Feel the Freedom but be Safe

Being an Independent Insurance Agent gives me the chance to talk to a lot of shops and riders about bikes and the experience of riding.  Admittedly, I’m not an expert on motorcycles, but I have had the opportunity to ride several motorcycles, 3 wheelers and 4 wheelers over the years so I know the exhilaration and freedom of riding.  I also know the vulnerability you face every time you get on a bike.  Part of the excitement is challenging that vulnerability.  In an article written by Jesse Kiser he states: “Riding a motorcycle makes you alert and uses all of you. You feel the elements, shift your body to steer, your eyes scan the road ahead, and all of your limbs are used for controls. You can’t put it on cruise and lean the seat back, riding takes all of your attention.”[1]

Many years ago, when I was about 14, my older brother and his friend, Rick, both owned motorcycles.  It was December and they were on their way to the mall to do some Christmas shopping.  They were both packing a rider and as they approached a railroad crossing in our neighborhood my brother slowed down because his bike was a Honda 65 (not exactly a muscle bike).  When Rick got to the railroad crossing he and his passenger were hit by a freight train.  The crossing lights never came on.  My brother and his passenger were spared because he slowed down. 

A couple of years ago, a friend of mine had a son involved in an accident.  His son and his son’s girlfriend were riding a motorcycle and got cut-off by a driver.  His son was wearing flip-flops on his feet.  His son had to lay the bike down and his girlfriend got rolled onto the grass.  His son, however, got his foot trapped under the bike and his foot was pretty mangled.  He spent months in surgery and physical therapy trying to recover.

Last year my family and I were in Wyoming for a vacation and went riding on dirt roads and trails.  I was driving a 4-wheel side-by-side with my sweetheart beside me.  Because I don’t own an ATV or a motorcycle I didn’t have any goggles on, only my prescription glasses.  I had no idea how bad the dust can get and how impossible it is to keep it out of your eyes!  No amount of squinting helped.  Halfway through our ride my eyes were a bright crimson and full of dust.  I had to wash them out with water to try and get the dirt out.  What a relief to finally get a pair of properly fitting goggles!

The thing I’ve learned over the years is to take into consideration as many elements of the environment and conditions of where you are riding and wear proper gear to enhance the riding experience.  I certainly wouldn’t wear the same thing for riding a bike on beach in Baja California as I would in Delta Junction, Alaska or downtown SLC.  Also, understanding your vehicle and your own limitations is critical.  I know I’m never going to jump the Grand Canyon or even a VW bug!

Feel the freedom riding can give you, but be as safe as you can!



[1] The Risks of Not Riding a Motorcycle, Jesse Kiser, RideApart, 11 Sep 2014, https://rideapart.com/articles/motorcycle-risks

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