I am Cycle-less!

[aspeck]

For the first time in 36 years, I do not own at least one motorcycle! Maybe that is why my hands are shaking and I am breaking out in a cold sweat. It was sad to see her go, but it is what is best and my kids and wife are very happy.

As a volunteer fireman I have run too many motorcycle calls this year ... 2 in 6 weeks resulting in death to a neighbor. Last night as I was selling the cycle we were called to a motorcycle v. motorcycle accident ... one (a friend) was life flighted with facial trama (probably do his face some good ) and the other with ground transport to the trauma center 30 miles away. Both should recover.

I just could not believe the timing ... the guy got a few hundred dollar better deal than he would have because I was concentrating on the accident and not his negotiations.

I think my wife has started a pool as to how long it will take me to get another bike ... time will tell. But for now I have more disposable income for the boat! Look out iboats store!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

Sold my last motorcycle around 25 years ago after I lost 3 friends in 3 separate incidents in less than a week. 2 of them were absolutely not their fault according to witnesses. The other one nobody will ever know. This was back in England.
It gets easier as time goes on to be without one but it never completely goes away.

 

[tswiczko]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

I had rode dirt bikes when I was younger and decided to graduate to street bikes in 85 ( we didn't mix I like to go fast) and a woman pulled out in front of me. That was the last bike I have owned.

Now I spend what little money I have on my kids grand kids and if I have any left it goes into the boat

maybe you will have more time to boat now

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

Ain't nothing wrong with getting rid of the two wheels if it isn't your thing anymore...Personally, I still enjoy it. Yeah, I have seen plenty of wrecks and have lost friends. However, it is still something I want to do. While I don't want to hurry up death, I know we all gotta go sometime. Since I still enjoy it, I'm gonna do it. I'd rather go out on a bike that have a commode-code taking a crap in the morning or sit around the nursing home waiting on the grim reaper thinking about the things I wish I had done.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

I too, suffer from lack of cycle syndrome from time to time. My symptoms are sudden inexplicable twist of the wrist, left hand gripping and releasing suddenly , left foot twitching up and down uncontrollably , and the occasional right foot pushing towards the ground.

Sold the last one a few years ago, actually that one was Mrs. M s Ducati M900 . It was a fun little bike, but we agreed that it was not the greatest idea to keep them anymore.

I always worried when she went out solo, but what can you do. I think after her working at a Level 1 trauma center and being a specialist in spine care/ spasticity management , she changed her mind about riding bikes too. Oh , and having a little girl was convincing as well.

I have not ruled out getting another one, neither has she, but for now no bikes.

I have read some of your posts on calls, wrecks, etc. Must be hard to see so often. I know my wife sees and deals with the aftermath of such wrecks ( if they make it) and it gets really hard for her sometimes. I cannot imagine how you do that, as a volunteer no less. I hope your community gives you a pat on the back from time to time. Heres one from me!

 

[PGFISHER]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

I have ridden motorcycles since 1958. Had only one bad accident while riding dirt. It's not the motorcycle that causes the accident; it's the juvenile bad a** or racer attitude that should be kept off the streets. Leave your fantasy at home and ride responsibly.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

Been quite a few years, and yes I miss it at times..
I use Florida's lousy weather as an excuse, riding in monsoons aint fun..

really it may just be that I'm 45 years old, lost a lot of friends..and find myself talking my nephew out of one since he has a little girl that needs him too..

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

I know I am a bit one-eye Aspeck, but I reckon 'good on you'.
I hate bikes, (but that is just my opinion).

Back in Jan I mentioned about my kid coming off.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=371198

He tells me he has recovered, but his sister indicates with 'closed eyes look' that that may not be completely true. Whatever the issues, he seems to be operating normally, and I am thankful he is in one piece.
The bike was a complete write-off.
He has not bought another....pretty sure he has given it away....makes me happy.

Jeff-in PA. Sorry for not answering your question...he had full protective gear, just wore it through.

Cheers
Phillip

 

[MrsBoatinOkie]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

Sold my cycle about a year ago. A 2003 Susuki Volusia 800 cruiser. Missed it alot at first, but not so much now since boating has filled in most of our time.

Although, every once and a while the time comes that BigBoatinOkie wants to ride and I can't go since he stripped his down to a one seater.

If I ever do get to ride along, it's usually on the back of my dad's Goldwing.. That is so the way to go if your a passenger!!

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

For the first time in 36 years, I do not own at least one motorcycle! Maybe that is why my hands are shaking and I am breaking out in a cold sweat. It was sad to see her go, but it is what is best and my kids and wife are very happy.

..........

I think my wife has started a pool as to how long it will take me to get another bike ... time will tell. But for now I have more disposable income for the boat! Look out iboats store!

Sometime perhaps you'll want one again but only you will know when the time is right.

Maybe a restoration project to tinker with, that way you "still have a motorcycle" but it'll take "X" amount of time to finish it.

I know I am a bit one-eye Aspeck, but I reckon 'good on you'.
I hate bikes, (but that is just my opinion).

Back in Jan I mentioned about my kid coming off.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=371198

He tells me he has recovered, but his sister indicates with 'closed eyes look' that that may not be completely true. Whatever the issues, he seems to be operating normally, and I am thankful he is in one piece.
The bike was a complete write-off.
He has not bought another....pretty sure he has given it away....makes me happy.

Jeff-in PA. Sorry for not answering your question...he had full protective gear, just wore it through.

Cheers
Phillip

Phillip,
Good to hear he was wearing gear. As bad as it was, it could have been much worse without gear. Regardless of how hot, I always wear mine.


Jeff

 

[vhuevos7]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

I my self have seen lots of accidents this year to include my wife I have rode for a few years now so me and my great ideas got my wife her own bike. ( most expensive solo seat i have ever purchased ) We were riding around on an old hwy and when I slowed to make a turn she paniced and laid hers down going about fourty. Of all the things I saw in Iraq watching her go down on her bike was a hard thing to watch. thank god she only had a few scrapes. My wife wasnt scared though she actually wanted to ride the darn thing home. That was over a year ago, she has become quite the rider since.

 

[ftl900]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

After always owning (at least one) bike for the last 40 years, I let my street bike go in 2008.

I still miss it bunches, and probably will get another ride at some point- maybe a Valkyrie. Just not right here, and not right now.

Like many people, we're on a budget that never quite stretches far enough...


...so I got a boat.

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

I love riding bikes but sold my Honda 350 when our kids were just yungun's cuz I was scared to have them want to ride. I don't regret the decision though I do miss riding. It's not the bikes or the riders that scared me but the dumb car drivers that just don't see or care. The kids are now grown and I have some disposable income but I don't know if I will buy a bike or not as I know of to many riders who have lost life or limbs do to aforementioned idiot drivers.
Those of you who chose to ride..............................................................................................................ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

 

[capnfred]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

ride like your invisible and every cager is out to kill you.....assume that every driver is going to do something stupid and plan accordingly... that is the ONLY way you can live to ride again....never assume that they see you even if you have every light on the bike lit and flashing the one that you legally can...... and last but not least wear appropriate clothing/boots/eyeprotection and a helmet if you are so inclined.... good luck....

 

[aspeck]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

It has been a CRAZY week. Since I started this post there have been 3 more bikers, 1 ATVer (ATV into tree), and 1 jet skier (boat over jet ski) that have been flown from our area. Also flew a girl that was jumping from the cliffs into the water and jumped from about 20 feet and came up short of the waters edge. Last night we had to rescue a guy that backed his car down the ramp and into the river.

It doesn't matter what you do, thing can be dangerous when care is not taken. Unfortunately MOST of the motorcycle accidents this year have been because of OTHER driver error, and the cyclist has no control over that.

I still love riding and miss my bike, I just decided that I didn't trust the other nuts on the road enough to risk my life, for the sake of wife and kids, on my being able to figure out how stupid the next guy was going to be.

To all you that still ride, I don't blame you. It is fun. Just please be safe and watch out for the other idiots on the road. And remember, just because you have a bike, you don't have a license to go 100+ mph. Be safe and protect your noggin.

 

[PGFISHER]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

I agree with not having cotrol of other drivers, but you do have control of your bike. Never speed, follow too close, ride in a car drivers blind spot or assume anything. Expect the car driver not to see anything smaller than a buick, and to turn left in front of you; even if you make eye contact. Bikes just don't register to most drivers. Leave yourself some panic room and always look for an escape route. At 65 I dont have the reflexes I did 30 years ago and I ride accordingly.

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

Sold my bike in '99. Needed the money. I haven't bought another one because there are too many things that were/are needed instead. Perhaps someday I get another one. I dunno.

 

[180Fisherman]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

I rode mine in to work this morning. Here she is...

 

[Andy'sDelight]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

I always wanted a motorcycle. That was until about two months ago.

I was driving down the highway pulling my boat back from a beautiful day on the water. In the center lane 2 guys on Harley's pass me going about 55-60 mph. Oddly, in the left lane came a long line of 6 new Dodge Chargers, followed by a ridiculous Lamborghini. The motorcycles got well up ahead of me and took the next exit ramp. Out of nowhere I noticed about 150 yds ahead of me the lamborghini did a quick 3 lane change into the 4th lane which happened to be the exit ramp the two motorcycles had turned off on. Then I saw something that took a moment for my brain to comprehend. The Lambo cut off one of the motorcycles and he apparently lost control. What I was seeing and not comprehending was the driver flying through the air like a rag doll. He was completely lifeless on the ground. Police were there within the minute and the Lamborghini fled the scene. Never found out if the guy survived, nor if they caught the Lamborghini. Either way, that was the last day I ever wanted a motorcycle. That guy on his bike was completely safe, well within speed limits, and did everything right. Within a blink of an eye he likely had his life taken from him by an oblivious idiot. I have too much to live for and too many people who count on me to take that kind of chance.

 

[180Fisherman]

Re: I am Cycle-less!

To this day I cannot figure out why there is always someone that feels the need to share their "crash story" everytime the subject of motorcycles comes up. I guess I'm just surprised it took a whole 19 posts before it happened.

Last spring there was this bowrider heading north on the intracoastal comming back from some Memorial Day festivities. It plowed into some dredging equipment. 6 of the 8 people on board died. Some of the children.