo and tigre about it as well?
Ya f'n wuss. ;D
P.S. Next time, shut off your engine for the blind guy and then light it up again to 8k right as gets in front of you. [laugh]
have i read this exact post somewhere else?
Quote from: redxblack on May 08, 2009, 08:06:30 AM
I don't see much good coming from aggressive riding in traffic. Getting a cage pissed off will only make traffic worse. The zen flow/stealth ninja approach is [thumbsup].
I have to disagree with that statement. I ride in what I consider a real aggressive manner, especially in traffic. I'm not an asshole, I just know where I'm going, I make definite moves, I don't hesitate, I don't cut people off and piss them off, but I am very alert to what is going on around me, and I think that is what has kept me alive on the street for 31 years.
Quote from: corndog67 on May 08, 2009, 08:26:45 AM
I have to disagree with that statement. I ride in what I consider a real aggressive manner, especially in traffic. I'm not an asshole, I just know where I'm going, I make definite moves, I don't hesitate, I don't cut people off and piss them off, but I am very alert to what is going on around me, and I think that is what has kept me alive on the street for 31 years.
finally [thumbsup]
Quote from: ab on May 08, 2009, 07:36:55 AM
:(
But I suppose I still long for that excitement still. Those of you that race have that wonderful experience that most of us do not have and I suppose the street (city, country, rural) is where we take it out on until we no longer can. Track may be the answer but I am sure most of us can not afford to do it as often as we would like simply put.
I didn't mean that you need to ride like a wuss, I love to tear it up on the weekends out in the country. There is a time and place for everything. I also won't tell you that I don't speed. I do, just not all the time. In my line of work I have to keep my drivers license in tact. [thumbsup]
Quote from: corndog67 on May 08, 2009, 08:26:45 AM
I have to disagree with that statement. I ride in what I consider a real aggressive manner, especially in traffic. I'm not an asshole, I just know where I'm going, I make definite moves, I don't hesitate, I don't cut people off and piss them off, but I am very alert to what is going on around me, and I think that is what has kept me alive on the street for 31 years.
I wouldn't call that riding "aggressively" necessarily. But if you're coming into work breathless and sweaty after your commute, you're doin' it wrong.
And a lot of people here probably think that I ride slowly all the time. That's not true. I've gotten faster as I've adopted this mentality--that's what the lap timer says anyway. And I don't run a lap timer on my commute in case anyone's wondering. [laugh]
Quote from: Duck-Stew on May 08, 2009, 01:58:53 AM
That's grandMA actually...
And 'Belle...honey...seriously...you missed your calling. You should write for a moto-rag. But I've told you that before, lots of times.
you're my biggest fan... [laugh] (And I do a little bit of free-lancing now. Working on my second article. :))
Quote from: mostrobelle on May 08, 2009, 09:20:33 AM
you're my biggest fan... [laugh] (And I do a little bit of free-lancing now. Working on my second article. :))
*blush* ;) Keep writin' MB. Please and not just for me. [bow_down]
yeaaaah, but ya know, being a wuss on a motorcycle most likely means you will have less of a chance in becoming a motorcycle rider death statistic
Quote from: Duck-Stew on May 08, 2009, 01:58:53 AM
That's grandMA actually...
And 'Belle...honey...seriously...you missed your calling. You should write for a moto-rag. But I've told you that before, lots of times.
My apology Belle.
Thanks for the correction Duck-Stew
All these time reading your write ups I let my assumption ran :-[
Looking forward for more of your write ups [thumbsup]
Quote from: Sleeper_I on May 08, 2009, 11:01:04 AM
My apology Belle.
Thanks for the correction Duck-Stew
All these time reading your write ups I let my assumption ran :-[
Looking forward for more of your write ups [thumbsup]
I've been mistaken for a dude in person, too. Doesn't really bother me, but thanks for the apology. The GRANDMA comment has me a little bent outta shape though. [laugh]
Quote from: mostrobelle on May 08, 2009, 11:14:43 AM
I've been mistaken for a dude in person, too. Doesn't really bother me, but thanks for the apology. The GRANDMA comment has me a little bent outta shape though. [laugh]
I'll take my seat cover and grip cozies in
yellow, please [cheeky]
Quote from: Duki09 on May 08, 2009, 09:50:36 AM
yeaaaah, but ya know, being a wuss on a motorcycle most likely means you will have less of a chance in becoming a motorcycle rider death statistic
True. But before completely wuss up :(, it is best to pick up another appropriate hobby. I am going to try bicycling ;D
Quote from: corndog67 on May 08, 2009, 08:26:45 AM
I have to disagree with that statement. I ride in what I consider a real aggressive manner, especially in traffic. I'm not an asshole, I just know where I'm going, I make definite moves, I don't hesitate, I don't cut people off and piss them off, but I am very alert to what is going on around me, and I think that is what has kept me alive on the street for 31 years.
Quote from: ab on May 08, 2009, 08:32:11 AM
finally [thumbsup]
The guy with 5 speeding tickets agrees...
No, I don't think you are riding like a wuss. You just come to the realization that aggressive riding and constant push push push just doesn't get you anywhere fast, especially when commuting where cars and unexpected are all around you. You would just increase the risk you take on, although calculated. There is a place and time for aggressive riding, when the condition and circumstance is controlled.
Quote from: ab on May 08, 2009, 11:26:13 AM
True. But before completely wuss up :(, it is best to pick up another appropriate hobby. I am going to try bicycling ;D
If you think bicycling is going to make you LESS wussy you're in for a surprise. [laugh] Motorcycling is polite and docile in comparison. With motorcycles there's an understanding that people are mortals, and the engines do the hard work--not so with the pedaling kind.
Very enjoyable read, belle, I`m there , too. [thumbsup] ;)
In reality wuss could be replaced with wise. That bit of writing needs to be published!
Good read, but be honest with yourself. Youth and immaturaty breed a feeling of immortality, which then leads to aggressive riding and unnecssary risk taking.
Look at this as now, you display maturity in your change in riding.
So i say a big [clap] to you Belle!
[drink]...now who's buying my beer?
Quote from: mostrobelle on May 08, 2009, 09:20:33 AM
you're my biggest fan... [laugh] (And I do a little bit of free-lancing now. Working on my second article. :))
you have many fans for your creative writing style and spunky personality :)
thanks for the great post [thumbsup]
Glad you've come to your senses! Riding like a jacka$$ on the street just isn't worth it. Save it for the track!
Kind of like the saying about pilots, I guess:
There are old riders (insert Ducpainter name here :)), and there are bold riders, but there are no old + bold riders.
Very good writing, btw. Looking forward to reading more in the future [thumbsup].
Great read belle [thumbsup]
I wish more people thought like you........ on the recent DIMBY ride Stu decided to split the group before we headed up the 33. An A group for those who felt like riding a little more spirited & a B group for those who wanted to take it easy yet still have fun. Group leaders were picked & off we rolled....... out of 30 bikes or so 20 opted for the A group............ once the road got twisty, many who chose the A group couldn't ride into the dark at night [laugh] It was quite frustrating as we did alot of cruising to get to the good stuff & I hate passing guys who are riding over their head.
Even when you a know a road well youhave no idea what's around the corner until you get there ;)
p.s. I've always been a wuss [cheeky]
I wouldn't call it riding like a wuss at all, just being safe. Just make sure to be moving faster then "most" cages. [thumbsup]
Quote from: BMiller on May 10, 2009, 08:51:18 PM
I wouldn't call it riding like a wuss at all, just being safe. Just make sure to be moving faster then "most" cages. [thumbsup]
Pretty sure I've got that covered. ;)
So, lemme ask - are you still having fun? If the death defiance was what was fun before, what is now?
Quote from: mostrobelle on May 10, 2009, 09:19:50 PM
Pretty sure I've got that covered. ;)
There ya go, definitely NOT being a wuss then [beer]
Quote from: il d00d on May 10, 2009, 11:08:16 PM
So, lemme ask - are you still having fun? If the death defiance was what was fun before, what is now?
I'm taking pleasure in being smooth, getting a good line, having a clean driving record, getting the respect of other riders and drivers with whom I share the track and street. I still take joy in pissing off the occasional Prius, but I don't make a habit of it. [cheeky]
Quote from: mostrobelle on May 11, 2009, 09:28:09 AM
I'm taking pleasure in being smooth, getting a good line, having a clean driving record, getting the respect of other riders and drivers with whom I share the track and street. I still take joy in pissing off the occasional Prius, but I don't make a habit of it. [cheeky]
Sounds good to me! [thumbsup] ;D