(04-20-2014, 11:32 AM)12cb96vfr_imp Wrote: it took a wreck for me to realize these things are VERY dangerous. It woke me up very quickly, now I ride nice & slow, and if I'm in the mood for go-fast fun I head to the track.

My fear isn't going too fast and blowing a corner in the mountains, I'm afraid of some jacka## texting and ramming me, or crossing into my lane, or blowing a red light. Since all of my fears are car-related I try to ride wayyy out of the city and get away from cars to minimize my risk.

I've always said that if you take drugs/alcohol & breaking traffic laws out of the equation bikes become much safer ("safe" being a relative term).

And I already ride 100% geared up...

(04-20-2014, 03:30 AM)Tortuga_imp Wrote: O.k, I just watched a whole load of crash compilation videos on YouTube.

Some were the funny type where old granny has a go on young Timmy's new 80cc dirt bike round the grade and wheelies off the back at 3 mph.

Some were the horrific Russian high speed jobs where the rider is flung spinning through the air like a rag doll as the bike somersaults and disintegrates down the road.

Some, are the sort of 'first person view' a helmet cam offers and we see our GoPro hero misjudge a corner, or get hit by a car on the wrong side of the road head on.

Sometimes it's their buddy in front that bites the dust.

Watching these videos always leaves me with a very real and quite sickening sense of my own mortality, particularly in respect to my 'choice' to ride a motorbike for 'pleasure'.

If I were an impoverished Chinese factory worker or lived in a slum in India, having a cheap crappy scooter would be life-enhancing, and a great alternative to walking or riding a water buffalo (in leathers).

The fact is, I'm a lucky swine who was born in the right part of the world, has a relatively easy job that pays reasonably well.

I have a nice top-of-the range car to swan about in and go shopping, Mrs. T (well GF. T) has one too, so we can see that the bike is a mere indulgence.

Now that's all good and well, but it's when I mentally analyse the risk and watch these wretched videos that I ponder such questions as

"Maybe if I sold my bike or never rode it I'll avoid a gruesome horrific early death, or becoming paralysed or an amputee?"

I don't want to become like that because then you would love a life devoid of risk, or excitement, which are essential parts of our being. (I think).

Be honest guys, does this ever bother you? Or am I just a big poof?

http://youtu.be/Nbhk2zqEuWM

This is the sort of video, for the uninitiated.
I don't expect any replies for 20 minutes, I mean you'll have to read the post, then watch the video, then have a stiff drink.

By the way Spaceman, I've already pre-empted your reply;

"You're right Tortuga, it's just you..you big fairy!"

(04-24-2014, 09:37 AM)Ridem32_imp Wrote: Stay inside watch TV. Be safe I will be out riding my bikes it's life to me. But as you sit on the couch a mouse runs by. Your wife screams and grabs a broom throws it at the mouse hits you in the head now your dead in your safe house. I'm still riding I hear about the mouse and broom and say well they should go been riding that new CB !!
Michael

(04-25-2014, 09:25 AM)Cormanus_imp Wrote: Good thread Tortuga. One of the reasons this is such a great forum is people's willingness to discuss these other issue.

As we get older the list of things that might kill or incapacitate us soon—vehicle accidents, disease, age, dementia, etc etc—gets longer or the moment gets closer or both. Seems to me it gets more important to try to do as many of the things that give you pleasure as possible even if that involves risk.

I choose not to watch the spills videos. Probably because ignorance is bliss and constant reminders of how vulnerable one is might lessen the pleasure. I wear safety gear, take the best care I can and try to become a better rider. I know I'm not as good as many others and always try to ride within my abilities.

I'm glad I got back into it. It is a great source of pleasure, risk or no risk.

By the way, Pterodactyl, I endorse your sentiments about the nanny state and latte, but there's nothing wrong with a fine Chardonnay. Nothing at all.

(04-25-2014, 06:10 PM)Pterodactyl_imp Wrote:

(04-25-2014, 09:25 AM)Cormanus_imp Wrote: Good thread Tortuga. One of the reasons this is such a great forum is people's willingness to discuss these other issue.

As we get older the list of things that might kill or incapacitate us soon—vehicle accidents, disease, age, dementia, etc etc—gets longer or the moment gets closer or both. Seems to me it gets more important to try to do as many of the things that give you pleasure as possible even if that involves risk.

I choose not to watch the spills videos. Probably because ignorance is bliss and constant reminders of how vulnerable one is might lessen the pleasure. I wear safety gear, take the best care I can and try to become a better rider. I know I'm not as good as many others and always try to ride within my abilities.

I'm glad I got back into it. It is a great source of pleasure, risk or no risk.

By the way, Pterodactyl, I endorse your sentiments about the nanny state and latte, but there's nothing wrong with a fine Chardonnay. Nothing at all.

And a good post from you to, Cormanus.

Quoterobably because ignorance is bliss and constant reminders of how vulnerable one is might lessen the pleasure.
I would have to say, however, that I would disagree that ignorance is bliss, but agree with you that overthinking can definitely reduce the pleasure. Members may have thought my post (#28) was flippant.

Quoteost: #28RE: Fear of death or injury

Strewth, you blokes think too much.
To me that sums up my attitude to most of the risk I accept in my life. Once the level of acceptable risk is defined then I get into it, whatever "it" may be, and enjoy. If I stuff up and get hurt, and don't end up staring at the bottom of a lid, then maybe a new risk assessment needs to be done. If you dwell on "what if" then forget it, just retire to a life of dressing gown, slippers, sitcoms and camomile tea.

The spills video, entertainment only. A bit like those funniest home video shows. Some of the d...heads featured should have been put down at birth.

Cheers