Hanging up the helmet

[Punx Clever]

Well, it's time to hang up the helmet for a while.

My first wreck was an example of everything going wrong at once... nothing much could be done about it.

My second, I was riding above my skill level and damn near killed myself.

Today, a guy was halfway into my lane in the middle of a blind corner.  Tried to avoid him, ended up low-siding and slid the front tire into his rear wheel.  Luckily, I got up with a sore shoulder and he stopped.

That being said, I've got a wonderful new wife and a kid on the way.  With this kind of history, I think it's time to hang up the helmet for say, 20 years or so.  With any luck, I'll be able to keep the monster and have a shining example of Ducati (and personal) history to rebuild and play with when I've raised my kids and have a few less responsibilities.

Stay safe out there everyone.

[iRam]

Damn cager! Im glad to know your alright. Congratulations on the wife and baby!

[gOoIe B]

Hate to hear a fellow rider take this route, although I can understand your reasoning.  Best of luck with your family and your future, and perhaps one day you will ride again 

[AJ]

Glad you're ok!!!!!

Hope you'll still hang out here to update us on your baby and your brewing

[H-2 CHARLIE]

  Thats some ship to happen ... you could slow your butt down and a life time of bad luck could be out of your way from here on out... ride safe .

[hbliam]

To each their own but...if you have crashed three times in three years I would guess you just need some (more) training (MSF) and possibly to slow down and ride more defensively.

[Queestce]

TRACK BIKE TIME 



Glad you survived the encounter today mate.

[Howley]

Glad you're ok mate.

[akmnstr]

I wish you the best.  Nothing wrong with the choice your making.  I've gone through obsessions with activities in my life and then at times moved on.  The choice was never as well defined as yours.  I usually just made a change without a real plan.  Enjoy the family.  If you ever need to come back, we'll still be here. 

[zooom]

TRACK BIKE TIME 



Glad you survived the encounter today mate.

I 2nd both of these sentiments!!!

and congrats on the baby and many years of happiness as a family!

[thought]

glad you came out alright with the accident, and i personally think that if/when i finally start a fam, that will be the time i give up riding on the street... that being said, i can see track riding as a pretty solid compromise btwn fun and safety

[Punx Clever]

To each their own but...if you have crashed three times in three years I would guess you just need some (more) training (MSF) and possibly to slow down and ride more defensively.

Tell ya what, take a look at this:



That's just about the view I had when I noticed a make the beast with two backsing SUV in my lane.  I was on the inside of the turn already because I had been dodging cars that were cutting corners all day.  I was maybe doing 5 over at the fastest, and had already slowed to make it through the turn.  How much slower should I have gone? How much more "defensively" could I have ridden?

I'll admit that my get-off at DiTR '09 was entirely my fault.  The one before, my fault too for riding down a road I didn't know that well late at night.  This one? THERE WAS AN SUV IN MY LANE IN A BLIND CORNER.  Again, PLEASE, tell me how to defend against that one.  After '09 I've slowed down. I've seldom gone more than 5 over since then, and I've never pushed as hard as I used to.

Everyone else, thanks for the "well wishing."  I'm not gonna drop off the face of the earth, I've got a classic bike that I need to restore for the next 20 years or so  

[El Matador]

To each their own but...if you have crashed three times in three years I would guess you just need some (more) training (MSF) and possibly to slow down and ride more defensively.

Ahh yes, the Magical MSF course that teaches you how to look into the future. Do they also teach you Self-of-Entitlement and Rampant Condescension? I've ridden with Punx, he is beyond anything the MSF Brc or Erc or Arc  can teach.

Punx, only the best dude. Good luck with everything for you +2. And I third the opinion on the Track bike. You come from a racing family and already have the trailer and access to the best tracks on the country, You NEED to do this

[fastwin]

Sorry to hear about the latest drop. Glad you didn't get hurt and the driver stopped. Very sportsmanlike of them. Most would just keep going.

Do what you feel is right. This isn't a contest. I've had several friends hang it up, all for different reasons. I hold nothing against them. Why should I? It's their life. Hell, my wife wishes I'd hang it up... even before I broke my neck. Now she really does!

Not sure how you defend against this last one. Had that happen to me ages ago in Arkansas. My first wife and I were 2 up on my old R100RS BMW and went into a sharp turn on a tight two lane road. Two country boys were side by side in their trucks having a chat while driving down the road! Came this close to being a hood ornament on the truck coming at me in my lane. No contact and no crash. Thankfully I had a nice flat shoulder and run off to stop on. My wife was so shaken up I thought she was going to throw up! It took me an hour to calm her down and get her back on the bike. We cut that weekend ride short and rode home.

Good luck with your decision. Don't get rid of your gear. You might change your mind down the road.

[stopintime]

Track days 

I cant' wait 20 years for your comeback - I'm too old for that