Riding has made me a wuss!

[Goat_Herder]

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 

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.

[mostrobelle]

True.  But before completely wuss up   , it is best to pick up another appropriate hobby.  I am going to try bicycling   

If you think bicycling is going to make you LESS wussy you're in for a surprise.   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.  

[greenmonster]

Very enjoyable read, belle, I`m there , too.

[Howie]

In reality wuss could be replaced with wise.  That bit of writing needs to be published!

[monster monkey]

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  to you Belle!

...now who's buying my beer?

[TiNi]

you're my biggest fan...    (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 

[cgos4r]

Glad you've come to your senses! Riding like a jacka$$ on the street just isn't worth it. Save it for the track!

[JohnnyDucati]

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  .

[Gus Duc]

Great read belle

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   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

[BMiller]

I wouldn't call it riding like a wuss at all, just being safe.  Just make sure to be moving faster then "most" cages.

[mostrobelle]

I wouldn't call it riding like a wuss at all, just being safe.  Just make sure to be moving faster then "most" cages.

Pretty sure I've got that covered.   

[il d00d]

So, lemme ask - are you still having fun? If the death defiance was what was fun before, what is now?

[BMiller]

Pretty sure I've got that covered.   

There ya go, definitely NOT being a wuss then

[mostrobelle]

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.   

[somegirl]

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.   

Sounds good to me!