Fear of death or injury

[evanworld_imp]

On a leisurely ride with 2 friends (each of us on our own bikes) doing the speed limit out of nowhere a Harley with a passenger roared past us on a 2 lane road. He swerved into the lane in front of us, attempted to adjust to a big curve, I saw sparks as he missed the curve and headed into a field with trees and brush. What haunts me is the image of his passenger bobbing up and down trying to stay on the bike as it went off road. The bike disappeared in a plume of dust and we stopped and looked at each other in shock. When we got to the scene the driver tended first to his bike while his passenger was flat on her back. He was in shock and begged us not to call the police. He had been drinking at a bike rally. I stood back and called 911. He was a man destroyed just seconds earlier feeling superior to those who were standing by him and his wife/girlfriend.

In my 6 years of riding the biggest offenders have been fellow cyclists who by blazing past you are forming a judgement on your riding and bike. The divisive cycle culture is maddening and fortunately most folks are gracious and accepting. This was a scene I wish I hadn't seen but it was a tremendous lesson in operating with your head and remaining an alert and defensive rider.